The La Porte County Symphony Orchestra is excited to announce the 2025-2026 concert season, America the Beautiful, which will mark the ensemble's 53rd season and the fifth season under the direction of Dr. Carolyn Watson. The orchestra's subscription season centers on the 250th anniversary of the 1776 signing of the Declaration of Independence, celebrating the country's birthday with music that tells compelling stories of American resilience, joy, and beauty.

The season begins on September 13, 2025 with the 20th annual Hoosier Star vocal competition and fundraiser. To mark the 20th anniversary of this beloved community event, the nine Hoosier Star finalists from the past decade will return to compete for the ultimate title - "Hoosier Star of Stars!".

In October, the LCSO will once again present its Drayton Family Children's Education Concerts, now in their 37th year. Over 5,000 children from schools throughout the tri-county area will attend these concerts, which introduce upper elementary students to the joyful and exciting world of live orchestral music.

On November 8, 2025, the LCSO will open the subscription season with Dream of America at the La Porte Civic Auditorium, celebrating the rich history of immigration in the U.S. and the pursuit of the American Dream. The centerpiece of the concert is Peter Boyer’s Ellis Island: The Dream of America, which features seven actors in addition to the full orchestra. Led by Music Director Dr. Carolyn Watson and featuring Nick May, saxophone soloist, playing John Williams’ Escapades and the world premiere of Kevin Day’s Upwelling for solo saxophone and orchestra, this concert will also feature works by American composers John Adams and Jessie Montgomery.

The traditional Holiday at the Pops concert will take place on December 13, 2025 at the La Porte Civic Auditorium. Dr. Carolyn Watson will lead the orchestra in the festive annual event that has come to signal the arrival of the holiday season in La Porte.

On February 7, 2026, the LCSO will present the second subscription concert of the season, The Roaring 20s: A Celebration of America's Jazz Age, at La Porte High School Performing Arts Center. This toe-tapping program will include songs by Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, and Cole Porter featuring acclaimed vocalist Rebekah Howell, as well as Shostakovich's Tea for Two and Jazz Suite No. 2. Travel back in time and celebrate the silent film era as the orchestra plays Roussanova's The Great Chaplin Suite, an homage to silent film star Charlie Chaplin.

Continuing the celebration of America's 250th birthday, the third subscription concert at the Holdcraft Performing Arts Center in Michigan City on March 8, 2026 will reflect on the themes of America's struggles and triumphs as a young nation. The New World opens with Charles Ives' Variations on America, followed by two pieces inspired by Abraham Lincoln, Aaron Copland's Lincoln Portrait, and Stella Sung's Lincoln's Battle. Closing the concert will be Dvorák's Symphony No. 9, or New World Symphony, which Dvorák wrote during his brief but significant time spent in New York City and inspired by African American spirituals and Native American traditions.

Finally, the LCSO will close its season on April 18, 2026 with Remember When Rock Was Young: The Elton John Experience, the fourth and final subscription concert of the 53rd season. This American-inspired show starring multi-talented, multi-award winning singer/actor/pianist Craig A. Meyer, includes hits such as Philadelphia Freedom, Candle in the Wind, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Don’t Go Breaking My Heart inspired by Motown, and US No. 1 hit Benny and the Jets. Broadway hits from The Lion King and Aida are also featured in this high-energy production.