In the more than sixty years since its inception, the Richey Community Orchestra has grown into an impressive ensemble of 45-50 people. Led by President Denise Isaacson and her husband Lynn Isaacson, this orchestra strives to provide quality musical performances for its community. Crafting a six-concert season with their energy despite having most players being volunteer or amateur musicians, this is an inspiring look at the ability of community foundations to bring art into the lives of its citizens.
Dedicated to Quality Performances
The Richey Community Orchestra (RCO) is dedicated to providing high-quality performances for their community. With a six-concert season, the orchestra has grown from its original trio of musicians into a 45-50-person ensemble. The members of this orchestra are both professional and amateur musicians who volunteer their time and talents. Executive Director/President Denise Isaacson remarks “The RCO puts on terrific, affordable concerts that our community can enjoy.” Since 1957, the Richey Community Orchestra has been enriching its citizens with a diverse range of cultures.
Isaacson, who has been with the orchestra since 1981 and serves as Principal Clarinet and Saxophone player, has now completed her 51st consecutive season. She also performs professionally in musicals and Broadway tour productions throughout Florida.
Lynn Isaacson’s Dedication to the RCO
Lynn Isaacson has been at the helm of the River City Orchestra (RCO) for many years, expertly planning seasons of music even through the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. She is responsible for booking soloists, directing the RCO Chorus, and, until recently, maintaining the massive music library. The City of New Port Richey generously offered the SunTrust building as a temporary home for the library. Lynn’s dedication to the RCO over the years has enabled the growth of the orchestra to what it is today: a thriving community of musicians. She beams with pride when talking about how far the RCO has come since she first joined in its early days with just 12 or 15 members.
Welcoming John Marcellus as the New Director
The Richey Community Orchestra (RCO) is proud to welcome esteemed musician John Marcellus as their new director. Taking the reins from last year’s director Stephen P. Brown, who stepped down mid-season, Marcellus is sure to bring a wealth of knowledge and skill to the orchestra. With a lineup of both classical and contemporary selections, the upcoming season promises to be entertaining for all. Excited to reach a larger audience this year, the RCO looks forward to sharing the joy of music with everyone.
They kick off the season with Music of the Knights, a tribute to three of Britain’s most legendary and successful songwriters – Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, Sir Elton John, and Sir Paul McCartney. The performance will also feature the RCO Chorus, making it an event not to be missed. Tickets are available for $18.
Christmas Cabaret Dinner Show
The Spartan Manor will be hosting a Christmas Cabaret Dinner Show, featuring the talented musicians of RCO, on Sunday, Dec. 10th. Audiences can look forward to hearing some festive holiday music and being treated to a performance by several of the musicians as soloists.
Konstantin Dimitrov is a highly respected professional musician with over 20 years of experience in the industry, having performed with some of the world’s most famous stars, such as Yo-Yo Ma, Andrea Bocelli, and Joshua Bell. He is also the concertmaster of the Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra. This is an event not to be missed!
