Roanoke Symphony Orchestra
The Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, also known as the "RSO", was established in 1953 by Gibson Morrissey and a number of other music lovers. Gibson Morrissey served as the conductor until his death in 1975. The Roanoke Symphony Orchestra has professional musicians who are awarded positions through competitive auditions. Roanoke Youth Symphony. The Roanoke Youth Symphony has three ensembles: The Roanoke Youth Symphony Orchestra (RYSO); the String Ensemble and the Flute Ensemble. The RSO and the Roanoke City Schools were joint recipients of the 2015 Yale Distinguished Music Educator Award. It has performed various programs for students of  the area. Roanoke Youth Symphony Orchestra. The Roanoke Youth Symphony Orchestra (RYSO) was established in 1956, and is the only professional orchestra training opportunity in western Virginia. This is a student orchestra made of more than 80 musicians, ranging in ages from 12 to 18. James Glazebrook has been the director since 1988. Musicians gain membership through annual auditions and may perform with the RYSO through their high school graduation. String Ensemble. The String Ensemble was established in 1985 and is composed of about 50 string players ranging from ages 8 to 15. They rehearse weekly under the guidance and  instruction of Ms. Michelle Smith Johnson. Flute Ensemble. The Flute Ensemble was established in 2008, and is under the direction and instruction of Julee Hickcox, Principal Piccolo of the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra. Roanoke Symphony Chorus. The Roanoke Symphony Chorus was established in 1999 under the direction of Dr. John Hugo. In 2015, the "RSO's Holiday Pops" reaches over 6,000 music lovers in Virginia. The C Choir of the Roanoke Valley Children's Choir also participates with the RSO in the Holiday Pops each year. Support. The Roanoke Symphony Orchestra concerts and education programs are supported in part by the  Virginia Commission for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. The RSO is also supported by a number of local community groups, as well as "The Friends of the RSO"; the "New River Valley Friends of the RSO" and the Virginia Blue Ridge Musical Festival."