Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and YMCA of Greater Rochester Announce New Partnership and Child Care Program

For immediate release
Contact: Nicole Philipp, 399-3680
November 10, 2010

ROCHESTER PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA
AND YMCA OF GREATER ROCHESTER
ANNOUNCE NEW PARTNERSHIP AND CHILD CARE PROGRAM

ROCHESTER – The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) has teamed up with the YMCA of Greater Rochester to pilot a child care program for RPO patrons and Y members.  While adults enjoy music by Beethoven or Elton John, their children or grandchildren can create works of art with finger paints, and enjoy movies, games, and a snack, right across the street in the Carlson MetroCenter YMCA.  This is an affordable, convenient way to find child care for an evening out.

RPO President and CEO Charlie Owens remarked, “One of our top strategic objectives is to attract new and younger audiences.  We’re hoping this unique program helps create an atmosphere where parents can enjoy RPO concerts knowing their children are right across the street receiving professional, affordable child care by the YMCA.”

Drop off at selected concerts will begin a half-hour before the concert, allowing plenty of time for the adults to get to their seats, and pick-up begins immediately following the concert.  The child care service costs $20 for YMCA and RPO members, $30 for non-members, and $10 for each additional sibling.  For more information, log on to www.rpo.org/childcare or call 585.263.4238.

Owens added, “This is a great way to unite two downtown institutions – the RPO and the YMCA.  By providing this new service we’re better able to meet our patrons’ needs and bring together two non-profits that benefit the economic climate of downtown Rochester.”

"The YMCA is proud to partner with the RPO to provide a valuable service for the community that we hope will make RPO concerts more accessible for families," adds George Romell, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Rochester.  "It’s a great opportunity to showcase our YMCA, engage kids and families, and also assist a great organization like the RPO."

Child care service will be offered for the following RPO concerts:

• Olga Kern Plays Rachmaninoff – Saturday, November 20 at 8 p.m.
• Gala Holiday Pops – Saturday, December 18 at 8 p.m.
• Beethoven’s Fifth – Saturday, January 22 at 8 p.m.
• A Night Out with the Boys: Dee Daniels Sings Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Louis Armstrong – Saturday, February 12 at 8 p.m.
• An Afternoon with Joshua Bell – Sunday, March 20 at 3 p.m.
• The Music of Elton John – Saturday, May 21 at 8 p.m.

To purchase tickets to RPO concerts, visit the RPO Box Office, call 454.2100, go online to www.rpo.org, or visit area Wegmans locations. 

Interview and photo opportunities are available.
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