Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra Receives Getty Foundation Grant

The Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra (RSO) is one of only twenty-two orchestras from across the United States selected by the League of American Orchestras to receive a Getty Education and Community Investment Grant. The grant was awarded to develop the orchestra’s partnership with SPHERE (Special People Housing, Education, Recreation and Employment), and is a recognition of RSO’s innovation and dedication to increasing its relevance to the community.

The RSO/SPHERE partnership is a three-pronged program designed for adults with developmental disabilities participating in SPHERE’s Performing Arts Program. Orchestra musicians visit SPHERE’s weekly Performing Arts Group meetings, playing music from the upcoming RSO performance and engaging participants in musical activities. SPHERE members receive complimentary tickets to all RSO performances, which are made much more meaningful through the prior visits by orchestra musicians, strengthening their connection to music and orchestra. The final element in the program is performance- the orchestra has commissioned internationally-acclaimed composer Chris Brubeck to write a piece to be jointly performed by the RSO and SPHERE Performing Arts Group members on the orchestra’s opening performance of the 2016-17 Season.

“I cannot express how happy we are to receive funding from the Getty Foundation for our partnership with SPHERE,” states Larry Kopp, RSO Executive Director. “We established this program simply to try to help others through the power of music and reach a segment of our community that we had never before been able to support through our programs. To be able to help others truly has is its own rewards. We never sought the limelight, so to be recognized through this prestigious program is humbling and truly a great honor for the RSO and the entire community.”

A total of $425,000 was awarded for this year’s grants, the fourth year of the $2 million re-granting program made possible by the Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation. The orchestras, encompassing a full range of budget sizes, will receive individual grants ranging from $15,000 to $27,500 for a variety of community-based programs taking place during the 2015-16 Season.

“Our $15,000 grant makes possible the commissioning of a new work by Chris Brubeck, which is incredibly exciting for all of us, as well as an expansion of and assured funding for our partnership with SPHERE,” states Kopp. “The RSO exists to support the community. That we are able to support our community in such a unique way, in a way no other orchestra nationwide is doing, is truly a source of pride for us and a testament to all residents of Fairfield and Westchester Counties.”