The Rockford Symphony Orchestra is a symphony orchestra in Rockford, Illinois

Rockford, Illinois

Rockford is a mid-sized city located on both banks of the Rock River in far northern Illinois. Often referred to as "The Forest City", Rockford is the county seat of Winnebago County, Illinois, USA. As reported in the 2010 U.S. census, the city was home to 152,871 people, the third most populated...

, USA

United States

The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...

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History

The Rockford Symphony Orchestra, incorporated in 1943, began performing concerts in 1934 under the direction of Arthur Zack. He continued to lead the orchestra as Music Director and Manager until 1970.

Following Zack's tenure, Crawford Gates was appointed Music Director of the Orchestra. During his tenure, the orchestra began to bring in guest artists.

When Gates retired, Charles Bornstein was named the Music Director of the orchestra (1986). Under his direction, the orchestra continued to grow, presenting more concerts and a wider variety of musical literature. Bornstein's tenure was not without controversy. While his artistic vision for the orchestra was certainly high, many felt that he lacked "people skills" in dealing with orchestral personnel. There was, during this time, a large attrition rate of long term orchestra members.

Now in its 76th season, the orchestra is the third largest orchestra

Orchestra

An orchestra is a sizable instrumental ensemble that contains sections of string, brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments. The term orchestra derives from the Greek ορχήστρα, the name for the area in front of an ancient Greek stage reserved for the Greek chorus...

 in the State of Illinois.

Musical Director

Steve Larsen was named the fourth music director of the orchestra in 1991. Under his direction, and with the board's vision, the RSO has expanded the orchestra’s repertoire and attracted musicians of the highest caliber. In addition to an expanded "classics series", the RSO has added/increased the pop series, youth education programs, a summer music series, and fully staged operas. Maestro Larsen has been praised for his visionary programming, which brings an extensive variety of music to the Rockford community.

Mission and Vision Statements

Mission Statement

To lead in the creation of vibrant music experiences that enlighten, educate, and entertain.

Vision Statement

RSO builds a passion for music throughout the region.

RSO adapts with agility and vigor.

RSO preserves tradition, embraces the present, and shapes the future.

Awards

(Presented by the Illinois Council of Orchestras)

• 2009, General Manager of the Year, Brian Ritter
• 2008, Programming of the Year
• 2007, Illinois Orchestra of the Year
• 2006, Illinois Conductor of the Year, Steve Larsen
• 1999, Illinois Conductor of the Year, Steve Larsen
• 1992, Illinois Orchestra of the Year

Performance Venue

The RSO performs at the recently renovated Coronado Performing Arts Center, in downtown Rockford, Illinois

Rockford, Illinois

Rockford is a mid-sized city located on both banks of the Rock River in far northern Illinois. Often referred to as "The Forest City", Rockford is the county seat of Winnebago County, Illinois, USA. As reported in the 2010 U.S. census, the city was home to 152,871 people, the third most populated...

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Rockford Symphony Youth Orchestra (RSYO)

The goal of the Rocford Symphony Youth Orchestra (formerly known as the Rockford Area Youth Symphony) is to provide quality orchestral training for aspring young musician in the greater Rockford area. The orchestra, with roughly sixty members, rehearses weekly and performs throughout the year. RSYO is currently under the direction of Daniel Black.

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