Rockford Symphony Orchestra

The Rockford Symphony Orchestra, incorporated in 1943, began performing concerts in 1934 under the direction of Andreas Fugmann, the head of Rockford College music department led th orchestra until 1940. The orchestra took a hiatus during World War II and resumed in March 1943 under the direction of Arthur Zack. Zack led the then civic orchestra until Music Director and Manager until May 1970. Following Zack's tenure, Dr. Crawford Gates was appointed Music Director of the Orchestra. During his tenure, the orchestra began to bring in more guest artists and professional musicians.

When Gates retired, Charles Bornstein was named the Music Director of the orchestra (1986). 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.

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.

(Presented by the Illinois Council of Orchestras)

• 2016, Illinois Conductor of the Year, Steve Larsen
• 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

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

The orchestra, with roughly sixty members, rehearses weekly and performs throughout the year. RSYO is currently under the direction of Linc Smelser.

Rockford Symphony Orchestra, The First 80 Years, published in April 2015. Written by Michele McAffee