Beginning in February, 2000 and continuing through the summer of 2001, Dr. Robert Pattengale, a retired music professor (Minnesota State University Moorhead) organized chamber orchestras for four occasions in the local communities. Two concerts were presented as benefit concerts in support of the developing Youth Orchestra (now existing as the Crooked Tree Youth Orchestra) and two as part of the "Gossard and Friends" Concerts presented at the 1st Presbyterian Church of Harbor Springs. Afterwards, the performing members urged Pattengale Margaret Beck, and "Bing" Farrar, retired professional musicians, to establish a concert season for the orchestra. In September of 2001, a Board of Directors was formed, By-laws were written and incorporation and nonprofit status were attained. The GLCO presented its first concerts in October, 2001 under the direction of John Wilkinson, Music Director of the Sault Saint Marie Symphony Orchestra.

Margaret Beck served as Artistic Director and Robert Pattengale continued as Executive Director. Following a series of guest conductors engaged during the first two seasons, Matthew Hazelwood, was appointed Music Advisor and principal conductor in 2003. Hazelwood is honored as Music Director Emeritus of the Battle Creek Symphony and currently serves as Music Director of the Colombian Music Education program, Batuta.

Supported by a Frey Foundation Grant, Dale Hull was hired as part-time Executive Director in 2006, and at the beginning of the 7th season Hazelwood assumed the position of Music Director. John Myers was engaged as Executive Director in 2008 and resigned in December of that year as a result of the challenging financial circumstances. The Board of Trustees responded with vigor, hosting fundraising events and returning to volunteer administrators, Robert Pattengale and Nancy Koski. The GLCO is back on course and hired Nancy Koski as part-time Executive Director in September 2010. Individual supporting members now number more than 300 and the orchestra roster now includes over 50 musicians from across the entire region.

After the three pairs of concerts presented the first season, the GLCO has presented more than 80 full orchestra performances for over 10,000 people throughout the northern Michigan communities. In 2008 the Crooked Tree Art Center presented the GLCO an "eddi" in recognition for its outstanding community arts contribution.