News from the Noteworthy from Fenimore Chamber Orchestra
‘Maestro Series’ Is About To Get Underway
Frankly, no one is more surprised at the meteoric rise of Fenimore Chamber Orchestra than I. Five years ago, FCO was a dream. Today it is firmly woven into the artistic fabric of Cooperstown and the upstate region of New York.
We regularly earn plaudits from audience members as well as critical acclaim wherever we perform. Now we have come to a new era for the orchestra; frankly, one we are looking forward to with great exuberance. We understand arts organizations across the country are anticipating cuts in funding. We are no different, but we will not lower our standards. FCO is working hard to bring you the very best. Thankfully, the Cooperstown area remains a great bastion and champion for the arts in all their glory. We have grown to an audience of hundreds from our meager beginning, and we owe it all to the support of this region.
Which brings us to our 2025-2026 season. We have put together an inspiring season of bold premieres, global collaborations, and timeless masterworks that celebrate the power and diversity of orchestral music. We will present our “Maestro Series,” with four compelling concerts that span centuries, continents, and cultures—blending classical favorites with bold new voices and global sounds.
On Saturday, September 6, we kick off the season with “Sunshine and Thunderstorms,” featuring music of contrast and vitality. “Wintersong,” on Saturday, December 6, brings warmth and wonder to the colder months through folk-inspired works and lyrical treasures.
After ringing in 2026, we will present a “Free Family Concert” on Saturday, February 7. Bring the whole family! Then, on Saturday, March 14, we will perform “Bach in Bengal,” where FCO joins forces with internationally renowned sitarist Arjun Verma to explore musical dialogues between Indian classical tradition and the intricate structures of J.S. Bach.
And finally, on Saturday, June 6, we present “Concerto for Chamber Orchestra,” a vibrant finale featuring the world premiere of a new work by Stephen Lias, commissioned by FCO.
Exciting things are coming your way! Please join us by visiting www.fenimore-orchestra.org. We truly appreciate the support and look forward to many, many more years of enrichment and enjoyment. And don’t forget, thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, children and up to two accompanying adults—and college students with an ID—will be admitted to our concerts free of charge. No reservations are necessary.
Thomas Wolf is the founder and board chair of the Fenimore Chamber Orchestra.
