GREAT LAKES CHAMBER ORCHESTRA AMONG FINALISTS FOR IMPACT100 GRANT

PETOSKEY—The Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra (GLCO) is one of five finalists being considered for two major grants to be awarded by Impact100 Little Traverse Bay. 

Selected in the category of Arts and Culture, the GLCO is emerging as a major community institution bringing orchestral music to more than 4,000 northern Michigan families through 10 mainstage concerts, 2,000 students through Emmet and Charlevoix school programs, small regional performances in 11 venues and children’s programs in area libraries. 

Poised for growth in its upcoming 25th anniversary year, GLCO is embarking on an ambitious season of strategic planning, program expansion and a performance at New York’s Carnegie Hall that will be performed three days later for the public in Bay View’s John Hall Auditorium right here in northern Michigan.

“The goal of Impact100, as the name implies, is to have a transformational impact on community organizations that will reverberate through time and enhance our quality of life,” said GLCO Board Secretary Tom Bailey. “As we prepare for our 25th year and the implementation of new programs for the community and new initiatives to sustain our organization, we are in a
perfect position to make the most of an Impact100 grant if we are fortunate enough to be selected.”

Music Director Dr. Libor Ondras notes that GLCO is the only professional orchestra in the area, employing some 70 professional musicians and performing in 11 venues around the region. “We have come a long way in our first 25 years, and we are eager to build on that success to add a Christmas Pops concert, more educational programs, and to structure our programs for sustainability over the long term.”