Question 1

History & Founder

Accepted Answer

The Rivers Symphony Orchestra (RSO) is a vibrant ensemble of The Rivers School Conservatory in Weston, Massachusetts. Founded in 1996 by former RSC Music Director David Tierney, the orchestra was created to provide meaningful performance opportunities for talented adult musicians in the community. As its membership and musicianship flourished, the ensemble steadily expanded its repertoire to include increasingly ambitious and challenging works.In 2021, Maestro Christopher Memoli took the podium, bringing renewed energy and artistic vision. Under his leadership, the group has evolved into a full symphonic orchestra, performing standard symphonic repertoire with depth and distinction. Today, the orchestra is composed of dedicated community members, area music teachers, and many of Maestro Memoli’s former students — united by a shared passion for making exceptional music together.We are a growing orchestra and are always introducing new music into our repertoire.

Question 2

Music Director & Conductor

Accepted Answer

Christopher Memoli is the Music Director/Conductor of both the Rivers School Conservatory Youth Orchestras and Rivers Symphony Orchestra. Since founding the Rivers Youth Orchestras in 2001, Mr. Memoli has led the growth of this program from one elementary orchestra to over 300 students in five orchestras. In addition, he conducts the acclaimed Rivers Youth Symphony Orchestra. In the fall of 2021, Mr. Memoli assumed the podium as the Music Director/Conductor of the Rivers Symphony Orchestra and has since re-energized the ensemble. He is thrilled to be working with this exceptional group of adult community players, former students, local teachers and music lovers of all kinds.In addition to his responsibilities at the Rivers School Conservatory, Mr. Memoli is the retired Director of Music for the Weston Public Schools where he supervised the K-12 music program and taught high school band and orchestra. During his 28-year tenure in Weston, Mr. Memoli oversaw the development of one of the most outstanding music programs in Massachusetts.Mr. Memoli holds the degrees Bachelor of Music Education and Master of Music in Conducting from the University of South Carolina. In addition, he holds a graduate degree in Educational Administration. Mr. Memoli studied violin with Donald Portnoy, Luis Haza and Robert Gerle and studied conducting with Donald Portnoy, Harold Ferberman, Daniel Lewis and Lukas Foss.Mr. Memoli has conducted orchestras in 16 countries across North America and Europe. As Head Director for American Music Abroad, he has led 17 European concert tours, inspiring musicians through international performance and cultural exchange. Mr. Memoli is in demand as a guest conductor, adjudicator, freelance violinist and violin teacher. He currently serves as President of the Massachusetts Chapter of the American String Teachers Association (ASTA) and was named the 2008 Massachusetts Orchestra Director of the Year.

Question 3

Openings

Accepted Answer

RSO has openings for the following: Violin, Viola, Cello, String Bass, and Bassoon. Interested musicians should contact Ensemble Manager Bruce Goody (bpgoody@gmail.com) to set up an interview. The RSO rehearses on Mondays from 7:30-9:30 p.m. during the academic year.

Question 4

Contact

Accepted Answer

Please contact Ensemble Manager Bruce Goody for more information or to interview/audition for RSO.

Rivers Symphony Orchestra

About Rivers Symphony Orchestra (RSO)

History & Founder

Music Director & Conductor

Openings

Contact

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