RPO Statement: Favorable Judicial Ruling on Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra Issue

For Immediate Release: April 15, 2013
Media Contacts:   Sally Cohen, 585-749-1795, sally@sallycohenpr.com, @PR4Arts
RPO Info:  rpo.org, facebook.com/SuperRPO, twitter.com/SuperRPO, rpo-land.blogspot.com

Rochester, NY – The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) is pleased and gratified that New York State Supreme Court Justice Kenneth R. Fisher has once again ruled that the RPO acted appropriately and legally in the preparation for and conduct of its 2013 annual meeting and board-of-directors elections.  This is the third time that the judge has so ruled.

“We are extremely pleased that reason, logic and fact have prevailed,” said RPO Board Chair Elizabeth Rice.

“During these challenging times for the RPO musicians, staff and board, we have been thrilled by the community support we’ve received,” said Charles Owens, the RPO’s President and CEO.  “The orchestra has consistently played before large, enthusiastic and positively-responsive audiences, and the Annual Campaign continues to trend significantly ahead of last year – up 14% from this date last year.” 

“We welcome the times that lie ahead, times without the distractions of legal actions that consume both financial and personnel resources,” Rice said.  “The RPO family can now concentrate on its primary role of providing excellent musical experiences for the Rochester community.”

The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra has been committed to enriching and inspiring our community through the art of music since its founding in 1922. The RPO presents up to 150 concerts a year, serving nearly 200,000 people through ticketed events, education and community engagement activities, and concerts in schools and community centers throughout the region. Notable former music directors include Eugene Goossens, José Iturbi, Erich Leinsdorf, David Zinman, and Conductor Laureate Christopher Seaman; Principal Pops Conductor Jeff Tyzik has earned a national reputation for excellence in pops programming during his 19-year tenure with the RPO. With Michael Butterman as Principal Conductor for Education and Outreach (The Louise and Henry Epstein Family Chair) – the first position of its kind in the country – the RPO reaches 12,000 children annually through its specific programs for school-aged children.