Richardson Symphony Orchestra - Portraits in Music

This episode highlights the Richardson Symphony’s commitment to education and community engagement—why service is core to our mission, how programs reach students and families, and what it takes to sustain access to live music. We close with an invitation to Sunset Serenade on October 19, 2025 at The University of Texas at Dallas, a free community concert for everyone.

Key takeaways:

• Community is central to the orchestra’s purpose and programming.
• Education initiatives create access points for students and families.
• Community concerts remove barriers and build belonging.
• Donors and volunteers directly expand the reach and impact of these programs.
• Sunset Serenade (Oct 19, 2025, UT Dallas) is a free concert open to all.

Resources and links:

• Support our programs: https://richardsonsymphony.org/donate/
• Event: Sunset Serenade — Oct 19, 2025 at The University of Texas at Dallas (free community concert)

If this episode resonated with you, please share it with a friend, leave a rating, and consider supporting our programs at the link above.

Shanna Morin is the new co-host of the RSO “Portraits in Music” podcast. As the RSO Director of Audience Development, Shanna injects energy, warmth, and curiosity into conversations with Maestro Clay Couturiaux and special guests. Seasoned concertgoers and newcomers alike are invited into the vibrant world of live orchestral music.

Join Maestro Clay Couturiaux and producer Ross Sivertsen as we welcome the newest member of the RSO team, Director of Audience Development, Shanna Morin. We discuss the RSO "Stars of the Future" concert on March 1st, showcasing the incredible talent of Daria Podorozhnova, winner of the 2025 Ann & Charles Eisemann International Young Artist Competition. 

Join Executive Director Laurie Garvie, Maestro Clay Couturiaux, and producer Ross Sivertsen as we chat with Stockton Helbing about the RSO Holiday Classics Concert on December 7th. We dive into the vibrant world of live performance and the unique experience it offers. We also explore the irreplaceable magic of live music in an age dominated by digital recordings and the joy of discovering music in unexpected places. 

In this episode, Maestro Clay Couturiaux, Executive Director Laurie Garvie and Producer Ross Sivertsen discuss the repertoire for the RSO 2024/2025 Season. Maestro Couturiaux also shares insights into how he programs a concert season.

In this episode of Portraits in Music, Maestro Clay Couturiaux, Executive Director Laurie Garvie and Producer Ross Sivertsen have a captivating conversation with Chris Farrell about his journey as an orchestral musician and composer. From his early days playing viola to his current role in the Nashville Symphony, Chris shares his experience and insights into the world of classical music. Discover how he found his passion for composing, his creative process, and the joys and challenges of working with musicians and orchestras. 

Join us in conversation with Charles Eisemann and Eliane Menzel, winner of the 2024 Ann & Charles Eisemann International Young Artists Competition.

In our first segment, Maestro Couturiaux and podcast producer Ross Sivertsen dive into the heart of the March 2nd "Stars of the Future" Concert as we explore the intricacies and inspirations behind two monumental works that showcase the depth and diversity of classical music.

In our second segment, we're joined by Charles Eisemann, a true patron of the arts, as he shares his passion for music and the impact of the Richardson Symphony Orchestra on our community.

In conversation with Gary Cogill, longtime film critic at WFAA. Maestro Couturiaux, Executive Director Laurie Garvie, and Producer Ross Sivertsen explore some of Hollywood's most iconic characters and the musical geniuses who brought them to life. 

Our February 3rd Concert - "A Night at the Movies: Good Vs. Evil" will take you on an exciting journey From Bernard Herrmann's "Psycho" to the deep-sea horror of John Williams' "Jaws" to the sweeping landscapes of John Barry's "Dances With Wolves."

Special Holiday Edition of 'Portraits in Music':

Join Maestro Couturiaux and Ross Sivertsen in a fun-filled episode in conversation with David Lovrien, Kat Glaze, and Rick Holt of 5 Second Rule. Experience the magic as they perform with the Richardson Symphony Orchestra in their final performance as 5 Second Rule before they become Skyland. Visit Skyland Official for more!

Join us for an exciting episode of Portraits in Music where we chat with Nicholas Bardonnay of Westwater Arts about the American Landscapes Concert on November 4th.