Rochester, N.Y. - A Pittsford native is leading the Rochester Philharmonic orchestra this week.
Ward Stare served as guest conductor of the RPO Thursday night. Stare is a 1999 graduate of Pittsford Mendon High School.
Since leaving Rochester, Stare has performed in or conducted orchestras in Los Angeles, St. Louis, London and Chicago.
Stare filled in as a trombone player with the RPO in the early 2000s. He said his return to Rochester has been a great way to reunite with the RPO, and to see old friends and family.
"I haven't ever conducted them before, so I'm having a ball this week," Stare said.
Stare will lead performances again Friday in Ithaca, and back in Rochester at the Eastman Theatre on Saturday.
