Gerard Floriano Named New Artistic Director of Rochester Chamber Orchestra

The Rochester Chamber Orchestra is pleased to announce that Gerard Floriano has been named as Artistic Director for the 2014/2015 season, and he will become the orchestra's Music Director in August, 2015. David Fetler will continue in his role as Music Director for the upcoming season. The Rochester community has been very fortunate to experience the high quality of the RCO under Dr. Fetler's innovative and strong leadership. When Gerard Floriano becomes Music Director at the conclusion of the upcoming season, David Fetler will become Conductor Laureate, whereby he will direct the annual performance of Handel's Messiah

Gerard Floriano has a very impressive background, and the RCO is thrilled that he will become David Fetler's successor. For an extensive look at Maestro Floriano's background and current activities, please visit the following web link: http://gerardfloriano.com/bios

This will be a very busy year for Gerard Floriano. In addition to his role as Professor of Music at SUNY Geneseo and a residency in Italy, he is also the visionary force and Artistic Director of the newly formed Finger Lakes Opera. FLO will be presenting its inaugural production of Bizet's Carmen on August 8th and 10th, at SUNY Geneseo's Wadsworth Auditorium, under Maestro Floriano's musical direction. Dr. Floriano is also conductor of the Greater Buffalo Youth Orchestra, which has recently toured Europe.

The Rochester Chamber Orchestra's 2014/2015 season promises to feature innovative programming and meaningful themes. On October 12th, the orchestra will open its season with a tribute to the late Jan DeGaetani, the much beloved professor of voice at the Eastman School of Music and renowned concert artist. The concert, conducted by Dr. Floriano, will commemorate the 25th anniversary of DeGaetani's death, and will feature works by women composers. The orchestra's annual performance of Handel's Messiah is scheduled for December 7th, directed by Dr. Fetler. Details of the entire season will be forthcoming.