RPO musicians present 80th anniversary open house

Open Your Heart to Music September 21

The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra has announced that they will kick-off their 80th Anniversary Season with a free Open House. The Eastman Theatre will be open to the public on Saturday, September 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and musical activities are planned for adults and children of all ages. The RPO's 80th Anniversary Committee is chaired by Dr. Jacques and Mrs. Dawn Lipson.

The event, co-chaired by RPO musicians Joanna Bassett, Ingrid Bock and Kathleen Kemp, celebrates the RPO's commitment to music education for children and adults. Highlights of the day include conducting lessons with Music Director Christopher Seaman, historic displays of Steinway pianos, theatre tours and a fun "Kitchen Band" activity with storyteller Jay Stetzer.

Schedule of activities:

Ongoing - Theatre Tours, Steinway piano displays and presentations (see below), Instrument Petting Zoo and Musical Playground

10:15 a.m. - Making Music with Young Children: join the fun with rhythm instruments

10:30 a.m. - Instrument Demonstrations

11:00 a.m. - Conducting Lessons with Christopher Seaman: learn to conduct a real orchestra

11:45 a.m. - Presentation of the RPO's new Steinway piano (tentative)

12:00 noon - Premiere of "Fill Your Heart with Music," a song written by Jay Stetzer for this event - Instrument Demonstrations.

12:30 p.m. - Cook up a Kitchen Band: hands-on activity with Jay Stetzer Instrument Demonstrations

1:00 p.m. - Instrument Demonstrations

1:15 p.m. - Conducting Lessons with Christopher Seaman: featuring the "Pinch Hitter's Orchestra," RPO musicians and friends playing instruments other than their own.

The special Steinway pianos on display include their Tricentennial Art Case Piano designed by Dakota Jackson, an historic 1860 Steinway, and a vertical cut-away piano designed to show the action. A representative from Denton, Cottier & Daniels will be on hand to make informational presentations and answer questions throughout the day. These pianos are courtesy of Denton, Cottier & Daniels and Steinway in celebration of their 175th and 150th anniversaries, respectively.

For information, call the RPO Box Office at 585-454-2100 or visit the new RPO Web site at www.rpo.org.