The La Porte County Symphony Orchestra has renewed Music Director Carolyn Watson’s contract through the 2026-2027 season.
“I’m absolutely thrilled that Dr. Watson has agreed to serve as music director for the next three seasons,” said Emily Yiannias, LCSO executive director, in a press release. “Under her leadership, the LCSO has achieved new levels of artistic excellence and will no doubt continue to do so over the next three years.”
Watson was named music director in 2021 after a nationwide search process. Under her leadership, the orchestra has presented three concert seasons.
“I am delighted to be able to continue my association with the La Porte County Symphony Orchestra which has been a great source of professional joy and inspiration to me these past three years,” Watson said. “The LCSO holds a very special place in the local community and is in so many ways, a truly unique organization.”
Watson is a native of Australia. She has led performances with the Austin Symphony, Barrier Reef Orchestra, Columbus Indiana Philharmonic, Detroit Symphony Civic Orchestra, St. Joseph Symphony, South Bend Symphony, Traverse Symphony Orchestra and World Youth Symphony Orchestra. She is principal guest conductor of the Kansas City Chamber Orchestra. Watson is also director of orchestras at the University of Illinois.
“We are especially excited to continue the unique and beautiful programming for which Dr. Watson has become known – she has introduced our community to many new and moving musical works, in addition to bringing a renewed energy to the familiar classics,” Yiannias said.
Watson will conduct the final concert of the subscription season at 7 p.m. April 20 at the La Porte Civic Auditorium. The concert is the pops program Beatlemania! featuring Classical Mystery Tour. The show was hailed by Broadway World as “The world’s best Beatles show with symphony orchestra.” Learn more about the concert here.
The La Porte County Symphony Orchestra is in its 51st season. Each year, the orchestra presents four subscription concerts. They also present events such as Hoosier Star, Holiday at the Pops and children’s education concerts.
