Founded in 1953, the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra (RSO) is the largest professional orchestra in Virginia west of Richmond. The RSO's mission is to enrich lives, to educate, and to entertain diverse audiences in western Virginia with the highest quality instrumental and choral concerts, and to enhance traditional performances with innovative programming in a welcoming acoustical environment. Since its founding, the orchestra has been recognized nationally for its artistic achievements, its innovative education programs and its unique outreach to diverse audiences. The RSO family also includes the Roanoke Symphony Chorus, a volunteer organization that performs with the Orchestra approximately three times per year. RSO's education programs include in-school concerts and ensembles, and the Roanoke Youth Symphony Orchestra.