Concerts and Events
The RSO’s mission is to enlighten, educate, and entertain. Our many concerts and events throughout the year support this mission. Scroll through and find the ones that inspire you!
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RSYO Fall Chamber Concert
Featuring the award-winning Rockford Symphony Youth Orchestra in concert with conductor Linc Smelser.
RSYO Fall Orchestra Concert
Featuring the award-winning Rockford Symphony Youth Orchestra in concert with conductor Linc Smelser.
RSYO Spring Chamber Concert
Featuring the award-winning Rockford Symphony Youth Orchestra in concert with conductor Linc Smelser.
RSYO Spring Orchestra Concert
Featuring the award-winning Rockford Symphony Youth Orchestra in concert with conductor Linc Smelser.
Soundscapes
Experience the beauty of nature through music! An unforgettable concert featuring Brahms' famous violin concerto; Cantus Arcticus by Finnish composer Einojuhani Rautavaara, a mesmerizing concerto for birds and orchestra; and Debussy's La Mer, one of the greatest works for orchestra ever written. Don't miss this celebration of nature and music.
RSYO Spring Orchestra Concert
Featuring the award-winning Rockford Symphony Youth Orchestra in concert with conductor Linc Smelser.
The French Connection
Featuring two of classical music’s most beloved works - Pictures at an Exhibition and Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun. Plus, Grammy award winning bandoneon player Hector Del Curto joins the orchestra for a tango infused concerto. This concert promises to inspire and energize both seasoned fans and newcomers.
FIELD TRIP: Pictures at an Exhibition Youth Concert
This Field Trip opportunity to attend our annual Youth Concert will explore music from Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition. Recommended for grade levels three and up.
RSYO Spring Chamber Concert
Featuring the Rockford Symphony Youth Orchestra Honors Chamber Orchestra, and the Sterling String Quartet, with conductor Linc Smelser.
Great Ladies of Swing
Travel back to the era of Swing, a time when jazz ruled and the sultry voices of women such as Ella Fitzgerald, Billy Holiday, and Sarah Vaughan echoed from every radio and dance hall.
French Music with a Jazz Flair
This program explores the surprising connections between French music and American Jazz. Featuring the music of Debussy, Ravel, Gershwin, and more, this is a unique program featuring six RSO Musicians that you won’t want to miss!
Romance, Poetry & Valentines
Immerse yourself in pure romanticism with four masterful composers who drew inspiration from poetry, the human voice, and one another. Featuring special guests The Nielsen Chorale and internationally acclaimed pianist Einav Yarden. Include this romantic concert in your Valentine's plans.
Music by Candlelight
Join us for an afternoon of delightful music featuring woodwinds and strings in Rockford’s historic First Lutheran Church.
Holiday Pops
SOLD OUT! Broadway and Hollywood Conductor Kevin Stites will be joined by special guests the Nielsen Chorale, TV news anchor Eric Wilson, Mayor Tom McNamara, acclaimed actress and Rockford native Sharon Sachs, and more!
The Nutcracker
Join us for a holiday classic presented in partnership with the Rockford Dance Company and featuring professional lead dancers from the region's top ballet companies. Make The Nutcracker part of your family’s holiday traditions!
FIELD TRIP: The Nutcracker
SOLD OUT! The Rockford Symphony Orchestra and Rockford Dance Company are coming together to create a magical student matinee. This field trip opportunity at the Coronado Performing Arts Center is for students in grades 3-12.
RSYO Fall Orchestra Concert
Featuring the award-winning Rockford Symphony Youth Orchestra in concert with conductor Linc Smelser.
Beethoven's Fifth
Featuring Beethoven's iconic 5th Symphony, this is a night of hope and resilience to re-energize the soul. Join us for a performance that will remind you of the transformative power of music.
RSYO Fall Chamber Concert
Featuring the Rockford Symphony Youth Orchestra Honors Chamber Orchestra, and the Sterling String Quartet, with conductor Linc Smelser.
Yaniv's Salute to Boston Pops
The Pops Series returns with new Music Director Yaniv Attar's Salute to Boston Pops with beloved favorites including Rhapsody in Blue, West Side Story, and a tribute to John Williams.
RSO Brass
Join the RSO at First Lutheran Church for this Sunday Matinee Chamber concert featuring members of the RSO Brass section.
Yaniv Attar’s RSO Debut
Yaniv Attar takes the stage in his first concert as the RSO's new Music Director, conducting works by Estacio, Beethoven, and Mahler. An opening night you won't soon forget!
Star Spangled Spectacular
Join us at Rock Valley College’s Starlight Theatre for a night of reflection and celebration for our great nation. Wear red, white, and blue and be ready to clap and sing along! Conducted by Linc Smelser.