The Rochester Symphony Orchestra traces its origin back to 1961, when a small but dedicated group of musicians met to share the enjoyment of making music together. The early years of the Orchestra were ones of growth and maturity under the batons of Frederick Johnson, Richard Goldsworthy, Alonzo Seaboldt, and Edward Steinhart, each of whom helped further the Orchestra and enhance its recognition as an important cultural resource in the Greater Rochester community.
In 1980, the Orchestra took a major step forward when James Fenwick Hoymeyer was appointed Music Director and Conductor. Under his dynamic, skilled leadership and imaginative programming, the Orchestra grew in size and musical excellence. The current Music Director and Conductor is Glenn Klassen.
The RSO currently offers six subscription concerts a season, each featuring noted guest artists and soloists. The Orchestra also presents an outdoor concert as part of the Kiwanis Club's "Music in the Park" series.
In addition to its subscription concerts, the RSO also conducts educational and outreach programs into the Greater Rochester Community. For example, since 1982 the Orchestra has held an annual Young Artist Competition, which provides an opportunity for aspiring young musicians to compete for a cash award and a solo performance with the Rochester Symphony Orchestra.
Early in 1996 the RSO received a grant from the Chrysler corporation Fund to undertake the production of a classical compact disk. The purpose behind the CD is to expand the Orchestra's reach into our community, beyond the concert hall, and to encourage participation and investment in the cultural health, progress, understanding and enjoyment of classical music in our community. The CD entitled "Rochester Symphony Orchestra - Classical Music" is now on sale. We hope that a copy will find its way into everyone's classical music collection.
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