RICHARDSON SYMPHONY INC

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 art scene.  

Each season, the RSO hosts six 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. 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 classical music enthusiast, music enriches their lives as students, citizens, and human beings. We are delighted to be able to share the joys of music with thousands of students every year in Richardson ISD schools.

Another growing program of our is Healing Notes, a community engagement outreach initiative that brings the power of live music directly to seniors, memory care patients, individuals in critical medical care, and low-income families. RSO musicians perform in senior living communities, medical facilities, hospice and community centers, creating moments of connection, joy, and healing. Each outreach fosters engagement, evokes cherished memories, and uplifts the spirits of those who often feel isolated.

Additionally, our popular podcast “Portraits in Music” is in the middle of its fifths 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 Director of Audience Development, a full-time Marketing and 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.