In its 65th year, the speakers will explore the enduring community value of the Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra (LSO). They aim to increase awareness that Lethbridge has a symphony orchestra, highlight its work and celebrate the LSO’s 65-year history and its role in the city’s cultural identity. The positive impact of live music, including community connection, wellbeing, and civic pride will be discussed while demonstrating that the symphony serves a broad and diverse cross-section of the community highlighted by its economic benefits, such as jobs, entertainment, visitor attraction, and downtown activity. A preview of exciting upcoming initiatives and plans, and how the public can engage will also be shared. .
Speakers: Vicki Hegedus, Executive Director of LSO and Glenn Klassen, Music Director of LSO
Vicki Hegedus has served as Executive Director of the Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra since 2020, helping guide the organization through a period of renewal, growth, and evolving community engagement following the challenges of the pandemic. Holding a Master of Arts in Leadership from Royal Roads University, Vicki brings a collaborative and community-focused leadership approach shaped by experience across arts administration, education, communications, and organizational development. A longtime advocate for the role of the arts in building strong and connected communities, she is widely respected for fostering partnerships, expanding accessibility, and helping position the symphony as more than a concert organization — but as a contributor to education, wellbeing, civic pride, and cultural vitality in Southern Alberta. Through her leadership, the LSO continues to evolve in ways that honour tradition while engaging new audiences and reinforcing the enduring value of shared live artistic experiences. Prior to assuming the organization’s executive leadership role, Vicki spent nearly 22 years as a full-time faculty member in the School of Media and Design at Lethbridge College, including a decade serving as Chair of the School.
Glenn Klassen has served as Music Director of the Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra since 2003, providing artistic leadership to one of Southern Alberta’s longest-standing cultural institutions while helping strengthen its role as a hub for community connection, education, and civic pride. A native of Manitoba, Glenn holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Michigan State University and has conducted orchestras in Canada and the United States in professional, academic, and community settings. In addition to his work with the LSO, he served for many years as a sessional faculty member at the University of Lethbridge, where he conducted Vox Musica from 2003–2019, led the University Wind Orchestra, and collaborated extensively with the Opera Workshop program. Glenn is widely respected for his commitment to mentorship and musical development, and for demonstrating how live symphonic music can enrich a region’s cultural vitality by bringing people together through shared artistic experience.
Date/Time: Thursday, June 25, 2026. The presentation begins at 12 noon & concludes at 1 pm.
Free to attend. Donations however, are gratefully accepted.
Location: SACPA sessions are held at Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization (LSCO), Atrium Dining Room, 500 - 11 Street South, Lethbridge
Lunch and Refreshments: If you like, please arrive early to patronize the LSCO cafeteria and enjoy their excellent variety of good-value food/drink options in the Atrium Dining Room before the session