News from the Noteworthy from Catskill Symphony Orchestra

CSO: Creating Magic Right Here for 71 Years

Music surrounds us, weaving through life’s most important and basic moments. It’s in your favorite podcast, that Netflix series, and even the chirping default tones of your cell phone. Think of the stirring emotional scores of John Williams—when I say “Jaws,” you know you hear two eerie notes so simple it can make your heart race. These are the sounds that stay with us, shaping our emotions and memories. Music is more present in our lives than we realize, and yet, live symphonic music often carries the misconception of being outdated or stuffy.

The Catskill Symphony Orchestra has been creating magic right here for 71 years. It began as a humble community orchestra, with students, SUNY faculty, and local musicians sharing the stage. Over the decades, it’s grown into a professional ensemble of more than 50 core members, performing up to five concerts a season. Under the baton of Conductor Charles “Chuck” Schneider and now Artistic Director Glen Cortese, the CSO has evolved into a true cultural gem.

This season already, the CSO has redefined what a symphony concert can be. We’ve embraced multimedia and collaboration to create immersive and engaging experiences. In the fall, we presented an all-Mozart program narrated by Glimmerglass Artistic Director Rob Ainsley, accompanied by clips from the film “Amadeus.” In November, we took audiences “out of this world” with a space-themed concert featuring Maestro Cortese’s original composition, paired with real NASA imagery. On December 14, we shared our first lighthearted and family-friendly holiday concert that was full of laughter, joy and, of course, incredible music.

It’s not just about the performances. It’s about the community that comes together to make them happen. The musicians, board members, volunteers and small but mighty staff pour countless hours of love and dedication into every concert. For me, working with the CSO has been a gift in my dual-sided career. I split my time between marketing and music: by day, I spend my time marketing everything that makes Otsego County a true gem, writing and creating both baseball and non-baseball stories in fun and approachable ways. At the CSO, especially on those special concert days when the notes finally float through the air at Foothills after months of planning, I see the joy on the faces of those lucky enough to be in the audience, and it’s hard to contain my emotions. There is magic in what we do. And I got to be part of it.

For many, attending a concert feels like a luxury—but it’s a treat worth sharing. Thanks to two generous donors, the CSO makes it easy to give it a try: tickets for kids and college students are completely free, and the adults who get to come with them pay just $10.00. But—and there’s always a “but”—keeping this magic alive is no small feat. Funding for the arts has always been a challenge, with local and regional grants becoming increasingly difficult to obtain, even for an organization with our rich history and mission. Music has the power to uplift, connect and inspire—a power that’s worth supporting. So in the new year, I encourage you to hear the music, support the music, and be present for it. Visit CatskillSymphony.org for upcoming concerts, volunteer opportunities and, best of all, to experience our donation button.

Ryan West Geraghty is executive director of the Catskill Symphony Orchestra and marketing and communications director for This is Cooperstown and We Go Otsego.