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Every day there are exciting things going on in Rochester's cultural arts community. Classical 91.5 hosts collaborate with and create highlights of various arts organizations, musicians and artists in and around our community.

Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra extends Maestro Andreas Delfs' contract

Maestro Andreas Delfs has earned a stellar reputation as one of the most respected conductors in the orchestra world and was appointed Music Director of RPO in January 2021. Yesterday, the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra announced that it has extended Maestro Delfs’ contract as the orchestra’s Music Director, through the end of the 2028-2029 season.

During his tenure, Delfs has reinvigorated the Rochester Philharmonic both musically and institutionally. The orchestra’s Comprehensive Capital Campaign has raised more than $40 million in cash and commitments toward its $50M goal, building on the orchestra’s 100-year legacy that embraces both tradition & innovation.

Delfs is a champion of commissioning new music, and working with RPO staff, they have secured funding for Voices of Today, a five-season commissioning, recording and storytelling initiative. Delfs has also spearheaded a variety of programs that give children and adults new ways to engage with the orchestra.

Concertmaster Juliana Athayde said, “We are thrilled to continue our artistic relationship with Maestro Delfs. The RPO is experiencing inspirational growth under his leadership, and we can’t wait to see what lies ahead."

RPO President and CEO Curt Long said, “We are thrilled to extend Andreas Delfs’ tenure at the RPO. He has exceeded our expectations, leading us through our centennial season and launching us into our second century with powerful and inspired leadership.

The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) has been committed to enriching and inspiring our community through the art of music since its origins in 1922. RPO Music Director Andreas Delfs took on the post in 2021, following notable RPO music directors Erich Leinsdorf, David Zinman, Mark Elder, and Conductor Laureate Christopher Seaman.