Rochester Philharmonic mixes microbrews and music

StareChairHappy hour took on a new meaning for the players of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra recently.

In collaboration with the Rochester Young Professionals Network, the group performed Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony in an event dubbed “Beethoven and Brews.”

Ward Stare, 2011 Solti Foundation U.S. Career Assistance award winner, led the performance. Stare’s been at the helm of the RSO for just over a season, and will announce a new lineup in the coming weeks.

The Upstate New York ensemble’s made several moves recently to grow excitement in the community, including the release of a new smartphone app, an appearance in a local TV commercial, and engaging events like the collaboration with Rochester’s Young Professionals.

Rochester’s Democrat & Chronicle report’s that orchestra’s had a rough couple of seasons, but seems to be improving it’s community engagement and programming more accessible seasons for it’s audiences.

And under the direction of Ward Stare, it seems the ensemble will continue to prosper, attracting new and unexpected members through events such as “Beethoven and Brews.”