Rochester Phil deserves encore

The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra’s 19-year run as Vail’s resident orchestra has come to an end.

As it is with most things in the real world, money has a lot to do with it.

The Dallas Symphony Orchestra will replace the Rochester Philharmonic, and is expected to bring with them thousands of dollars of contributions that will help the Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival’s bottom line.

The Dallas Symphony Orchestra was “rotated out” in 2007, and since then Bravo! has lost about $200,000 in contributions.

We’re sad to see the Rochester Philharmonic go. They have been a significant part of the Bravo! classical music series, which has grown into one of Vail’s premier summer attractions. Having a nationally recognized orchestra like the Rochester Philharmonic has given the series the clout to attract renowned musicians like violinist Jennifer Koh, who performed with the orchestra earlier this month.

One of the greatest things about the Bravo! music series is the diverse crowd it attracts. Bravo! donors, local dignitaries and classical music aficionados often fill the more expensive seats under the canopy at the Ford Amphitheater, while young families and local workers crowd the grassy area behind. Bravo! has made classical music accessible and exciting to listeners of all ages.

The Rochester Philharmonic, in particular, has exposed young listeners to the magic of Mozart, the romance of Beethoven and the elegance of Mendelssohn.

Their last performance was Friday, and the Bravo! Program had the orchestra playing patriotic songs in a fitting tribute to Independence Day.

We hope many in the Vail Valley attended Friday’s performance and gave the orchestra an appropriate send-off with a standing ovation.

It might be enough to prompt an encore performance in the future.