Rochester, MI — The Rochester Symphony Orchestra invites you to “Reassurance and Peace,” an evening of live orchestral music that promises to move, inspire, and linger long after the final note. Join us Friday, May 22, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Rochester for a performance you will not soon forget.

Under the baton of Maestro Zeljko Milicevic, this exceptional, captivating performance brings to life the extraordinary artistry and versatility of the orchestra’s finest musicians.

The orchestra is thrilled to feature the remarkable clarinetist Staff Sgt. Nick Thompson, a distinguished member of “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band. Renowned for his artistry and dedication, Nick has earned a Doctor of Musical Arts (2023) and a Master of Music (2018) from the University of Michigan, as well as a Bachelor of Music (2016) from George Mason University, all in Clarinet Performance. His performances with the Marine Band and Marine Chamber Orchestra—at the White House and throughout the nation during the band’s annual concert tour—have captivated audiences and demonstrated his exceptional talent and passion for music.

The program features works by Carl Maria von Weber, Michael Torke, and George Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess Concert Suite No. 1” and “Walking the Dog.”

We are proud to announce that Matthew Averyt, a 21-year-old cellist and winner of the 2026 Rita May-Young Artist Competition, has been selected as this season’s featured SOLOIST. Matthew will perform Antonín Dvorák’s Concerto for Cello and Orchestra, No. 2 in B minor, Opus 104, third movement with the RSO. Matthew began his cello studies at age 11 and is now a senior at the University of Michigan, where he serves as co-principal cellist of the University Symphony Orchestra. He has earned top prizes in several competitions and has performed with orchestras across the United States. We eagerly anticipate Matthew’s concert appearance with the RSO.

Tickets are $30 for adults and $5 for students and may be purchased at
https://www.rochestersymphony.com/events/reassurance-and-peace or by calling our box office at 248-651-4181. Additionally, consider gifting our concert tickets—what a wonderful present for any lover of classical music.
 
The Rochester Symphony Orchestra invites music lovers, families, and newcomers alike to celebrate the enduring power of orchestral music.