Rockford Symphony Orchestra

The '''Rockford Symphony Orchestra''' (RSO) is a prominent cultural entity in Northern Illinois, renowned for its commitment to creating dynamic music experiences that enlighten, educate, and entertain audiences. Established in 1934 to commemorate the centennial of Rockford, the RSO was incorporated in 1943 and has evolved from a community ensemble of passionate amateur musicians to the fully professional orchestra it is today. ===History=== The RSO's inception was part of the city's centennial celebrations, and over the decades, it has played an instrumental role in the region's cultural development. The organization is also the parent entity of the '''Rockford Symphony Youth Orchestra''' (RSYO), founded in 1969, which serves as the sole comprehensive orchestral training program for young musicians in the area. The RSO's first Music Director and Manager, Arthur Zack, held his position for 27 years, during which the Rockford Area Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Rockford Symphony Orchestra Guild were established. The baton was passed to Crawford Gates in 1970, who served as the music director and brought illustrious guest artists to perform with the orchestra, including Van Cliburn, Victor Borge, Phyllis Diller, and Benny Goodman. Following Gates' retirement, Charles Bornstein took over as music director in 1986, bringing an intellectual and artistic vision that defined his tenure. In 1991, Steven Larsen was appointed as the fourth music director. Known for his multifaceted musicianship, Larsen significantly expanded the orchestra's repertoire and attracted high-caliber musicians. His tenure saw the RSO hosting celebrated artists across classical and pops genres, adding a pops series, an outdoor summer performance series, and youth concerts to the Symphony's offerings. The RSO received the prestigious 2021 Excelsior Award from the ''Rockford Register Star'' for its excellence in community service and its impact on improving lives in the Rockford region. Steven Larsen retired in December 2021 after a 30-year tenure and was bestowed the title of Music Director Emeritus, a lifetime honor and a first for a past director of the RSO. ===Recent Developments=== In January 2023, after an extensive international search, Yaniv Attar was appointed as the RSO's fifth Music Director. The RSO's administrative offices are housed in the Riverfront Museum Park, while performances are held at the Coronado Performing Arts Center. This venue, a 1927 atmospheric movie palace, has been restored to its former glory and equipped with modern amenities, including a large stage, an orchestra pit, seating for 2,200 patrons, an acoustical enhancement system, and full accessibility for individuals with special needs. ===Mission=== The mission of the Rockford Symphony Orchestra is to be a leader in crafting vibrant music experiences that resonate with audiences and contribute to the cultural vitality of the community it serves. ==External Links== * [RSO Official Website] * [Digital Concert Guide] * [RSO Foundation] * [RSO Musician Portal] [[Category:American orchestras]] [[Category:Musical groups established in 1934]] [[Category:Rockford, Illinois]] [[Category:1934 establishments in Illinois]]