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Contact Information: Jeffery Amundson Executive Director Rochester Symphony Orchestra & Chorale 507-286-8742 jeffa@rochestersymphony.org

For Immediate Release: Rochester Symphony Orchestra & Chorale Celebrates Area Veterans Weekend celebration includes Sunday fundraiser at Big Brads on Broadway

ROCHESTER, Minn. (November 7, 2012) ― Rochester Symphony Orchestra & Chorale

(RSOC) and its season sponsor RBC Wealth Management proudly honor local veterans, current

military members, and their families in the upcoming concert, “Heroes & Veterans”, taking

place on Saturday November 17, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. at Mayo Civic Center Presentation Hall.

For this concert, RSOC creates not only a symphonic experience, but an event that engages the

community in honoring local military sacrifices. “Community engagement is an ongoing mission

for us at RSOC, but ‘Heroes & Veterans’ in particular is more than musical enrichment – it’s

about honoring our community members who served and gave their lives for our country,” stated

Jeffery Amundson, Rochester Symphony Orchestra & Chorale’s Executive Director. The concert

celebrates our American heroes who have served throughout our country’s history and in

particular will pay special tribute to our area’s veterans and those currently serving with a moving

photo choreography video.

Featured music includes:

GOULD: American Salute

WILLIAMS: Hymn to the Fallen from the film, “Saving Private Ryan”

ADAMS: The Wound Dresser, featuring guest artist Jonathan Kimple, baritone

RODGERS: Victory at Sea

TCHAIKOVSKY: Overture for the Year 1812

To make this concert into an event that serves heroes and veterans, RSOC has teamed up with

Elks Lodge #1091, Canadian Honker Enterprises, Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, Operation

Hometown Gratitude, and Broadway Residence and Suites to offer a variety of resources for past

and present service members and their families. A pre-concert reception by Canadian Honker

kicks-off festivities at 6:15 p.m.; OHG will collect goods needed by service men & women; and

information for current military members, veterans and their families will be provided by Beyond

the Yellow Ribbon and the Elks. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring items to donate such as

protein bars, instant drink mixes (Gatorade, Crystal Light), shaving cream, combs & hair brushes,

prepaid phone cards, etc. A complete list of items to donate can be found at

www.give2thetroops.org

Extending the event through the weekend, RSOC welcomes all to attend Big Brad’s on

Broadway, Sunday, November 18th

from 2 to 5 p.m. featuring RSOC celebrity bartenders

and musicians. All tips raised on Sunday will go towards RSOC’s programing and community

outreach.

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“The Rochester Symphony Orchestra is honored to have the opportunity to salute our area

veterans and those who currently serve our country,” said Maestro Jere Lantz. “This program also

brings together area organizations that are continuing to help our men and women overseas.”

About Rochester Symphony Orchestra & Chorale:

Founded in 1919, the Rochester Symphony Orchestra & Chorale (RSOC) is committed to serving

the Rochester community and region by preserving, nurturing and advancing the healing power of

music. In 1995 the orchestra and chorale separated from the City of Rochester to become an independent

non-profit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. As such, the RSOC survives upon the donations of

individuals, businesses and grants to sustain its programs and outreach. Guest artists from around the

world frequently join RSOC’s 70 gifted professional musicians, as well as RSOC's talented and

committed volunteer chorale. RSOC serves the community through youth and adult education

programs, and community outreach. For more information visit rochestersymphony.org

About Beyond the Yellow Ribbon & Operation Hometown Gratitude:

Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Southeast Minnesota is focused on serving and supporting service

men and women and their families who live in Olmsted County and the surrounding Southeast

Minnesota region. More information can be found at beyondtheyellowribbonsemn.com.

Operation Hometown Gratitude (OHG) is a District-wide effort started by students of the public

high schools in Rochester, Minnesota, to support local troops stationed overseas by sending care

packages. For more information go to rochester.k12.mn.us/page/3316.

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