The La Crosse Symphony Orchestra (LSO) has a history spanning more than 125 years and is a rare asset that deserves continued care and investment. LSO has arrived at a moment where the community’s collective commitment can ensure the orchestra’s legacy will resonate for generations to come.

LSO presents six main concerts each season. Hundreds gather at Viterbo University before the concert to enjoy camaraderie, refreshments, and local music. After the performance, patrons gather again for refreshments and can continue the evening at a post-concert party. For many, the symphony provides not only music but also an opportunity for connection.

A central part of LSO’s mission is providing musical experiences for all ages, especially young people. Through its partnerships, LSO reaches over 5,000 children each year. This includes:

• Symphony for Youth concert, which welcomes students to experience classical music in a professional concert setting.
• Play It Forward, which distributes used instruments to area students who want to participate in school band or orchestra, but whose families cannot afford to buy or rent.
• Free Violin Lessons, which provide students at two Boys and Girls Clubs locations the opportunity to learn to play while building meaningful mentoring relationships.
• LSO’s String Scholarships and Angels in the Audience further reduce barriers so every child can discover, learn, and be inspired by music.

Attracting and retaining top talent is critical to the audience experience. After reviewing musician compensation data, LSO found its musicians were paid significantly below industry standards. To remain competitive, the organization implemented an 18% increase in musician pay for the 2024–25 and 2025–26 seasons. While this brings compensation closer to that of comparable regional orchestras, LSO strives for wages within the 50th percentile of regional pay.

Although many musicians call this region home, others live outside of Greater La Crosse. Rising travel and lodging costs, along with increased facility rental expenses, have placed burdens on LSO’s operating budget. Facility rental rates are expected to rise 84% over three years, an increase that underscores the need for a more resilient financial base.

LSO is not only committed to sustaining artistic excellence but also seeks to expand its community impact. Therefore, a larger endowment will:

• Ensure LSO can compensate its professional musicians at competitive wages.
• Keep ticket prices affordable and concerts accessible to all.
• Expand youth music education and outreach across the region: Adding a fourth BGC free violin lesson location.
• Adding a third Symphony for Youth concert to reach up to an additional 1000 students.
• Strengthen La Crosse’s broader arts and culture ecosystem:
  • Add musical offerings, such as a chamber concert.
  • Expand online offerings and increase access to the symphony.
  • Add paid, professional internship opportunities for college students.