Spring concert in the Sam Houston Jones State Park
The Lake Charles Symphony is excited to announce a performance at Sam Houston Jones State Park on Thursday, March 27th, 2025, at 6:00 PM. The event will begin with the park’s Gator-on-the-Geaux dedication, followed by a 10-piece orchestra conducted by William G. Rose. The concert will feature works by Handel, Gottschalk, Debussy, and Vivaldi with a violin concerto by Sara Hook, our concert master.
*This concert is free and open to the public thanks to the generosity of LyondellBassel. The concert and the painted gator are sponsored by LyondellBasell and are in collaboration with the Lt. Governor’s Office and Louisiana State Parks. We encourage you to mark your calendars and bring your chair or blankets for this one-of-a-kind event.
Note: Golf Cars of Louisiana will be providing lifts from parking to site. Food will be available for purchase though area food trucks.
Meet Sara Hook: LCSO Concert Master
Sara Hook graduated from the University of North Texas in 2012 with a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance under the tutelage of Philip Lewis. She also trained at the prestigious National Repertory Orchestra in 2012 and 2016. Sara currently serves as Concertmaster of the Lake Charles Symphony and performs regularly with the Omaha Symphony and the Victoria Symphony. Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, Sara developed her versatile showmanship as electric violinist in the rock band Graphidum. The band performed regularly in Omaha 2005-2010 and released an EP in 2009. While studying in Denton, she expanded her musical horizons to include genres such as jazz and funk resulting in collaborations with icons George Clinton, Parliament Funkadelic, and funk sensation Foley. Sara is passionate about sharing her love of music through teaching. Since moving to Houston in 2013, Sara has developed a thriving studio for violin and viola. Her students regularly excel in ensembles such as the Houston Youth Symphony and achieve top positions in their school orchestras and regional orchestras. Sara is an avid kayaker and member of the Houston Canoe Club. She also enjoys yoga, lifting weights, taking walks with her spouse, cooking meals, and cuddling with her cats.
"Music has the extraordinary ability to touch hearts and minds. As a professional violinist, I feel privileged to use my skills and passion to unite communities, creating a space for emotional and mental refuge."
LyondellBasell Purchased 5 Gators-on-the-Geaux—four for their facilities and one for display, as a gift, to Sam Houston Jones State Park. This special Gator, painted by Morgan Alaine, will showcase wildlife scenes from the park and be placed on the new boardwalk.
The Spring Porch Concert originally scheduled for March 16th has been rescheduled due to conflicts with multiple arts events. It will now take place on March 27th at Sav from Houston Jones State Park. See the announcement above for more details.
Season Finale' Featuring BONAVOX - Saturday, May 3rd
The Season Finale concert is the culmination of a
season of "Fire and Light.
Our orchestra will be joined by guest
artists BONAVOX, a new acapella vocal ensemble.
We are happy to present their premier performance with a
symphony orchestra.
- Manual de Falla's "Ritual Fire Dance"
- Ferde Grof'e's "The Grand Canyon Suite"
LCSO's Classics and Candles:
"Candle in the Wind" piano concert in
candles June 2025 featuring hits of
Elton John
Donate to Your Symphony Today:
The Lake Charles Symphony is a cornerstone of Southwest Louisiana’s heritage and culture. Your Symphony is social, thrilling and inspiring, and—above all—it permeates everything around us. Music is a truly communal experience that stops time while transporting you back in time to witness the great musical masters at work. From Brahms to Broadway, and from Movie Scores to Mozart, The Lake Charles Symphony Orchestra performances will inspire you. Help us keep symphonic music alive in Southwest Louisiana for everyone to enjoy. Music connects us all.
2024-2025 Conductor, William G. Rose
