A Message from the Board of Directors
The 2011-2012 concert season will be richly varied and exciting. On November 6, 2011, we will celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Franz Liszt, one of the towering musical figures in 19th century music, with a performance of his dramatic ode, "Les Preludes". Also on the program will be Jean Sibelius' majestic and evocative 2nd Symphony and a sparkling concerto grosso by the incomparable Handel. On March 18, 2011, we will perform Dvorak's powerful 7th Symphony, considered by many to be his greatest, as well as a selection of "Melodies" composed and arranged for string orchestra by Edvard Grieg. The solo winds of the RSO will present Gounod's exquisitely colored "Petite Symphonie". On May 20 of 2012, we invite you to our popular annual POPS concert. On December 6, 2011, you are invited to sing along with the RSO during the Messiah SING at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Reading (corner of Woburn Street and Summer Avenue.). On January 15, 2012 we invite you to enjoy our highly acclaimed Children's concert at Parker Middle School.
Our conductor, Dr. Roland Vazquez, will begin his 13th season with the RSO. His passion for music and extensive background as a conductor, string player, pianist, musicologist, and teacher has inspired the RSO musicians to expand their orchestral repertoire. While developing community outreach, Roland constantly strives to make the RSO accessible to high school musicians and collaborates with other community groups, such as the New England Treble Chorus and Reading Community Singers, as well as choruses in neighboring communities. Under his direction, the RSO has performed at the Rogers Center, Merrimack College in North Andover and the Philips Academy in Andover. Roland has arranged for RSO performances at the Reading Friends & Family Day in June for the past two years and for a string quartet at the recent Reading Fall Faire in September.
The diversity of the RSO outreach program also includes a generational component with a focus on children as the future of the orchestra. With a grant from the Reading Cultural Council seven years ago, the RSO initiated an annual children’s concert under the leadership of Al Mosier. Much of the revenues from these concerts have been donated to the Parent Teacher Organizations of the elementary schools and their cultural enrichment programs. Two years ago, the RSO founded a scholarship program in conjunction with the Reading Scholarship Foundation in support of talented students desiring to continue their musical education. The RSO appreciates its close alliance with the Reading school system in terms of rehearsing and concert venues, as well as a source of young musicians from faculty recommendations.
The Board of Directors want to thank our loyal patrons for their generous support. We look forward to seeing you during this concert season!
Board of Directors,
Reading Symphony Orchestra