RPO Announces $3 Million Gift to Permanently Endow Principal Pops Conductor Chair in Honor of Jeff Tyzik
Landmark gift celebrates Tyzik’s extraordinary legacy and ensures the future of the RPO Pops Series for generations to come
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) announced a landmark $3 million gift establishing the Jeff Tyzik Chair, permanently endowing the orchestra’s Principal Pops Conductor position and securing the future of one of the RPO’s most beloved concert series.
The gift, made possible by the Jeff Tyzik Society — whose founding members include Mary Ellen Burris, David and Patricia Gardner, and a donor who wishes to remain anonymous — was announced from the stage of Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre on Friday, October 16, ahead of the RPO’s 2026–27 Pops Series opener, Natural Woman: Sheléa Sings Aretha Franklin.
The announcement honors Tyzik’s remarkable relationship with the RPO, which began with his first Pops concert in 1980 and has included more than three decades as Principal Pops Conductor. Under his leadership, the Pops Series has introduced generations of audiences to the orchestra through an extraordinary range of musical experiences, from Broadway and jazz to popular music and film.
“For more than three decades, Jeff Tyzik has been the heart and soul of the RPO Pops Series,” said Tonya McBride Robles, RPO President and CEO, during the announcement. “He has brought generations of Rochesterians through the doors of Eastman Theatre, many for the very first time, and has made this orchestra feel like it belongs to all of us.”
Robles emphasized the lasting significance of the gift, adding, “This position will now be supported permanently, so that the RPO Pops will have a place on this stage for generations to come.”
The endowment represents a significant investment in the RPO’s artistic future, providing permanent financial support for the Principal Pops Conductor position while recognizing Tyzik’s enduring contributions to the orchestra and the Greater Rochester community.
“It’s such an honor to have my name linked to this amazing orchestra,” said Tyzik. “This gift will be used to do what we do: make great music in this hall and throughout Greater Rochester through our education programs, our community concerts, and our Care & Wellness Initiative.”
Reflecting on his history with the orchestra, Tyzik added, “It’s been 46 years of magical music with this orchestra. And it’s been a thrill for me every night and every concert since.”
The newly endowed Jeff Tyzik Chair ensures that the position as well as the musical programming and community connections it helps foster will remain an integral part of the RPO’s future, extending Tyzik’s legacy for generations to come.
About the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra: Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra has been committed to enriching and inspiring our community through the art of music since its origins in 1922. The RPO presents approximately 150 concerts and broadcasts a year, serving up to 170,000 through ticketed events, education and community engagement activities, and concerts in schools and community centers throughout the region as part of our RPO For All initiative sponsored by M&T Bank.
