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.
Volunteer
We are thankful for the many volunteers who support the GSO! Do you have a skill or talent or just want to lend a helping hand? Sign up below!
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.
Stay tuned for information on the GSO’s exciting
2026-2027 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
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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."
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Dear Friends,
Thank you for a wonderful season of music. The GSO and I had such a fantastic time presenting these concerts filled with exciting and diverse music. As I said at our final concert in April, it takes an immense amount of people to make our performances possible. We are so fortunate to have a passionate and hard working Board of Directors, Operations and Personnel Managers, hospitality works, volunteers, the wonderful Genesee Community College, our incomparable musicians in the Orchestra, and of course you, our faithful and supportive audience and community. I thank all of you from the bottom of my heart for helping make this Orchestra something truly special and a place that I am proud to call my musical home.
While I am sad that this season has come to an end, there is much to look forward to for our next season. Although, I cannot tell you much of anything yet, I will say that it will be my 10th season as Conductor and Music Director of the GSO! As such, there will be many special, unique, and wild things in store, and I cannot wait to share it all with you soon! Wishing you all a safe and relaxing Summer, and we will be back before you know it!
~Shade