An article in Wednesday’s (12/15) Rockford Register Star (Rockford, IL) reports that the Rockford Symphony Orchestra is a finalist for the newspaper’s annual Excelsior Award, “given each year to an organization that exemplifies community service and excellence, and that works to make a difference in the Rock River Valley,” writes Jeff Kolkey. Included is an interview with RSO Executive Director Julie Thomas. “Thomas: The last year and a half, two years has been incredibly challenging for everyone.… What I really believe the Rockford Symphony did so well was we found a way to still execute our mission…. It was different than gathering at the Coronado Theater and performing for 1,000-plus people, but we really found ways to employ our musicians who had truly been cut off from most of their work opportunities. We created virtual content that we made available free to our community…. And when we could safely do so, we did have live performances…. We’re trying to offer a reprieve from everyday life. There is so much that music can offer.… It’s a way to have an experience that can be so meaningful and can help people de-stress or really understand the bigger things in life.”
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