The La Porte County Symphony Orchestra is pleased to announce that the 20th Annual Hoosier Star vocal competition will take place on September 13, 2025 at the La Porte Civic Auditorium and will feature the adult winners from the nine prior Hoosier Star competitions who will compete for the prestigious title "Hoosier Star of Stars", as well as a cash prize. The finalists will sing their winning song accompanied by the La Porte County Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Music Director Dr. Carolyn Watson.
The finalists are: Alyssa Atkinson, South Bend (2024 winner); Kelly Staton, Griffith (2023); Julia Thorn, Crown Point (2022); Jarynn Sampson, South Bend (2021); Alyse Flores, La Porte (2020); Joe Stewart, Michigan City (2019); Mike Green, La Porte (2018); Julia Campoli-Biek, South Bend (2017); and James Neary, La Porte (2016).
The event also serves as a fundraiser for the LCSO, and last year's event raised nearly $50,000 for the Symphony's mission.
There will be no auditions for Hoosier Star this year. Interested parties are encouraged to check the LCSO website in January 2026 for information about Hoosier Star 2026 auditions, which will take place in March 2026.
The nine Hoosier Star finalists from the past decade will return to compete for the ultimate title - "Hoosier Star of Stars!". Alyssa Atkinson's portrait: Photography by Alyssa Staats. All other portraits by Walt Bukva Photography.
About the La Porte County Symphony Orchestra
The La Porte County Symphony Orchestra is a cornerstone of the vibrant arts landscape in Northwest Indiana. The orchestra serves the 110,000 residents of La Porte County and regions beyond, including Southwest Michigan. Now in its 52nd season, the LCSO has grown from a small community orchestra into a dynamic, professional organization of 60 musicians serving audiences from seven counties. Each year, the orchestra presents four subscription concerts, in addition to the Hoosier Star and Holiday at the Pops concerts. The LCSO's music education programming includes the annual Drayton Family Children's Education Concerts, which serve over 5,000 students each year, in addition to a Student Apprentice Program for high school musicians and numerous collaborations with area schools.
La Porte County Symphony Orchestra | PO Box 563, La Porte, IN 46352 | 219.362.9020 | executive@lcso.net | lcso.net