As a consistent fixture in Berks County, the Reading Symphony Orchestra (RSO) has provided professional music and enjoyment to the community for decades. Led by conductor Andrew Constantine, this year’s symphony will mark the 100th anniversary of RSO–a century rich with tradition, musical prowess and an unyielding pursuit of excellence, both on the stage and off.
A REFINED COMMUNITY TRADITION
With beginnings dating all the way back to the early 20th century, the RSO is one of the oldest symphonies in the country, and easily the oldest for its budget size, a modest $1.2 million. The orchestra, which began as a community organization, slowly evolved with the county, and eventually became a paid professional group. As the county grew, says executive director Joe Tackett, the need of the community for an orchestra grew.
This community is one of the differentiating qualities of Reading’s group.
“We’re very lucky that we have such community support,” explains Tackett. “Everyone recognizes the value of the Symphony in the community.” This support, he says, has helped the Reading orchestra succeed where so many of its counterparts have failed; while the Philadelphia and Lancaster orchestras are struggling to make ends meet, Reading’s symphony has consistently remained financially stable.
With community support as its lifeblood, the Symphony has made a pronounced effort to give back. Programs such as the Reading Symphony Youth Orchestra and the Reading School District’s Orchestra Zone put the symphony’s talented musicians into the community with students. Orchestra Zone, in particular, has helped countless Reading School District orchestra students get involved–and stay involved–with music. “When people think of the Reading Symphony, they think six big classical concerts a year,” says Tackett. “But every day at 3 o’clock, we’re out in the schools, in the churches, bringing programming to needy kids.”
A CELEBRATORY SEASON
For conductor Andrew Constantine, whom Tackett refers to as a"musical genius," the 100th season is set to be one of the Symphony’s best yet. “Subscribers can expect a stunning line-up of soloists. Some of them are good friends of mine; some are new both to Reading and to me,” says Constantine. Featuring six formal concerts, the season boasts a star-studded line-up and includes pieces that Constantine says date back to the orchestra’s early performances. New York Philharmonic’s Liam Wang is November’s featured soloist, Reading’s own Christopher Collins Lee headlines February’s performance, and pianist William Wolfram will be featured in March.
All lead up to the highly anticipated arrival of world-renowned violinist Midori in April. “We are most excited…Midori is an A-list violin soloist,” says Tackett. After the famed violinist’s appearance, the season’s climax is May’s performance, Beethoven’s 9th, which is a collaboration with the Baltimore Choral Arts Society and the Orchestra’s formal season finale. “Judging by ticket sales, it’s already expected to be a sell-out,” says Tackett. “It’s going to be a grand celebration of 100 years of the orchestra.”
100 YEARS…AND MORE
As Tackett, Constantine, and the RSO look forward, community support and outreach programs will continue to be the foundations of a thriving program. “As we expand our focus on education, the whole relevance of the orchestra as a community asset is seen by more and more people,” says Constantine, a champion of the orchestra’s local outreach. With an outstanding line-up, infectious optimism, and passionate musicians, the Symphony’s 100th season is only the beginning. “It’s a fabulous array of soloists, there’s a link with history, and there’s a link to the future,” explains Constantine, who brims with excitement while talking about the season. “And really,” he says with a smile, “The whole RSO 100 thing is just kick starting the second hundred years.”
Want tickets?
Visit readingsymphony.org or call 610.373.7557.
