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Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra

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The Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra is an American orchestra and music school based in Providence, Rhode Island. Founded in 1945[1] and colloquially referred to as the RI Philharmonic, the orchestra's performing home is Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Providence.[2] The RI Philharmonic is the largest combined professional orchestra and music school in the USA.[3]

History

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Francis Madeira founded the orchestra in 1945, and served as its first conductor and music director until his retirement in 1978.[4][5] Alvaro Cassuto succeeded Madeira as music director from 1979 to 1985. Andrew Massey then served as music director from 1986 to 1991. Zuohuang Chen followed as music director, from 1992 to 1996.[6] Larry Rachleff served as RI Philharmonic music director from 1996 to 2017.[7]

In September 2018, Bramwell Tovey became artistic advisor to the RI Philharmonic.[8] In December 2021, the orchestra announced a change in Tovey's title to principal conductor and artistic director, and in parallel an extension of his contract through August 2026.[9] Tovey held these titles until his death in July 2022.[10]

Following Tovey's death, the orchestra named Tania Miller as its interim principal conductor in August 2022,[11] for the 2022-2023 season.[12] the first titled female conductor in the orchestra's history. In September 2023, Robert Spano first guest-conducted the RI Philharmonic. In January 2024, the orchestra announced the appointment of Spano as its principal conductor, with immediate effect.[13]

In February 2023, Ruth Reinhardt made her first guest-conducting appearance with the orchestra.[14] She returned for a second guest-conducting appearance in January 2024.[15] In June 2024, the Rhode Island Philharmonic announced the appointment of Reinhardt as its next music director, effective with the 2025-2026 season. She took the title of music director-designate with immediate effect. This appointment marks Reinhardt's first leadership post.[16] Reinhardt is the second titled female conductor in the orchestra's history, and the first female conductor to be named music director of the Rhode Island Philharmonic. In parallel with Reinhardt's appointment, Spano is scheduled to stand down as the orchestra's principal conductor at the close of the 2024-2025 season, and subsequently to take the title of principal guest conductor of the orchestra.[16]

Music directors

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  • Francis Madeira (1945-1978)
  • Alvaro Cassuto (1979-1985)
  • Andrew Massey (1986-1991)
  • Zuohuang Chen (1992-1996)
  • Larry Rachleff (1996-2017)
  • Ruth Reinhardt (designate, effective 2025)

Other conductors in leadership positions

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  • Bramwell Tovey (principal conductor and artistic director, 2021-2022)
  • Tania Miller (interim principal conductor, 2022-2023)
  • Robert Spano (principal conductor, 2024-present)

Music school

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The RI Philharmonic is the only fully integrated professional orchestra and music school in United States. Alan Fox founded the music school component of the organisation, which educates over 1,500 students statewide on a weekly basis, with education of an additional 13,000 students through periodic partnerships, residencies, education concerts and in-school performances.[17] The educational programme of the school spans includes classical music, popular music, jazz, and rhythm & blues.[2]

In December 2006, the RI Philharmonic moved into a permanent facility on Waterman Avenue in East Providence. Known as the Carter Center for Music Education & Performance since the autumn of 2008, the facility houses the organisation's administrative offices and is the only facility of its kind in Rhode Island. In the autumn of 2011, the facility added an electronic keyboard and technology lab. [17]

References

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  1. ^ "Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra". AllBusiness.com.[dead link‍]
  2. ^ a b Winans, Jay D. (2001). Rhode Island. A Guide to American States. Mankato, Minn.: Weigl Publishers. p. 25. ISBN 1-930954-84-0. OCLC 47973339.
  3. ^ "RISCA Artist Detail: RI Philharmonic Orchestra & Music School". Rhode Island State Council on the Arts. Retrieved 9 February 2015.
  4. ^ "Distinguished Alumnus Awards". Avon Old Farms. Retrieved 21 November 2010.
  5. ^ "Jean and Francis Madeira Papers". Rhode Island Historical Society. Retrieved 21 November 2010.
  6. ^ "Brown Glee Club". The Evening Independent. March 25, 1964.
  7. ^ "Larry Rachleff, Former Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra Music Director, Passes Away at 67" (Press release). Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra and Music School. 10 August 2022. Retrieved 2024-06-06.
  8. ^ "R.I. Philharmonic names Bramwell Tovey new conductor" (Press release). Providence Journal. 2019-09-08. Retrieved 2024-06-06.
  9. ^ "Maestro Bramwell Tovey Extends Contract and Expands Role With Rhode Island Philharmonic" (Press release). Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra and Music School. 10 December 2021. Retrieved 2024-06-06.
  10. ^ "Bramwell Tovey, Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra Principal Conductor and Artistic Director, Passes Away" (Press release). Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra and Music School. 13 July 2022. Retrieved 2024-06-06.
  11. ^ "Tania Miller joins RI Philharmonic Orchestra & Music School as Interim Principal Conductor for 2022-2023 Season" (Press release). Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra and Music School. 3 August 2022. Retrieved 2024-06-06.
  12. ^ Klamkin, Steve (13 July 2022). "RI Philharmonic's conductor Tovey dies". WPRO.
  13. ^ "RI Philharmonic Announces Robert Spano as Principal Conductor" (Press release). Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra. 4 January 2024. Retrieved 2024-06-06.
  14. ^ Danielle Meath (2023-02-15). "THE STORY BEHIND: Bacewicz's Overture". Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra & Music School. Retrieved 2024-06-06.
  15. ^ "MEET THE CONDUCTOR: Ruth Reinhardt". Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra & Music School. 2024-01-08. Retrieved 2024-06-06.
  16. ^ a b "RI Philharmonic Announces Ruth Reinhardt as Music Director" (Press release). Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra & Music School. 3 June 2024. Retrieved 2024-06-06.
  17. ^ a b The Music School. Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra. Retrieved November 18, 2010.
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