Mission and History

The mission of the Rockford Symphony Orchestra is to lead in the creation of vibrant music experiences that enlighten, educate, and entertain.

The Rockford Symphony Orchestra is a leading cultural institution in Northern Illinois, proudly fulfilling its mission through public performances, and education and outreach programs. The RSO was founded in 1934 to celebrate Rockford’s centennial anniversary, and incorporated in 1943. Over the years the orchestra has grown from a community orchestra made up of music-loving amateur musicians to the fully-professional ensemble it is today. The RSO is the parent organization of the Rockford Symphony Youth Orchestra (RSYO). Founded in 1969, RSYO is the region’s only full orchestra training opportunity for students.

The RSO's first Music Director and Manager, Arthur Zack, led the orchestra for 27 years. During this time, the Rockford Area Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Rockford Symphony Orchestra Guild were established. In 1970, the Board of Directors appointed Crawford Gates as the next music director. He brought renowned guest artists to perform with the orchestra including Van Cliburn (1972), Victor Borge (1973), Phyllis Diller (1974), and Benny Goodman (1975). Upon the retirement of Crawford Gates, the RSO Board named Charles Bornstein as music director in 1986. Bornstein’s intellectual and artistic vision was characteristic of his tenure.

Rockford Symphony Orchestra in the 1983/84 Season at the Midway Theater.

In 1991, the Board named Steven Larsen as the RSO’s fourth music director. Described as a “Renaissance musician,” Larsen expanded the orchestra’s repertoire, attracting musicians of the highest caliber. During these years, the RSO hosted notable classical and pops artists such as Peter Schickele, Rick Nielsen, Dionne Warwick, André Watts, Eugene Fodor, Itzhak Perlman, Yo Yo Ma, Rachel Barton Pine, Daniel Rodriguez, Stefan Jackiw, and Kristin Chenoweth. During his tenure, Larsen added a pops series, an outdoor summer performance series, and youth concerts to the Symphony’s concert rosters.

The RSO was honored to receive the 2021 Excelsior Award from the Rockford Register Star. The Excelsior Award recognizes an organization driven to excellence in community service and improving lives in the Rockford region.

Steven Larsen retired in December 2021 after 30 years with the orchestra. The Board appointed him the lifetime title of Music Director Emeritus, the only past director to receive this designation. After an international search, Yaniv Attar was appointed the fifth Music Director of the Rockford Symphony Orchestra in January 2023.

The RSO offices are located in the Riverfront Museum Park. The orchestra performs in the Coronado Theatre, originally constructed as a 1927 atmospheric movie palace. This state-of-the-art facility boasts a large stage and orchestra pit, 2,200 seats, a fully restored interior, an acoustical enhancement system, and full accessibility for audience members with special needs.