In the midst of the abundant natural wonders in the Roanoke Valley is a thriving arts community with deep roots and a strong cultural impact. Spanning the arts from music to dance, this year marks big milestones for some of Roanoke’s most cherished cultural organizations.

In 1953, Gibson Morrissey and a small group of dedicated musicians founded the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra (RSO). Over the last 65 years, the organization has grown into the largest professional orchestra in Virginia west of Richmond.