On May 11, 1922, the members of the Rome Symphony Orchestra sat in anticipation as they were awaiting their first performance.

Now, some 89 years later, the orchestra is gearing up for its 90th season of performing music for the community.

“An orchestra is really a mirror the cultural values of a community and it is really remarkable that Rome has been performing for almost 90 years,” said Richard Pryor, the conductor and the music director of the Rome Symphony Orchestra, billed as the oldest symphony in the South.

Pryor, who spoke to the Rome Rotary Club on Thursday, began conducting for the Rome Symphony Orchestra in 2008.

He is also the director of orchestra

studies at Emory University and conducts Emory University’s youth orchestra.

According to Pryor, a large amount of work and dedication is put into the Rome Symphony Orchestra.

“One can never underestimate the amount of work it takes to present those 60 or so members of the orchestra on stage,” he said, “It’s really extraordinary.”

The Rome Symphony Orchestra hosts many fundraisers each year.

“The whole experience doesn’t happen without the community’s support,” said Pryor.

In 1919, Edith Lester Harbin founded the Rome Music Lovers Club and the Junior Music Club and created the first junior orchestra in Georgia.

In 1921, her orchestra combined with Paul Nixon’s symphonic band to create the Rome Symphony Orchestra.

“I would very much encourage you to come out and experience one of the local treasures in Rome that is the Rome Symphony Orchestra,” said Pryor.