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Ensemble

 

The Roanoke Symphony Orchestra is a classical music ensemble based in Roanoke, Virginia. Founded in 1953, the orchestra has become a beloved cultural institution in the region, known for its high-quality performances and commitment to community engagement. The orchestra was founded by a group of local musicians who were passionate about classical music and wanted to bring it to the Roanoke community. The first concert was held on November 22, 1953, and featured a program of works by Beethoven, Brahms, and Tchaikovsky. The concert was a success, and the orchestra quickly gained a following. Over the years, the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra has had many talented musicians and conductors. Some of the most notable include conductor David Wiley, who served as music director from 1983 to 2000, and conductor Akiko Fujimoto, who became the orchestra's first female music director in 2019. The orchestra has also had many memorable performances over the years. In 1987, the orchestra performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., as part of the American Symphony Orchestra League's national conference. In 1993, the orchestra performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City, and in 2003, the orchestra celebrated its 50th anniversary with a special concert featuring works by Mozart, Beethoven, and Brahms. In addition to its regular concert series, the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra is also known for its community outreach programs. The orchestra's education programs include the Roanoke Symphony Youth Orchestra, which provides young musicians with the opportunity to perform in a professional setting, and the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra School Tour, which brings live classical music performances to local schools. The Roanoke Symphony Orchestra has received many awards and accolades over the years. In 2017, the orchestra was named the Virginia Symphony Orchestra of the Year by the Virginia Commission for the Arts. The orchestra has also been recognized for its commitment to diversity and inclusion, receiving the 2019 ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming. One of the orchestra's most notable recent performances was its 2019-2020 season, which featured a diverse range of works by composers such as Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, and John Williams. The season also included a special performance of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, featuring the Roanoke Symphony Chorus and guest soloists. Overall, the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra has become a beloved institution in the Roanoke community and beyond. With its commitment to high-quality performances and community engagement, the orchestra continues to inspire and delight audiences of all ages.

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