RICHARDSON SYMPHONY INC

A nonprofit organization

$61,043 raised by 55 donors

100% complete

$55,000 Goal

Much like the city itself, the story of the Richardson Symphony Orchestra is one of immense growth. Founded in 1961 as a small, regional orchestra, the RSO has blossomed into one of Texas’s preeminent arts organizations. Throughout decades of expansion and change, the orchestra has stayed true to its roots and has never lost sight of its mission: to engage, educate, and unite our community with inspiring musical performances. We are as committed to community engagement as we are to musical excellence, and as a result, the RSO has cemented its integral place in the DFW arts scene. To this end, the RSO offers a vibrant musical selection each season, featuring family-friendly favorites and revered classical masterpieces alike – from Beethoven to Broadway and everything in-between! 

Each season, the RSO hosts 6 concerts at the state-of-the-art Charles W. Eisemann Center for the Performing Arts, where we are the resident symphony. The RSO also has a storied tradition of attracting guest artists of the highest caliber; the orchestra has shared the stage with bona fide superstars like Yo-Yo Ma and medalists of the prestigious Van Cliburn international piano competition.

Though we are certainly proud to share musical treasures with the community at our concerts, the RSO sincerely believes that the symphony’s role in the community does not begin and end at the doors of the concert hall. As such, we are passionately devoted to education and community outreach. One critical avenue for this important work is our partnerships with local K-12 schools. Indeed, there is something truly wonderful about seeing children’s faces light up when they hear beautiful live music. Hearing a symphony ignites a child’s imagination, curiosity, and sense of wonder. Exposure to classical music at a young age fuels a lifelong interest in music, and regardless of whether or not a student goes on to become a musician or season-ticket holder, the music enriches their lives as students, citizens, and human beings. The work the RSO does in the realm of education opens up students’ minds to a whole new world of thoughts, feelings, and experiences, and we are delighted to be able to share the joys of music with thousands of students each and every year in Richardson ISD schools.

The RSO recently completed its milestone 60th season, and our “diamond anniversary” provides the perfect opportunity to reflect on the past with an eye towards the future. To enrich our community’s civic life and impact individuals for years to come, we are dedicated to innovation. 

A bold, inventive means to this end is the new RSO Concert Trailer. The specially-engineered mobile stage allows smaller chamber groups to perform almost anywhere and enables audiences to hear the RSO on the go!

Additionally, our popular podcast “Portraits in Music” recently completed its second season. In it, musicians, guest artists, and Maestro Clay Couturiaux break down concert programs in-depth and offer behind-the-scenes insights. 

The RSO also provides an incredible opportunity to the next generation of classical music stars: the annual Ann and Charles Eisemann International Young Artists Competition, which gives winners the chance to perform with the RSO as a featured soloist.

The organization’s ambitious aims would not be possible without the steadfast work of our staff, which consists of a full-time Executive Director, a full-time Marketing/Development Manager, and a part-time Accounting Manager. Additionally, the board members, Richardson Symphony League members, and volunteers have helped to make the RSO what it is today: a true staple of the community.

Mission

The mission of the Richardson Symphony Orchestra is to engage, educate, and unite our community with inspiring musical performances.

Needs

Our 60th season coincided with the tail-end of pandemic-related precautions and restrictions. Although the performing arts have been among the world’s hardest-hit industries, we are deeply grateful to report that we have not only weathered the challenging times but are poised to be stronger and more effective in the years to come. The pandemic poignantly demonstrated that there is truly no substitute for live music. We earnestly believe that music is a powerful force for good, and the need for live performances is perhaps greater now than ever.

The Richardson Symphony Orchestra is excited and grateful to be heading into our 62nd season. Live performance is an irreplaceable part of our shared cultural life we love sharing the joy of music! Our 2023/2024 concert season begins on October 7th at the Eisemann Center for Performing Arts in Richardson and will feature violinist Lara St. John.

Your NTGD gift will directly support:

Our Symphony Days program which introduces over 4,200 Richardson Independent School District third graders to classical music each year. These curriculum-informed programs are tailored specifically to the educational and developmental needs of the students, and they are informative and entertaining in equal measure. Exposure to classical music truly has a transformative impact on these young learners – as students, as citizens, and as people.

Please help us continue to share the power of live orchestral music! Thank you!!

Equity Statement

Consistent with our belief in the power of music and our mission, we believe that music is something that should be available and accessible to everyone. Therefore, the Richardson Symphony orchestra pledges a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. This commitment is a crucial aspect of our mission, not a mere gesture. Our efforts to this end are reflected throughout the organization, ensuring that the RSO is representative of and accessible to our entire community.

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

RICHARDSON SYMPHONY INC

Tax id (EIN)

75-1186008

Guidestar

Causes

Arts, Culture & Humanities

Operating Budget

$500,000 - $999,999

Counties Served

Collin, Dallas

Equity Statement

Equity Statement

Address

399 West Campbell Road, Suite 200A
Richardson, TX 75080

Phone

972-234-4195

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