What does the CSO mean to you?
To the Community and Supporters, CSO means family.
The Catskill Symphony Orchestra concert Le Cabaret is so much more than a fundraiser: it’s our time for music, connection, and community. For 70 years, the orchestra has had the privilege of entertaining and uplifting the Oneonta community, creating a musical family between the staff, Board of Directors, and musicians. “Le Cabaret” event embodies the mission of this organization to inspire, educate, and bring music to all.
Especially poignant for this concert, this is a time where both the audience and the orchestra express their gratitude for each other through a mutual love of music. The CSO works hard to make this night memorable for the Oneonta community by emulating the bright and fun Cabaret atmosphere. With table seating, complimentary desserts, csh bar and a silent auction, we hope our audience will be transported to another world while enjoying an enhancing musical experience. The Catskill Symphony Orchestra is proud to showcase the exceptional talent of its musicians at such a unique event. In addition, our guest conductor competition - with Dan Buttermann, Marcela Micucci and Fr. Chris Welch - adds an element of friendly rivalry that has become a tradition. A night of music to the scale that Le Cabaret presents is a rarity in the Central New York region, which makes the evening even more special.
The musical program of Le Cabaret also embraces the fusion of tradition with the modern day: a harmonious blending of jazz and classical music achieved through a collaborative effort from the orchestra and our guest performer, the Jeremy Pelt and his Trio. Pelt, who is known for being a “respectful guardian of the jazz tradition” while maintaining contemporary flare, will be essential in bridging these two genres together. As jazz is a true American artform, the energy brought by the Jeremy Pelt & Trio will beautifully connect to the orchestra’s performance of John Phillip Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever.”
An added benefit that further strengthens our mission to share music with younger generations in our community is provided by an Anonymous donor to the CSO. We are proud that the Free Ticket Program provides school-age children plus two accompanying adults to enjoy all concerts for free.We know this help us to further our mission to encourage love and appreciation for music amongst the youth of the community. Le Cabaret is a special chance for our orchestra family to show our growth and to inspire the community to evolve with us.
For decades, this organization has been a source of joy and entertainment for Oneonta and the surrounding area. Our founding purpose was to provide access to live classical music to this area, and we are excited to continue that mission. Our Executive Director, Ryan Geraghty, is confident in the strength of the Catskill Symphony Orchestra legacy, saying “We’re going into our 70th season, and we intend to be around for 70 more. Hosting a concert of this caliber is a way for the CSO to thank Oneonta for being the backbone of this organization.”
We are extremely thankful for all that Oneonta and the Catskill region has done to support the CSO. Please join us for an unforgettable night of music, gratitude and fun on March 25th at the SUNY Oneonta Dewar Arena. Tickets for general admission are $60 and can be found at The Green Toad Bookstore and on our website, catskillsymphony.org/cabaret.
