A 68-YEAR HISTORY OF SUCCESS
The Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, founded in 1953, is the largest orchestra in Virginia west of Richmond, and the oldest continuously operating professional symphony in the state. Under the baton of Music Director & Conductor David Stewart Wiley, the RSO has experienced remarkable artistic excellence and meaningful education and outreach programs throughout the region.
The Youth Symphony, itself in existence for more than half a century, is just one of the RSO's many vital programs. The professional RSO has been recognized nationally for its artistic achievements and its unique outreach to diverse audiences. It has sustained an artistic business model of fiscal prudence & responsible artistic growth, now with a balanced annual budget of around $2 million, up from $750,000 in 1997. Maestro David Stewart Wiley follows music directors Gibson Morrissey, Jack Mohelencamp, and Victoria Bond as only the fourth music director in the RSO's remarkable and stable history. OUR MISSION
The RSO's mission is to enrich lives, to educate, and to entertain diverse audiences in western Virginia with the highest quality instrumental and choral concerts, and to enhance traditional performances with innovative programming in a welcoming acoustical environment. RSO MUSICIANS
All of the RSO musicians are paid professionals, and have earned their positions in competitive auditions. Depending on the repertoire, the orchestra expands from small ensembles up to 90-plus musicians as well as a full symphonic chorus. Members come from Virginia and surrounding states and rehearse together several days before each performance series. The RSO Chorus, under the direction of Chorus Master John Hugo, auditions members annually and performs throughout the year on classical, pops and special event programs with the RSO. STAR MUSICAL GUESTS
The RSO has performed with a diverse roster of solo artists and groups, including KC and the Sunshine Band, Billy Ocean, Boz Scaggs, Blake Shelton, Natalie Cole, Ray Charles, Michael McDonald, Art Garfunkel, the Pointer Sisters, Ben Vereen, Kool & the Gang, Cirque de la Symphonie, Roberta Flack, Tony Bennett, Willie Nelson, Al Jarreau, The Moody Blues, Jennifer Holliday, Bruce Hornsby, Mercedes Ellington, Lou Rawls, Wynonna, Aaron Neville, Art Garfunkel, Doc Severinsen, Billy Taylor, and Marian McPartland. Classical artists include Jessye Norman, Leontyne Price, David Kim, Elmar Oliveira, Norman Krieger, Zuill Bailey, Awadagin Pratt, Julie Albers, Jon Nakamatsu, Richard Stolzman and James Galway. PROFESSIONAL RECORDINGS & NATIONAL ACCLAIM
The RSO & Maestro Wiley's first recording release occurred in 1997 with Beethoven's Symphony No.9, followed by "American Piano Concertos" - a special 1998 recording project with Norman Krieger celebrating works by American composers, as well as the RSO's 2007 Delos International release of "Zuill Bailey Live with the RSO". Earlier, there was a private recording of Quincy Jones' "Black Requiem" with Ray Charles. Continued participation in new music commissions have earned the Roanoke Symphony national recognition in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, on the "NBC Today Show," and "NPR's Performance Today." Maestro Wiley's work in New York and as a guest conductor internationally has brought an additional positive spotlight on the RSO. The RSO partners with WVTF Public Radio in broadcasting live performances, as well as pre-concert webcasts and podcasts. The RSO tours regularly, serving the largest geographical area of all of Virginia's professional orchestras. It has gained significant support and new audiences from communities throughout western Virginia, making the Roanoke Symphony "Virginia's Orchestra."
