About Us

Our Mission

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.

Our Vision

The Genesee Valley Orchestra and Chorus aspires to be:

  • A thriving, diverse organization that reaches out to audiences of all ages, races, religions, cultures, and geographic regions within the Genesee Valley.
  • A model community performing group, committed to the highest standards of performance, collaboration with community partners, and sound organizational management.

Our Music Director

Raffaele Ponti, internationally accomplished and acclaimed conductor, begins his fifth season with GVOC. Raffaele’s musicianship and charismatic personality connects with musicians and audiences alike, resulting in exciting and inspiring performances! Members say:

  • "he is dedicated to our musical development and success"
  • "it is such a joy to perform it with Raffaele on the podium"
  • "(he is) so wonderful, knowledgeable, and has a good sense of humor which makes the rehearsals very educational and enjoyable"
  • "(he) shares his enthusiasm and love of music with us"
  • "(It is) a privilege to learn from Raffaele"
  • "I feel as though I am getting a private music lesson every time I attend"

For detailed information see Raffaele’s bio.

Our Founder

In 1976, Virginia Hogan brought together 40 singers to participate in the Town of Perinton’s Bicentennial celebration. Later that year, a small orchestra joined the group to perform Handel’s Messiah, initiating an organization that is now beginning its 33rd season. 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.

Virginia established her musical presence not only with the Genesee Valley Orchestra and Chorus, but also as the conductor of the Diocesan Festival Chorus in Rochester and as music director for the Sisters of Saint Joseph Motherhouse Chapel. A Rochester native, she was an active member of the New York State Choral Directors’ Guild, the New York State School Musical Festivals, as well as frequent clinician and guest conductor at state, national and college festivals. She was awarded the Rochester Philharmonic League’s Fanfare Education Award. Virginia retired from GVOC in 2003. She is a member of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph, Rochester, New York.