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Rockford Symphony Orchestra Music Director Announces Retirement

Steve Larsen
/
RSO

The Rockford Symphony Orchestra’s Music Director says next season will be his last at the helm of the organization.

In an announcement Wednesday, Steven Larsen said he plans to retire after the 2020-2021 season. It will mark his 30th with the orchestra.

Orchestra Marketing Director Michelle McAffee says he’s provided the next level of growth the RSO board was hoping for when they hired him in 1991.

“He went from five concerts a year to -- now we’re over twelve," she said. "He’s built an orchestra of exceptional professionals.”

McAffee said Larsen also has an ability to engage the audience.

“He’s relatable," she said. "He makes the music relatable. And we will definitely be looking for someone who shares that trait.”

A committee of community members, board members and RSO musicians has been formed to lead the search for a new music director. McAffee said the RSO hopes to have a new director in place for the 2022-2023 season.  

Guy Stephens produces news stories for the station, and coordinates our online events calendar, PSAs and Arts Calendar announcements. In each of these ways, Guy helps keep our listening community informed about what's going on, whether on a national or local level. Guy's degrees are in music, and he spent a number of years as a classical host on WNIU. In fact, after nearly 20 years with Northern Public Radio, the best description of his job may be "other duties as required."