Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra Announces Ensuring Artistic Excellence Campaign, Supported by Dawn and Jacques Lipson

For immediate release
Contact: Nicole Milano, 399.3652
May 11, 2012

ROCHESTER, NY – The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra announced today the creation of a special three-year, $1.5 million campaign known as Ensuring Artistic Excellence: The RPO’s Road to Carnegie Hall and Beyond. This new endeavor seeks to provide the RPO with additional funds for artistic growth, focusing on the organization’s commitment to attracting and retaining top artistic talent, Music Director Arild Remmereit’s commitment to “creating classics” by showcasing the works of lesser-known composers, the expansion of children’s concerts and educational programming, and a wider regional presence. Funds also will support the RPO’s return to Carnegie Hall in 2014 as part of the Spring for Music festival.

Longtime RPO supporters Dawn and Jacques Lipson of Brighton have committed to a lead gift of $300,000 over three years to support the RPO’s commitment to artistic expansion. In recognition of their generosity, the 2012–2013, 2013–2014, and 2014–2015 seasons will be presented by the Lipsons.

President and CEO Charlie Owens said, “This lead gift from Dawn and Jacques Lipson is just one example of the phenomenal generosity they have shown over many years of enthusiastic leadership and support of the RPO and many other institutions in the Rochester community. Their incredible commitment stirs great momentum for a campaign that comes at a pivotal time in RPO history. We are so grateful for their investment in the organization’s future.”

Board Chair Betsy Rice remarked, “As we approach 90 years of artistic excellence in orchestral music, it is important to ensure we are able to serve the community for the next 90! The talent and versatility of RPO musicians allows us to offer exciting, creative and diverse programs within both our Pops and Philharmonics series; our education mission is fulfilled with a wide variety of programs for both adults and children. However, we need the community’s support in this campaign to achieve our longer term artistic objectives and to remain a vital part of the lively arts and cultural scene in Rochester.”

Dawn and Jacques Lipson said, “There is no doubt in our minds that music is the true heartbeat of Rochester. It is not an accident that Rochester hosts the outstanding international Jazz Festival or that it is home to the best music school in world. At the center of this wealth of music is the RPO. As a community we sometimes become complacent when an excellent artistic product is available and has been for a very long time. We forget that as members of the community we have a part to play in continuing to ensure that the product ‘plays on.’ It is our hope that others will join us in creating a support network for our RPO that allows Rochester’s heartbeat to go on ever stronger.”

New contributions of $5,000 or more to the Ensuring Artistic Excellence Campaign are currently being accepted, and multi-year commitments are encouraged. To make a contribution, please contact Pavel Sullivan at 399.3632 or psullivan@rpo.org.  

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