Welcome to the Genesee
Symphony Orchestra

Where music meets community

The Genesee Symphony Orchestra is a dynamic regional orchestra that presents an ambitious portfolio of concerts for the enrichment of our community through high-quality performances, educational opportunities, guest artists, and partnerships. Founded in 1947, it is one of the oldest civic orchestras in New York State.

Upcoming Events

Our Mission—to link a diverse public with the arts—is paramount to everything we do. From our annual Meet the Orchestra event to the Young Artist Competition and String Workshop, the GSO engages the community and brings a distinct awareness of the arts to our rural region.

The 2024-2025
GSO Season

The GSO is pleased to be affiliated with Genesee Community College as the Orchestra in Residence since February 2005.

The Stuart Steiner Theatre is the GSO home for most regular season concerts, and qualified GCC students may enroll for college credit through performance with the GSO.

This project is made possible with funds from the Decentralization Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council of the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature
and administered by GoArt!

Join the GSO!

Join the Genesee Symphony Orchestra and become part of a vibrant musical family that's making a real difference.

We welcome players of all orchestral instruments and skill levels.

As a GSO member, you'll perform a diverse repertoire from classical masterpieces to contemporary local compositions, collaborating with talented musicians while enriching our rural region's culture.

Our inclusive environment fosters musical growth and lasting friendships. Weekly rehearsals culminate in inspiring concerts that captivate our community.

Audition for the GSO today and help us continue to transform lives through the power of orchestral music.

“Being part of the GSO allows me to pursue my passion for music while making a meaningful impact in our community. It's a joy to collaborate with such talented musicians and bring beautiful orchestral performances to our region.”

- Melzie Case, GSO Orchestra President

Support the GSO

An endowment fund was set up in the year of the orchestra’s 50th anniversary. The opportunity to have a part in this endowment is made available to supporters, businesses, and members and helps ensure the future of the orchestra.

Show your support for the GSO by adding to the endowment today!

Meet Our Conductor

S. Shade Zajac
Conductor and Music Director

  • S. Shade Zajac is a freelance conductor, composer, and cellist. He serves as the Principal Conductor and Music Director of the Genesee Symphony Orchestra, the Finger Lakes Symphony Orchestra, and the Orchard Park Symphony Orchestra.

    Zajac has conducted various ensembles, including the Nazareth College Chamber and Symphony Orchestras, OpusWerkes No. 2, and the Greater Rochester Women's Philharmonic. Notable achievements include:

    • Paul Vermel 2015-2016 Apprenticeship with the Northwest Symphony Orchestra in Chicago

    • Fellowship in the BCO December 2025 Workshop under Maestro Markland Thakar

    • Participant in the 8th Ithaca International Conducting Master Class

    • Conducted performances of Berio's "Folk Songs" and Mahler's "Fourth Symphony"

    • Led the Genesee Symphony Orchestra in Tchaikovsky's "Violin Concerto" featuring David Kim, Concertmaster of the Philadelphia Orchestra (March 2018)

    Zajac is the founder of the Seneca Summer Music Festival and Orchestra, which raises funds for charities and brings classical music to Upstate New York communities. He is also a founding member of the Asteria Quartet.

    As a cellist, Zajac has served as Principal Cellist for the Nazareth College Chamber and Symphony Orchestras and the Roberts Wesleyan College Community Orchestra. He won the Nazareth College Concerto/Aria Competition in 2012 and 2014 under Professor Mimi Hwang's tutelage.

    A prolific composer, Zajac has written works for various instruments and ensembles, including solo cello, string quartets, concertos, and orchestral pieces. His first symphony is dedicated to his teacher, Nancy Strelau, the Greater Rochester Women's Philharmonic, and the Nazareth College Symphony Orchestra. In October 2018, the Genesee Symphony Orchestra premiered his composition "Electric Dream for Acoustic Orchestra."

  • Dear friends,

    I am beyond honored to be your new conductor and music director and am looking forward to an exciting and vibrant inaugural season.

    We have some wonderful music in store for you including some “old favorites” and pieces you may never have heard before.Our season will start with Dana Wilson’s fiery “Shortcut Home”, and the lush and expansive Scheherazade by Rimsky-Korsakov.

    The Program will also include two of our three Young Artist winners.

    Next we will have our annual Holiday Concert that will provide a fresh take on holiday favorites. The concert will also feature our third and final Young Artist Winner and renowned soprano Emily Helenbrook.

    Our third concert is one of epic proportions as world-renowned pianist Brian Preston joins the GSO to bring you the first Piano Concerto of Johannes Brahms.

    Finally, we will close out our season by venturing into the vast beyond of space with Gustav Holst’s beloved piece “The Planets”.

    The orchestra and I are excited to bring you this season, and we hope to see you all at the concerts!

    ~S. Shade Zajac