News

College Student Reflects on Internship with ONNY

By Zoe Williamson, SUNY Potsdam '24

Interning as an assistant to the Executive Director of the Orchestra of Northern New York has been incredibly rewarding and enlightening. This experience has taught me the importance of staying humble and always being open to learning, which is essential for growth and adaptability in the dynamic field of music and arts management. Under the guidance of the Executive Director, Kathy Del Guidice, I was able to observe and participate in the strategic planning, operational management, and community engagement efforts essential to the orchestra’s success. This essay explores the various aspects of my internship, highlighting the skills acquired and the invaluable lessons learned during this period.

Within the first two weeks of my internship with the Executive Director of the Orchestra of Northern New York (ONNY), I was introduced to Stripe, an online payment processing system. My initial project, the “Donor Thank You Project,” involved using Stripe to organize receipts numerically and compile a list of recent donors to the orchestra. This list was essential for writing personalized thank you letters, expressing our gratitude for their support.

Additionally, I created a comprehensive list of local law firms, doctors’ offices, churches, veterans’ organizations, rotary clubs, lions clubs, historical societies, and fraternal societies. I addressed envelopes to these organizations, enclosing letters, flyers, and newcomer ticket vouchers for the upcoming Pops concert in July. Sending these materials a month in advance was crucial for effective promotion and allowing these groups ample time to plan for the event.

Furthermore, I contacted newspapers and radio stations to update ONNY’s media list, ensuring they receive press releases about ONNY’s upcoming concerts. Through the “Donor Thank You Project,” I realized the importance of maintaining strong relationships with donors. Expressing gratitude and keeping them informed fosters continued support and engagement.

Another significant project I was assigned during my internship was the distribution of promotional flyers. I distributed flyers to Crane and went to volunteers’ homes, who would then place them around the Potsdam, Norwood/Norfolk and Massena areas. These volunteers placed flyers in locations such as community centers, libraries, coffee shops, and local businesses. Their efforts were crucial in ensuring that the promotional materials reached a diverse audience.

The flyer distribution project was an effective marketing strategy for several reasons. First, it increased the visibility of the orchestra within the community, making more people aware of the concerts. Second, it fostered a sense of community involvement, as local residents and businesses became part of the promotional efforts.

Through this project, I acquired valuable knowledge about marketing and the critical role of community engagement. It highlighted how teamwork and strategic placement of promotional materials can greatly amplify the reach and effectiveness of promotional efforts.

A very important project I managed was the filing of W-9 and mileage forms. It was crucial to keep these forms organized and secure as they contain social security numbers, and I was responsible for tracking incoming forms and filing them accurately for payroll purposes. This task required strong organizational skills to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of the documents. By effectively managing this process, I played a key role in maintaining the smooth operation of our payroll system and supporting the financial accuracy of our orchestra.

Another task I was given involved writing numbers on the ticket vouchers for upcoming concerts. While this process was quite time-consuming, it was essential for maintaining an organized and efficient ticketing system. Each numbered voucher allowed us to accurately track ticket distribution. Although numbering the vouchers required a lot of attention to detail and patience, it was crucial for ensuring a seamless experience for the audience. 

After the 2024 Pops concert, I had the responsibility of driving one of our musicians to the Cornwall train station. This task was part of our broader efforts to ensure smooth and efficient concert operations, a responsibility overseen by our Executive Director. By providing transportation, I helped facilitate the musician’s timely arrival for his next engagement, demonstrating commitment to supporting our musicians both on and off the stage. This experience highlighted the importance of teamwork and attention to detail in the successful management of the orchestra’s logistical needs.

I also had the opportunity to create my first audience survey flyer for the Orchestra of Northern New York (ONNY). This project involved designing questions that audience members would answer after attending a concert. By collecting this feedback, we gained valuable insights into what our audience enjoys, areas they feel need improvement, and suggestions for future performances. This information is crucial for us to enhance the overall concert experience and better meet the expectations of our patrons. The survey not only helped us understand our audience’s preferences, but also demonstrated our commitment to continuous improvement and audience engagement.

These responsibilities, while essential, could consume a significant portion of the Executive Director’s time and prevent her from focusing on strategic initiatives. However, with the support of an assistant, these tasks are efficiently handled, allowing the Executive Director to dedicate more time to special projects and high-level planning. This collaboration not only enhances the overall efficiency of the orchestra’s operations, but also enables the Executive Director to drive forward important initiatives that contribute to the orchestra’s growth and success.

One of my significant projects during the internship was creating a comprehensive database of the orchestra’s repertoire from the past 36 years. This database was especially important because the Music Director and Conductor, Colonel Michael J. Colburn (USMC, Ret.),  is new to the orchestra and might not be aware of which pieces have been performed recently. By providing him with an easily searchable database, he can ensure that upcoming programs do not repeat works that have been performed in the recent past. 

Another important project I undertook during my internship was organizing and labeling folders of music in the ONNY-Sweetgrass Music Library, arranging them alphabetically by the composer’s last name on the shelves. This careful process required a lot of attention to detail to ensure each piece was correctly categorized and filed. Any music that had not yet been filed was placed in three boxes to be sorted later. While it was a time-consuming task, it was incredibly important for maintaining an organized and accessible music library.

I wrote a news release for the final summer series of 2024, starting with an engaging title that captured the essence of the event. I included key details such as the date, time, and location of the concert, ensuring that all essential information was easily accessible. The release also highlighted the featured performers, providing a brief overview of their roles in the concert. To add depth and context, I included biographies of the singers, showcasing their backgrounds and accomplishments. 

Towards the end, I helped the Executive Director with mailing business and individual appeal letters along with response forms. I addressed and inserted the appeal letters and response forms, then mailed them at the post office. These appeals are essential for maintaining communication with supporters and securing funds, which help sustain the orchestra’s performances.

My internship with ONNY was an incredibly valuable experience, and I am deeply thankful for the opportunity to work alongside the Executive Director of an orchestra that truly inspires and entertains. Through this internship, I honed my existing skills and developed new ones. I had the chance to form a mentor-mentee connection, ask questions, receive clarification, and learn from music business professionals. I gained insights into the organization’s operations, marketing approaches, and promotion plans, which I can apply to my future studies and career. 

ONNY Announces New Family Rates and Costume Contest

With a Stars Wars concert planned for October 19 and 20 in Potsdam and Watertown respectively, the Orchestra of Northern New York announces new family rates for all its concerts in The Next Chapter, its 2024-2025 season.

The Family Trio Bundle is $30 and includes one adult, up to two teens, and an unlimited number of children. The Family Quartet Bundle is $55 and includes two adults, up to two teens, and an unlimited number of children. The new family rates enable immediate family members to have a cost-effective way to enjoy ONNY concerts.

The North Country’s only professional orchestra will perform, SPACED OUT – A Musical Space Odyssey, conducted by new Music Director Colonel Michael J. Colburn (USMC, Ret.), on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at 7:30 pm in SUNY Potsdam’s Hosmer Hall, and again on Sunday, October 20, 2024, at 3 pm in the First Presbyterian Church, 403 Washington St., Watertown.

Regular ticket prices are $30 for adults, $27 for seniors, $10 for college students, and $5 for teens (13-17). Children, 12 and under, are always admitted free.

The program includes Richard Strauss’ Fanfare from Also Sprach Zarathustra, Franz Josef Haydn’s Overture to Il Mondo Della Luna, and Edvard Grieg’s “Morning Mood” from Peer Gynt. The second half of the concert features John Williams’ Star Wars Suite for Orchestra and Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

During intermission, there will be a costume contest and parade with winners announced before the end of the concert. Three groups are welcome to participate, namely, children (12 and under), teens (13-17), and adults. Costumes must relate to a space theme or character. Official rules and a form for free registration are located here. Prizes will be awarded for Most Elaborate, Best Likeness, Group, and Best in Contest costumes.

The Orchestra of Northern New York is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that receives support from the New York State Council on the Arts, a state agency with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the NYS Legislature. It is also funded, in part, by the Northern New York Community Foundation, its sponsors, donors, advertisers, and ticket purchasers.

For more information about ONNY, its family rates, or the costume contest, contact Executive Director Kathy Del Guidice at info@onny.org or 315-212-3440.

ONNY's 37th Season Announced—The Next Chapter

The 2024-2025 season of the Orchestra of Northern New York marks the 37th year for the North Country’s only professional symphony orchestra. ONNY’s mission is to share the power of music to inspire, educate, and entertain.

The summer pops concert in July was the first concert this year. New Music Director Colonel Michael J. Colburn (USMC, Ret.) conducted An American Salute, which received rave reviews from all attendees. He will also conduct the other three concerts in the season.

The second concert of the season will be Spaced Out – A Musical Space Odyssey with concerts on October 19, 2024, at 7:30 pm in Hosmer Hall, SUNY Potsdam, and October 20, 2024, at 3 pm in First Presbyterian Church, Watertown. 

Long before space travel became a reality, composers were motivated by what they could see – or imagine – in the heavens above. Whether it was the sun, the moon, planets, or stars, these celestial objects have been the source of some of the most inspiring and imaginative music ever heard. Join ONNY as it takes a musical interplanetary journey courtesy of composers ranging from Haydn to John Williams, with a little birthday sojourn in honor of the grandfather of all cinematic space music, Gustav Holst. 

The concert includes John Williams’ music from the Star Wars Suite for Orchestra and Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Back by popular demand is ONNY’s Holiday in Brass concert. ONNY once again rings in the holiday season courtesy of our virtuoso brass and percussion! We have lined up a new program of music that celebrates the traditions of Christmas and Hannukah with imaginative arrangements of all your holiday favorites. Selections to be performed include Victor Herbert’s March of the Toys, Phil Snedecor’s The Twelve Days of Christmas, Stephen Bulla’s Rhapsody for Hannukah, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s “Le Chocolat” from The Nutcracker, and Leroy Anderson’s A Christmas Festival, among others. We ho-ho-hope to see you there!

Finally, ONNY waltzes into spring 2025 with a program of music inspired by dance! Delights and Dances will be performed April 26, 2025, at 7:30 pm in Hosmer Hall, SUNY Potsdam, and Sunday, April 27, 2025, at 3 pm in Trinity Episcopal Church, Watertown

The program begins with Respighi’s imaginative and beloved orchestral setting of Renaissance lute music, Ancient Airs and Dances, Suite No. 1.  African American composer Michael Abels, best known for his film collaborations with Jordan Peele, is the composer of Delights and Dances, a work for string quartet soloists and string orchestra. The work is heavily influenced by Blues, Bluegrass, and other popular styles, and will feature the members of the “Julia Trio + 1” as soloists. The concert concludes with Beethoven’s ultimate tribute to dance, his incomparable Symphony No. 7.

Season tickets offer up to a 15% discount on regular admission tickets. Single tickets are $30 for adults, $27 for seniors and military personnel, $10 for college students, and $ for teens (13-17). Children, 12 and younger, are always admitted free and require a ticket that must be issued in person. 

For more information, visit onny.org, call 315-212-3440, or email info@onny.org.

Grandparents Can Introduce Children to Great Music

September 8th is National Grandparents’ Day, and the Orchestra of Northern New York is offering an opportunity for grandparents to share great music with their grandchildren at a special discount.

ONNY’s 2024-2025 season opens Saturday, October 19th at 7:30 pm in Hosmer Hall, SUNY Potsdam and Sunday, October 20 at 3 pm in the First Presbyterian Church, Watertown with Spaced Out – A Musical Space Odyssey. Grandparents accompanied by a child or teen will receive a $5 discount on either an adult or senior ticket when purchased at the box office. Children, 12 and under, are always admitted free, but require a ticket. Tickets for teens (13-17) are $5.

According to Music Director and Conductor Michael J. Colburn, "Long before space travel became a reality, composers were motivated by what they could see – or imagine – in the heavens above. Whether it was the sun, the moon, planets, or stars, these celestial objects have been the source of some of the most inspiring and imaginative music ever heard."

“The public is invited to join ONNY as it takes a musical interplanetary journey courtesy of composers ranging from Haydn to John Williams, with a little birthday sojourn in honor of the grandfather of all cinematic space music, Gustav Holst,” Colburn added.

The first half of the program begins with Richard Strauss’s Fanfare from Also Sprach Zarathustra, continues with Franz Josef Haydn’s Overture to Il Mondo Della Luna, followed by Edvard Grieg’s "Morning Mood" from Peer Gynt, and concludes with Gustav Holst’s "Mars," "Venus," and "Jupiter" from The Planets. 

The Star Wars Suite for Orchestra and Star Wars: The Force Awakens are two of the many brilliant scores composed by John Williams. Both will be performed in the second half of this program.

ONNY acknowledges with gratitude the generous donation of the Star Wars music by Mark Shatraw, Poughkeepsie, NY, son of Philip and Mary Shatraw, Canton.

Tickets go on sale for Spaced Out, ONNY’s Holiday in Brass concert, and the spring Delights and Dances concert on Monday, September 9. 

Tickets are $30 adults, $27 for seniors and military personnel, $10 for college students, and $5 for teens (13-17). Children, 12 and under, are always admitted free, but require a ticket, which must be issued in person at the box office before a performance.

For more information about ONNY or the upcoming concerts, email info@onny.org or call 315-212-3440.

Summer Chamber Music Series Brings Music Amid the Pines

The Orchestra of Northern New York (ONNY), the North Country’s only professional orchestra, and the Secret Sits Pro Musica Ensembles (TSS, Inc.)  is hosting its 2024 Summer Chamber Music Series in Childwold, Wanakena, and Lake Clear. All performances are on Thursdays at 7pm, and are free, although donations are welcome.

Opening the series on July 11 at Childwold Memorial Presbyterian Church will be Brian Dunbar performing Wandering: Flute Music from Baroque to Jazz, accompanied by Keilor Kastella on piano. Selections range from Flute Sonata in B minor by Johann Sebastian Bach to a contemporary piece, Hypnosis, by Ian Clarke.

Dr. Brian Dunbar is the Assistant Professor of Flute at the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam. Dr. Keilor Kastella is currently adjunct instructor of piano and an active collaborative pianist at Crane.

Returning by popular demand on July 18 is Paul Meyers and Sebastian Buhts. They will perform a program of music of Bela Bartok, Maruice Ravel, and original compositions at the Childwold Memorial Presbyterian Church.

Meyers is a free-lance jazz guitarist who has performed nationally and internationally and has produced several CDs. He is "one of the most eloquent jazz guitarists since Kenny Burrell”, according to James Gavin, NY Times.

Sebastian Buhts is a conductor and percussionist based in St. Louis, MO. He is Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Bands at Lindenwood University and serves on the percussion faculty at Washington University in St. Louis.

Jamcrackers will bring a rare blend of humor, history, and musical spirit to their performance at the Wanakena Presbyterian Church on August 8. Featuring seasoned solo performers, Dan Berggren, Peggy Lynn, and Dan Duggan, Jamcrackers is named in honor of the river drivers who broke up log jams.

Dan Berggren is recognized as one of the finest songwriters in the Northeast and has released six recordings of original songs. Peggy Lynn is a nationally known singer who puts her soul into her voice. She too has released six recordings. Dan Duggan also has a national reputation for his wizardry on Hammered Dulcimer and Flat-Picking Guitar. He has recorded nine albums.

Closing the summer series on August 29 will be international opera singer Margaret Chalker and her granddaughter, Mekayla Fountaine, with Julie Miller, piano. They will present FAMILY TIES, a program of favorite songs, duets and arias ranging from light opera to modern Broadway at the Adirondack Presbyterian Church in Lake Clear.

In her 25 years with Opernhaus Zuerich, Chalker sang nearly 900 performances of over 60 different roles. She has been on the faculty of the Crane School of Music since 2017. Fountaine is a 2024 graduate of the Crane School of Music and favorite of Community Performance Series productions.

For more information, visit onny.org/Childwold or call 315-212-3440.

An American Salute Closes ONNY's 36th Season

The 36th season of the Orchestra of Northern New York welcomed four new guest conductors and completed an 18-month search for a new Music Director. Now, ONNY prepares to close the season with its ever-popular summer Pops concert, An American Salute, conducted by new Music Director Michael J. Colburn.

The concert takes place Tuesday, July 2 at 8 pm in Thompson Park, Watertown; Wednesday, July 3 at 7:30 pm in Hosmer Hall, SUNY Potsdam; and Thursday, July 4 at 7 pm on the Thousand Island Park Green on Wellesley Island. Only the July 3 concert is a ticketed event. Children twelve and under are always admitted for free. For more information about ticket prices, visit onny.org.

The program includes several patriotic works such as John Philip Sousa’s The Liberty Bell March and The Stars and Stripes Forever; Gould’s American Salute, and Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture. The concert also features Gershwin’s Cuban Overture, John Williams’ the Cowboys, Leroy Anderson’s The Syncopated Clock, and selections from Rodgers and Bennett’s The Sound of Music.

A current audience development initiative allows newcomers who have never been to an ONNY concert to attend for free in return for one’s email address. Tickets can be acquired the night of the concert at the Guest Services table.

ONNY Hires New Music Director

Following a nearly two-year research/interview/deliberation process involving 84 applicants from around the U.S. Canada, and Europe, the Board of Directors of the Orchestra of Northern New York voted unanimously to accept the Music Director Search Committee’s recommendation to hire Michael J. Colburn, North Hero, VT, as its Music Director.

Timothy L. Savage, immediate past president of ONNY and chair of the Music Director Search Committee, said in a prepared statement, “We are grateful that the Board unanimously accepted this recommendation, and thrilled that Colburn has accepted the offer to be ONNY’s next Music Director!”

“The search committee also believed that Mike possesses the disposition, talents, and experience that will allow ONNY to continue to attract quality musicians and build on its loyal following of volunteers, donors, and concert-goers,” Savage added.

Colburn was selected for his artistic excellence, demonstrated leadership at the national level, potential for fundraising and audience development, and interest in community outreach.

"I couldn’t be more excited about succeeding Kenneth Andrews as the Music Director of the Orchestra of Northern New York!” Colburn says. “I had such a wonderful time working with the musicians of ONNY during my audition week, and greatly look forward to working with them in an effort to expand the impact of ONNY on the arts and music education landscape of the North Country."

Maestro Colburn is a freelance guest conductor and clinician who regularly leads professional and student ensembles in festivals, residencies, and a variety of other settings throughout the country.

In July 2022, he was appointed as Music Director of the Me2/Orchestra in Burlington, VT. In January 2023, he joined the faculty of the University of Vermont in an adjunct capacity.

From 2014-2022, Colburn served as the Director of Bands at Butler University in Indianapolis, where he conducted the Butler University Wind Ensemble and offered instruction in conducting, euphonium, and the history and literature of the wind band.

Colburn served for 27 years in “The President’s Own” U.S. Marine Band, where he held various positions including Principal Euphonium (1991-1996), Assistant Director (1996-2004), and Director (2004-2014).

As Director, he was music advisor to the White House and regularly conducted the Marine Band and Chamber Orchestra at the Executive Mansion and at the Presidential Inaugurations of George W. Bush and Barack Obamas.

He was promoted to Colonel by President Bush in a private Oval Office ceremony in 2007. In 2014, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal by General James Amos, Commandant of the Marine Corps, and the Medal of Honor by the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic Board of Directors.

He is currently Vice President for Project Enhancement for the John Philip Sousa Foundation, and is a member of Washington, D.C.’s prestigious Gridiron and Alfalfa Clubs.

Colburn’s responsibilities at ONNY will include articulating the artistic vision and direction for ONNY, recommending programs and repertoire to the Board’s Programming Committee, serving as an ambassador to all ONNY stakeholders, and working collaboratively with the Executive Director and Board of Directors on strategic planning. He will plan all artistic offerings, prepare and conduct the orchestra for concerts in 2024-2025, oversee youth programs, engage in community outreach, and help promote ONNY. His tenure begins June 3, 2024.

The Board is grateful to the Music Director Search Committee members for their 21 months of hard work and dedication identifying the next artistic leader of this 36-year-old organization.

ONNY Appeals for Support for its Most Expensive Concert

An American Salute, the summer Pops concert of the 36th season of the Orchestra of Northern New York will be presented three times – July 2 at Thompson Park in Watertown, July 3 at SUNY Potsdam’s Hosmer Hall in Potsdam, and July 4 at Thousand Island Park on Wellesley Island.

More than 60 professional musicians will entertain under the very capable baton of Michael Colburn, who was recently appointed Music Director of the North Country’s only professional symphony orchestra. The program includes patriotic favorites such as John Philip Sousa’s Liberty Bell March and Stars and Stripes. Also, John Williams’ The Cowboys, Leroy Anderson’s The Syncopated Clock, and selections from the Bennett arrangement of Richard Rodgers’ The Sound of Music, among others works.

While this summer blockbuster is exciting, it is also the most expensive that ONNY will have produced since last year’s Pops program. The total cost to produce this concert is $39,089. And ONNY finds itself $10,000 short of its fundraising goal for this year.

As ONNY wraps up this year, it has much of which to be proud artistically. However, it needs to work diligently in the next six weeks to ensure that the 2023-2024 season is also a financial success.

Donations make it possible to experience another thrilling night of live music for thousands of concertgoers because the summer Pops concert is not only the largest ensemble and most expensive concert ONNY produces, but it also is the most well-attended program. Music lovers willing to donate in the final weeks of the year will give musicians three more opportunities to highlight their talents. And the public’s generosity will ensure that discounted tickets continue to be offered for seniors, military personnel and veterans, and healthcare workers and first responders. 

For more information, visit onny.org/donate or call 315-212-3440. Checks may be mailed to ONNY at PO Box 488, Potsdam, NY 13676. The Orchestra of Northern New York is a charitable nonprofit organization to which contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Area Teens Excel at ONNY’s Challenge for Young Artists

They came from Potsdam and Rome, from Lisbon and Fort Edwards, and from Massena and Beaver Falls. Fifteen exceptional middle school and high school students participated in the second annual Vernice N. Church Challenge for Young Artists on April 13 in Hosmer Hall. The program, sponsored by The Orchestra of Northern New York, gives valuable feedback to teens “pursuing artistic growth” and preparing for the NYSSMA event in May.

Five students from Beaver River Central School sang and each received an amazing music lesson from Donald George, Crane Voice Faculty and ONNY soloist. Other students from around the North Country performed on alto saxophone, cello, violin, trombone, piano, and French horn. They were given expert advice from ONNY musicians about how to maximize their potential at NYSSMA.

Mrs. Church was also in attendance and said she was “thrilled at the music education that happened today.”

Shown here is French horn player Macks Hollis, Lisbon, and the panel of adjudicators. Other local students from Potsdam Central Schools included violinists Sarvesh Sitaraman, Porter Fite, Maxwell Yu and Celeste Darie who also performed on piano, and cellist and pianist Constantine Darie. Massena Central students Nicholas Gilbert on alto sax and Aden Thompson on violin also participated.

Image
Macks Hollis

ONNY Finalist to Conduct Spring Concert

The Orchestra of Northern New York will present its spring concert, Visions & Reflections, on April 27 at 7:30 pm in Hosmer Hall, SUNY Potsdam, and on April 28 at 3 pm in the First Presbyterian Church, 403 Washington St., Watertown. Adrian Slywotzky, the second and final candidate for ONNY’s Music Director position, programmed the concert and will conduct the 56-piece orchestra.

Adrian Slywotzky is a prize winner of the Atlantic Coast International Conducting Competition (Portugal, 2016) and the Audite International Conducting Competition (Poland, 2017).

He was the founding conductor of the Yale Medical Symphony Orchestra, and from 2007 – 2010 music director of the New Haven Chamber Orchestra. Adrian has conducted Yale’s New Music Directions Ensemble. He has also served as Associate Conductor and Artist Advisor of the Boston Youth Symphony and as teaching fellow for the Harvard-Radcliffe Orchestra.

Adrian served as Associate Director of Orchestras at the University of Michigan from 2019 – 2022 and currently is Director of Orchestras at the Crane School of Music.

He holds degrees in orchestral conducting from the University of Michigan and the Yale School of Music. As a violinist, he has participated in festivals including Tanglewood Music Center, California Summer Music, and the Norfolk Contemporary Music Festival. He earned a BA in architecture from Yale College and an MM in violin performance from the Yale School of Music.

The program opens with the Overture from The Abduction of the Seraglio by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Written in 1782, the Abduction from the Seraglio is a rescue opera in which the heroics of the rescuers are thwarted by the magnanimity of the chief villain.  With its quasi-exotic orchestration (piccolo, triangle, big drum, and cymbals added to the standard combination), the Overture is in the old Italian style, notwithstanding that Mozart wrote Seraglio for the anti-Italian, German form of musical theater, the Singspiel.

The second work to be performed is Dolores White’s, “Crystal Gazing.” It is a meditative and mysterious piece that invites us to muse on both the visible and spiritual qualities of crystals. The Cleveland Chamber Symphony has many CDs and its “The New American Scene No. 2″ CD features the works of five outstanding African American composers, including White’s “Crystal Gazing”.

Next on the program is Le Tombeau de Couperin by Maurice Ravel. It pays tribute both to his Baroque predecessors and to friends he had lost in the First World War. Originally composed for piano, Ravel described the work as an homage “directed less in fact to Couperin himself than to French music of the 18th century.”

The concert culminates with the soaring and glorious Symphony No. 2 by Jean Sibelius. It is a four-movement work for orchestra written from 1901 to 1902 by Finland’s most accomplished composer. Sibelius himself referred to the piece as “a confession of the soul.” After sold-out performances in Helsinki, revisions were made, and the new piece premiered in 1903 in Stockholm. Composer, pianist, and music critic Oskar Merikanto exclaimed that it "exceeded even the highest expectations.”

For tickets, visit onny.org or call 315-212-3440.