News from the Noteworthy from Fenimore Chamber Orchestra
Chamber Orchestra Celebrates ‘Music for All’
Five years ago, Fenimore Chamber Orchestra began with an ambitious idea: to create a professional chamber orchestra rooted in Cooperstown and dedicated to serving our community and the surrounding region. Today, that idea is a reality—and as we begin our fifth anniversary season, we have much to celebrate!
Since our founding in 2021 and our first concert in August 2022, we have presented 32 concerts in Cooperstown and throughout the region, invested more than $500,000.00 in our musicians and artistic programs, welcomed guest artists, commissioned new music, and performed for more than 4,000 audience members, many of whom might otherwise be unable to hear a professional orchestra so close to home. We have done all of this while maintaining a balanced budget—a point of particular pride for a young arts organization.
We have also worked hard to make our concerts accessible to families and young people. This year, we are expanding that commitment with “Music for All,” which makes a limited number of complimentary tickets available to adults for whom ticket cost might be a barrier. Participation is completely confidential, with no application or proof of financial need required. Children and up to two accompanying adults already attend free of charge, as do college students with ID.
Our fifth-anniversary season, “Journeys in Time and Place,”offers much to look forward to:
“Open Air, Open Worlds: Serenades & Rags for Winds,” on October 3 at 3 p.m., Christ Church Cooperstown.
“Winter Tales,” featuring violinist Isabel Chen in Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons,” on December 5 at 3 p.m., Christ Church Cooperstown, and on December 6 at 3 p.m., Panther Creek Arts, West Fulton.
“Fire & Longing,” featuring Big Galut(e) and clarinetist Robin Seletsky, on March 13, 2027 at 3 p.m., Christ Church Cooperstown, and on March 14, 2027 at 3 p.m., Panther Creek Arts, West Fulton.
“The King of Instruments,” featuring organist Nathaniel Gumbs, on June 5, 2027 at 3 p.m., Christ Church Cooperstown.
We also plan to present our annual Winter Carnival Free Family Concert on February 6, 2027 at 3 p.m. at the Village Hall Ballroom in Cooperstown. Details will be announced as plans are finalized.
Our anniversary season also coincides with a Matching Gift Challenge, so gifts made during the challenge will be matched. Those contributions help us employ professional musicians, present concerts, offer free and complimentary tickets, and bring music into communities throughout our region.
We are proud of what this young orchestra has accomplished, but we are especially grateful to the people who have made it possible: our musicians, audience members, board of directors, donors, volunteers, community partners, and friends. Five years ago, Fenimore Chamber Orchestra was an ambitious idea. What it has become belongs, in no small measure, to this community.
Tickets, “Music for All” information, and Matching Gift Challenge details are available at fenimore-orchestra.org.
Thomas Wolf is the chair of the Fenimore Chamber Orchestra Board of Directors.
