Steven Larsen - Music Director

Mr. Larsen is in his 21st season as Music Director of the Rockford Symphony. His tenure has brought both local and national recognition to the orchestra. In 1999 and 2006 he was named Illinois Conductor of the Year and is a recipient of the Mayor's Arts Award for Individual Achievement. Maestro Larsen has worked with dozens of orchestras in the United States and Europe, including the Opera Theater of San Antonio, the Chicago Opera Theater, Lyric Opera Cleveland, the Minnesota Opera, Michigan Opera Theater, Light Opera of Chicago and the Netherlands Radio Chamber Orchestra.

Dr. Stephen Martin - Board President

Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Steve and his family moved to Rockford in the fall of 1998. He is currently a staff anesthesiologist at Rockford Memorial Hospital with an emphasis on cardiac, pediatric, and general
anesthesiology.

Steve has enjoyed music throughout his life. He played percussion throughout middle school and high school as well as being involved in his high school choir. He is
currently a member of the choir at Holy Family Parish.

Besides being an active father participating in his four children’s activities, he especially enjoys photography, enology, and biking. And of course, he is an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan!

Julie McDonough - Executive Director

Ms. McDonough joined the RSO staff as Marketing and Development Director in December 2004 and assumed the position of Executive Director in November 2009.  Before joining the RSO, she held marketing and promotion positions with Famous-Barr, a division of the May Department Stores Company, for nine years.  Ms. McDonough received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications/Journalism from Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri, and a minor in Applied Music. She earned a Certificate of Non-Profit Leadership through Rockford College. Ms. McDonough is currently on the board of the Riverfront Museum Park and is a member of the Rockford Chapter of Rotary International.