A BRIEF HISTORY

The Rockland Symphony was born as the "Suburban Symphony" in 1952 under the leadership of conductor Edward Simons. It was a group of 20 musicians. The Symphonette was supported by the Rockland Foundation, now known as the Rockland Center for the Arts. In 1955, with membership at 50, the Symphonette became independently incorporated as the Suburban Symphony Association, Inc. Later it became known as the Rockland suburban symphony.In 1963 Mr. Simons took a leave of absence to take the show "Camelot" on a national tour. George Koutzen became the conductor. Mr. Koutzen's tenure lasted until 1974, when he left Rockland County to take a performing job in California. A professional conductor, Ugo Didio, was hired. Mr. Simons resumed the directorship of the Symphony in 1977. Also in 1977 the Symphony was named Rockland Community College's " orchestra in residence" and began performing at the College's new Cultural Arts Center. In 1989 it began doing business as the Rockland Symphony.