Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra Announces Three Newly Endowed Chairs
For immediate release
Contact: Nicole Morelle, 399.3645 or nmorelle@rpo.org
October 22, 2019
ROCHESTER PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA ANNOUNCES THREE NEWLY ENDOWED CHAIRS
Will Add Nearly $1 Million to RPO’s Endowment Over 5 Years
ROCHESTER, NY – The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) announced today the creation of three new endowed musician chairs. The James E. Dumm Chair, The Rob W. Goodling Chair, and The Barbara and Patrick Fulford Chair are all funded in perpetuity.
Longtime RPO supporters Barbara and Patrick Fulford of Brighton have chosen to endow the second percussion chair currently held by Brian Stotz. Mr. Fulford is a percussionist with the New Horizons Band. The Fulfords are familiar faces at RPO Philharmonics and Pops concerts; Mr. Fulford is also Chairperson of the RPO’s Honorary Board and on the Governance and Marketing Committees. The Fulfords previously endowed The Christopher Seaman Chair, supported by Barbara and Patrick Fulford and The Conductor Laureate Society in 2011.
The Fulfords remarked, “We are both passionate advocates for the RPO and the wonderful music-making the conductors and musicians provide week after week. This gift is in appreciation for our amazing orchestra and all it brings to our community.”
The Dumm Family has chosen the Assistant Principal Second Violin Chair in honor of their father, a former violinist with the RPO who also held the position of Personnel Manager for many years. The chair is currently held by Daryl Perlo, one of Mr. Dumm’s former students.
“His tenure with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra began in 1973 when he joined the violin section while his brother Thomas was Principal Violist. The Dumms carried on the family legacy when his son Bryan joined the cello section in 1981. Dr. Dumm’s most significant and treasured contribution to the RPO was his role as Personnel Manager, where he served the musicians of the Orchestra for many years with great respect and dedication,” stated The Dumm Family.
The Principal Tuba position, currently held by Craig Sutherland, has been endowed by music lover and educator Rob W. Goodling of Corn Hill. Music has had a life-long impact on Mr. Goodling; receiving a full scholarship that launched his professional career, he believes in returning that good fortune back to the community.
“Supporting the arts in Rochester is essential for me,” Mr. Goodling said. “So many organizations have connections to the RPO, so funding the RPO is my starting point.”
President and CEO Curt Long remarked, “The outpouring of significant gifts honoring our musicians in recent weeks is testament to the profound impact the RPO musicians individually have on our community. We are especially grateful to the Dumm Family, Mr. Goodling, and the Fulfords for recognizing the impact music and the RPO have in Rochester and beyond.”
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.
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Photos provided.
