In 1976 Virginia Hogan, SSJ, the conductor of the Diocesan Festival Chorus in Rochester and music director for the Sisters of Saint Joseph Motherhouse Chapel, was asked by Perinton’s Clergy-Lay Council to prepare a concert for the town’s Bicentennial Celebration of the Independence of the United States. Calling on town residents, Virginia brought together 40 singers for this concert. Later that year a small orchestra joined the group to perform Handel’s “Messiah”, initiating our organization. Incorporated as the Perinton Community Chorus and Orchestra, the group grew from 40 singers to well over 130 singers and instrumentalists from not only Fairport, but also Rochester, Pittsford, Penfield, Victor, Greece, Webster, Honeoye Falls and other towns east of the Genesee. With representation from many towns in the Greater Rochester Area, the Perinton Community Chorus and Orchestra changed its name to the Genesee Valley Orchestra and Chorus (GVOC).
Virginia applied her skills not only to the musical direction of GVOC but also to organizational development and administration. Her efforts were key to GVOC’s growth and longevity. During the 1980’s and 1990’s GVOC travelled to Europe presenting concerts in England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy. In 2003, Virginia retired and Raffaele Ponti assumed leadership as GVOC’s music director until 2012, when Edward Schell became its interim conductor. In 2014, Dr. Christoper Petit assumed leadership as GVOC's Music Director. Dr. Petit has moved GVOC forward as a group and develops inspiring programs that thrill audiences near and far.
Bonded in friendship, GVOC members delight in sharing their musical talents and versatility. GVOC has developed a repertoire ranging from spirituals to show tunes and folk songs to oratorios. The Genesee Valley Orchestra and Chorus is dedicated to providing opportunities for musical growth for its members and enriching the lives of area residents by presenting high quality musical performances throughout the Genesee Valley. The Genesee Valley Orchestra and Chorus aspires to be:
CORONAVIRUS UPDATE - At this point in time, GVOC is operating in a hybrid capacity - offering Livestream options for the chorus and orchestra, as well as in-person and masked. We are a vaccinated group and require vaccinations against coronavirus. We watch the science and make determinations about continuing to mask on a monthly basis right now.
We are pleased to announce that we are back rehearsing for our 2022/2023 season at Johanna Perrin Middle School in the BAND/ORCHESTRA room.
The chorus will begin rehearsing for the season on Tuesday, September 13, 2022 in the Johanna Perrin Middle School BAND/ORCHESTRA ROOM starting at 7pm and running through 8:30/9:00 pm depending on the needs for the rehearsal September through June.
The orchestra will begin rehearsing for the season on Thursday, September 22, 2022 in the Johanna Perrin Middle School BAND/ORCHESTRA ROOM starting at 7pm and running through 8:30/9:00 pm depending on the needs for the rehearsal September through June.