Arts & Culture
The moon rises above the levee, casting a soft glow over the hushed crowd of enraptured listeners relaxing on their blankets. The lilting notes of the violinist float on the summer air as young and old alike sense the special serenity of the moment.
Suddenly, the deep boom of the timpani rouses the crowd into a roar of applause as the orchestra reaches its finale. The spell is broken. But for a moment, on this warm summer's eve, everyone felt that age-old stirring of the heart in the presence of beautiful music.
The love affair between music and the residents of Rome and Floyd County began in the early 1900’s. The oldest symphony in the South, the  Rome Symphony Orchestra was formed in 1921. Now in their 84th season, the Rome Symphony Orchestra continues to provide quality orchestral concerts in their subscription series, providing four classical and two informal outdoor concerts to the community. In October 2000, Maestro Philip Rice was selected, and currently serves, as Conductor and Music Director. Mr. Rice has brought a new commitment and direction to the 60-member, professional orchestra. For more information, call 706-291-7967 or www.romesymphony.org. |
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The restored, historic DeSoto Theatre, built in 1929, is the home of the Rome Little Theatre today. Their productions are always well-attended affairs that include a regular season of plays, musicals, dramas, and youth programs. Each Christmas "The Nutcracker" showcases the talents of local children.
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Students and citizens alike benefit from having the Southeast's premier school of music,
Shorter College, right here in Rome. Shorter enrolls talented music and drama majors from around the country who present Broadway-caliber revues and plays throughout Europe, the United States, and at numerous local community events. Adding to Rome's cultural calendar each year, Berry College also offers an enticing array of musical programs.
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The literary-minded are equally proud of the $7 million Floyd County Library rising above the banks of the Oostanaula near Rome's historic downtown district. |
In the heart of downtown stands The Forum with its welcoming white arch towering high above its entrance and hinting of its  illustrious namesake from the ancient ruins of Rome, Italy. This $16 million civic complex, located on the Oostanaula River, hosts sporting events, family entertainment and concerts, business conventions, and a myriad selection of large banquets and meetings. The Forum has become the centerpiece for community culture and for spectacular riverfront development. |
Rome's cultural heritage has come of age. The fine music, art, and drama enjoyed throughout Rome and Floyd County today will contribute to the cultural heart and soul of Northwest Georgia for years to come.
| Chieftains Museum |
New residents and visitors to Rome and Northwest Georgia will immediately notice the Cherokee heritage. The Chieftains Museum, originally the home of Major Ridge, a famous Cherokee leader,  houses artifacts found on the property that tell the story of the Coosa River Valley from its Native American inhabitants to its traditional southern heritage. It is a gracious 19th century, white clapboard plantation house with a log cabin core dating back to the 1790's. Major Ridge lived in Chieftains until 1837. 706/291-9494
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