Rapides Symphony Orchestra

The Rapides Symphony Orchestra is a regional, professional orchestra based in Alexandria, Louisiana. The orchestra, which was founded in 1967 by a group of community musicians, performed its first concerts under the baton of founding director Arthur King. After the untimely death of Maestro King, William Kushner was appointed music director from 1968 until 2003. Under his leadership, the orchestra expanded its season, activities, and became the fully professional ensemble that it is today. Joshua Zona was named music director in 2004 and has held the position for the past 16 seasons, continuing the organization's growth with increased educational programs, community involvement, and artistic excellence. Musicians of the Symphony come from all over the state of Louisiana and beyond to perform a series of 6 to 8 concerts each season ranging from our annual "Pops on the River" to the greatest classical repertoire written for orchestra. The Symphony's season typically runs from September through April comprising six concerts at the orchestra's home, the Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center in downtown Alexandria.