WINONA LAKE - The newly renamed Symphony of the Lakes will debut Sunday with what Director Patrick Kavanaugh calls, "Something for everyone. It might have been called 'From Beethoven to the Beatles.'"

In February, Rebecca Kubacki and Cathy Teghtmeyer brought together a group of potential board members to discuss the future of the Warsaw Symphony.

Kubacki said, "When Dr. Kavanaugh asked me to put together a board for the Symphony of the Lakes Orchestra, I was thrilled because of all the caring and capable people in the county to choose from and who want to make Kosciusko County the best that it can be. I am honored and privileged to be working with such outstanding leaders who wish to enhance the cultural climate and create a 'quality of place' for everyone in our community."

Kavanaugh provided information on the budgetary requirements to continue and enhance the local symphony and the functions of a board of directors. He said, "The board is the 'heart of the orchestra.'"

The new board met Monday under the leadership of Bob Condon, president. He thanked Kubacki for "her vision and ability to assemble and energize a team." Condon said, "It was important to the original steering committee to establish the symphony as an organization embracing the broader Kosciusko County and lakes region, hence the adoption of the name 'Symphony of the Lakes.' The board is made up of many prominent and committed leaders from within the community, and the energy and enthusiasm they bring to their work for the Symphony will be critical to our success.

"Dr. Kavanaugh's exceptional musical ability and leadership and his skill at assembling a wonderful group of talented musicians will give our community a quality of symphonic music that is extraordinary and of which we can all be proud. We envision the symphony as a first step in the development of a broader range of musical experiences that eventually will encompass expanded musical education opportunities in all levels of our schools, the possibility of a youth orchestra and the offering of an expanded and varied selection of symphonic music throughout the area."

Symphony of the Lakes board members are: Cheryl Bremer, Bob and Carolyn Condon, Bob Fuson, Jane Grossnickle, Dr. Robert Haworth, Jerry Helvey, Carol Lyn Jansen, Patrick Kavanaugh, Rebecca Kubacki, Jim Lancaster, Saralee Levin, Betty Nyenhuis, Cheryl and Clint Pletcher, Cathy Teghtmeyer, Sandra Tucker, Warsaw Mayor Ernie Wiggins and Brent Wilcoxson.

The five concerts scheduled this season are Sunday at 7:30 p.m. at Rodeheaver Auditorium, Nov. 18, Dec. 8, Feb. 24 and April 14. All concerts are free with open seating.

For those wanting to financially support the Symphony, the board has established The Encore Society, with three membership levels: silver for donors who contribute $250 to $499; gold, $500 to $999; and platinum, more than $1,000. Each membership level includes recognition in each concert program, reserved seating at the concerts, and other features based upon the level of membership.

For more information on Symphony of the Lakes or the Encore Society, call 574-267-1888 between 1:30 and 3:30 p.m., or call the Christian Performing Artists' Fellowship, 574-267-5973. [[In-content Ad]]