Rochester Symphony, a 'Cultural Jewel,' Entertains for 50 Years

In the midst of the growth and changes Rochester was experiencing in 1961, three Rochester institutions were formed: the Friends of the , the Rochester Symphony Orchestra and .

Each of these organizations was established by residents who saw opportunities to improve the quality of life through education, culture and the arts.

This is the third installment in a series about these institutions and their 50 years of promoting literacy, the arts and education. 

38 members to start

This year the Rochester Symphony Orchestra celebrates 50 years of not only making beautiful music, but helping to foster an active arts community in the greater Rochester area.

In 1961 a group of skilled amateur musicians decided to form a symphonic orchestra as part of a community adult education program.

The Rochester Clarion, as referenced by the blog site “Remembering Rochester,” announced on May 11, 1961 that the "organizational meeting of the new Rochester Civic Orchestra had taken place. The fledgling orchestra, 38 members strong, offered its first public concert at Rochester High School on May 18."

According to a written history provided by the Rochester Symphony Orchestra, the orchestra in 1965 “became self-sustaining through the assistance of the Association of the Rochester Community Orchestra, Inc. (ARCO).”

The community musicians thrived under the batons of its early conductors, performing professional-level concerts.

Changing its name to the Rochester Symphony Orchestra not long after it was founded, the musical group developed under the leadership of its first directors — Frederick Johnson, Richard Goldsworthy and Alonzo Seaboldt.

"Each of whom," the orchestra notes on its website, "helped further the orchestra and enhance its recognition as an important cultural resource in the Greater Rochester community."

Symphony entertains and helps educate

Many of the Rochester Symphony Orchestra members are professional musicians.

For 50 years the Rochester Symphony Orchestra has not only entertained countless numbers of music fans with its subscription concerts, but has also promoted educational and outreach programs, including its successful Young Artist Competition which awards recipients with a $1,000 scholarship.

Grace Mieczkowski, a home-schooled high school senior who has played both piano and violin for over a decade, is this year’s recipient.

According to the Rochester Symphony Orchestra’s website, Mieczkowski is a “founding member of the Heritage String Quartet” and performs with her musician siblings at events across Southeast Michigan .

The Rochester Symphony Orchestra celebrated the start of its golden season with a special concert last fall. On March 24, 2011, the orchestra received Paint Creek Center for the Arts’ first annual Regional Arts & Culture Award. It will open its 51st season in September.

“The Rochester Symphony has been a cultural jewel, providing excellent music in greater Rochester for 50 years,” said Rita May, a member of the Rochester Symphony Orchestra’s board of directors. “The dedication of the conductor, musicians, the RSO board, the women's Guild, and the audience to its continuing success is truly heartwarming.”