L
ewis Dalvit founded the Beloit Civic Symphony in 1953. In 1971, it became the Beloit Janesville Symphony Orchestra, performing concerts regularly in the two Rock County communities. The founder was succeeded by composer and Beloit College Professor Crawford Gates who served as music director until ten years ago when Robert Tomaro assumed the post of music director and conductor. Dr. Tomaro is well known as a jazz guitarist and is also Shogren Family Conductor and professor of music for the Beloit College music department.
Since its founding, the Symphony has grown from 35 players to over 80. The Symphony performs a dozen concerts each year including concerts each spring for thousands of school children and has recorded six CDs.
The Beloit Janesville Symphony Orchestra has grown to attract players from throughout Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois as it has developed from a community orchestra of volunteers to a professional organization and non-profit corporation that provides the Stateline area with outstanding cultural programs year-round.
Learn more about BJS, including its current season, audition process, and Friends of BJS activities by visiting their website http://www.beloitjanesvillesymphony.org
