M&T Bank Makes $110,000 Commitment to Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra
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M&T Bank Makes $110,000 Commitment to Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra
Charitable investment strengthens the RPO, deepens M&T’s support for region’s arts
ROCHESTER, N.Y., Feb. 11, 2020—M&T Bank’s longtime support for Rochester’s arts community grew even deeper today, as M&T and the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra announced a $110,000 charitable grant to support the RPO’s robust calendar of programming.
The announcement comes as the RPO prepares for the M&T Bank Community Concert Tuesday, February 11 at Kodak Hall. During the concert, the RPO will preview what’s to come during its 2020-2021 season, highlighting guest artists and exciting programs planned for the months ahead. All tickets to this free community concert were “sold out” well in advance of Tuesday’s show.
“Rochester is a vibrant, dynamic city because of its growing arts community. People want to live where they can immerse themselves in the arts and enjoy unique cultural experiences. At M&T, we invest in the arts because it helps invigorate the unique Rochester experience that makes us all love this place,” said M&T Bank Regional President Dan Burns. “Our $110,000 commitment to the RPO reinforces our unwavering support for the arts in Rochester and ensures our community’s orchestra has critical funding to advance its impact.”
M&T Bank’s three-year $110,000 commitment – $10,000 of which will support the M&T Bank Community Concert Tuesday – will provide the RPO with sustained funding to maintain and build on its existing events for the community.
“Each year, our work reaches about 170,000 people who gain inspiration, understanding and memorable experiences that remain with them long after our performances end—and importantly, over 40 percent of our concerts are free and focused on building connections with the community,” said Curtis S. Long, RPO President and CEO. “M&T Bank’s support helps us push forward with our efforts to bring the RPO to more of our neighbors across our city and region, empowering us to continue fulfilling our legacy as the community’s orchestra.”
The 2020-21 Season will include performances of classical music’s most revered compositions as well as musical explorations of historic moments, cinema and modern life. Highlights include a season-long celebration of the 250th anniversary of Beethoven’s birth and an exciting collaboration with Rochester’s PUSH Physical Theatre and Jamey Leverett. The season is presented by M&T Bank and Rochester Regional Health.
M&T Bank has been a steadfast supporter of the arts in Rochester, investing charitable funding and volunteer hours into the visual, theatrical and musical arts, among other art forms. M&T’s most visible arts initiatives include its presenting sponsorship of the Rochester International Jazz Festival and title sponsorships of the M&T Bank Clothesline Festival and M&T Bank Broadway Season. Beyond those sponsorships, M&T employees are active volunteers, board members and committee members for several arts and education organizations throughout the Rochester region.
About the RPO
The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) has been committed to enriching and inspiring our community through the art of music since its founding in 1922. The RPO presents approximately 150 concerts and broadcasts a year, serving up to 170,000 people through ticketed events, education and community engagement activities, and concerts in schools and community centers throughout the region. Music Director Ward Stare joins the ranks of former notable RPO music directors, including Eugene Goossens, José Iturbi, Erich Leinsdorf, David Zinman and Conductor Laureate Christopher Seaman. Principal Pops Conductor Jeff Tyzik, now in his 26th season, has earned a national reputation for excellence in pops programming during his tenure with the RPO. The RPO reaches more than 15,000 children through its specific programs for school-aged children.
About M&T
M&T Bank Corporation (NYSE:MTB)(“M&T”) is a financial holding company headquartered in Buffalo, New York. M&T’s principal banking subsidiary, M&T Bank, operates banking offices in New York, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Connecticut, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia. Trust-related services are provided by M&T’s Wilmington Trust-affiliated companies and by M&T Bank.
Media Contacts:
Julia Berchou, (716) 842-5385, jberchou@mtb.com (M&T)
Marie-Adélina de la Ferrière, 454-7311 ext. 266 (RPO)
© 2020 M&T Bank. Member FDIC.
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