Richardson Symphony Orchestra A Musical Treasure in Our Hometown

By Laurie Garvie and Patti Otte

One of Richardson’s cultural crown jewels, the Richardson Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1961 by Maestro Chris Xeros and a group of dedicated volunteers. In 1990, Maestro Anshel Brusilow became the second conductor of the RSO. The orchestra continued to grow and is now recognized as one of the premiere orchestras in the region. It is the resident symphony of the Eisemann Center for Performing Arts and offers six concerts (four classical and two pops) each season. The orchestra consists of 70 professional musicians led by Music Director and Conductor Clay Couturiaux, who just completed his eleventh year with the RSO. The Symphony is supported by a dedicated Board of Directors, the Richardson Symphony League and community volunteers. According to Executive Director Laurie Garvie, “We are a small but mighty nonprofit, with just two full-time and one part-time staff members.”

Throughout its history, the orchestra has been known for its innovative programming and as a showplace for brilliant up-and-coming talent. Many notable artists have made their DFW symphony debut with the RSO, including cellist Yo-Yo Ma, violinist Nadia Solaerno-Sonnenberg and pianist Behzod Abduraimov.

In addition to its critically acclaimed concerts, the RSO is regarded as a leader in education and community outreach programs. The Ann & Charles

Eisemann International Young Artists Competition annually draws talented young performers from around the world who compete for cash prizes and the opportunity to perform with the orchestra at its March concert. The orchestra is also involved in enriching the Fine Arts education of Richardson Independent School District students through Symphony Days, a three-part program culminating in all third graders attending a concert at the Eisemann Center.

When asked what makes her glad to be associated with the RSO, Garvie states, “One of the things I’m most proud of is that we provide music beyond the walls of the concert hall to share the joy of live music with as many people as possible. Through the generous support of our donors, corporate sponsors, and the City of Richardson Cultural Arts Commission, we offer a wide variety of community outreach programs. Our newest platform is the RSO concert trailer, which enables us to transport a portable stage to casual settings – parks, neighborhood parties, Main Street celebrations, Light Up Lockwood, and several new locations in the months ahead.”

She continues, “I’m also proud of our podcast program, ‘Portraits in Music,’ which debuted in June 2020. Maestro Couturiaux shares his insight into the pieces to be performed at each concert. Most episodes include an interview with a principal musician or a guest artist. Several episodes feature conversations with RSO musicians and community supporters who have been instrumental in sustaining the RSO through their generous support. Our podcast has more than 3,000 downloads from 36 countries and 48 states in the USA and is produced by Ross Sivertsen.”

The RSO just wrapped up an exciting sixty-first season. Joyce Yang returned to perform with the orchestra at their Season Finale Concert in April. An exceptional pianist who performed the Brahms Piano Concerto No. 1, Joyce is a powerhouse performer and such a joy to work with, which made for "an absolutely amazing weekend," according to Garvie.

During the February pops concert, “Fascinating Rhythm,” the orchestra was joined by two Broadway veterans, Capathia Jenkins and Aisha de Haas. It included chart-topping songs popularized by Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, Judy Garland, and many more iconic vocalists. One of the RSO’s goals has been to collaborate with the Eisemann Center for Performing Arts to co-present a pops concert. That dream will soon come true as the two entities co-present Judy Collins with full orchestral accompaniment on January 27, 2024.

For more information about the Richardson Symphony Orchestra, visit http://richardsonsymphony.org or follow the RSO on Instagram @Richardson_symphony.