News

ONNY’s upcoming spring concert, titled Delights and Dances, will feature four exceptionally talented musicians and Crane faculty members, presenting their skills in a new modern work by  renowned composer Michael Abels. 

Delights and Dances is orchestrated for string quartet and orchestra. The piece transitions through different styles – from calming dance music into full blues sections and a rigorous hoedown. The soloists will perform virtuosic cadenzas, with technically demanding solos throughout the entire piece. 

Liesl Schoenberger Doty is a renowned artist, recitalist, and chamber musician. “An active  soloist, she has collaborated with numerous orchestras across the United States.” She has been featured in many renowned festivals and concert series. Outside of her work in classical music, Liesl is a crossover artist who has “released three commercial fiddle albums in collaboration with musical legends Buddy Spicher and David Grier.” “In 2012, Liesl became a member of Boston’s Grammy-nominated chamber orchestra, A Far Cry.  Also in this group was bassist Karl Doty, her now husband, whom she performs with in her crossover duo titled, The Dotys

Liesl holds degrees from Indiana University, the Yale School of Music, and the New England Conservatory. She has held faculty positions at Dartmouth College and the University of New Hampshire among others, as well as SUNY Potsdam’s Crane School of Music where she is the current Associate professor of Violin. Lisel is ONNY’s new concertmaster. 

Dr. Timothy Yip is a violinist and educator based in Potsdam. He has performed as a chamber musician and orchestral player in venues across the United States, including Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Since moving to northern New York in 2022, he has performed with the Orchestra of Northern New York as a section violinist and has appeared as a soloist with the St. Lawrence Choral Society, where he performed Vivaldi's "Autumn" Concerto from The Four Seasons. 

As an educator, Tim has taught at Indiana University Bloomington's pre-college program and is currently on faculty at the Crane School of Music, where he teaches violin and music business. He has served as an adjudicator for competitions hosted by MTNA and the Crane School of Music. His education includes studies at UCLA, UW-Madison, Indiana University Bloomington, and St.  Petersburg Conservatory. 

Dr. Shelly Tramposh is the Professor of Viola at the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam, where she teaches viola, Irish fiddling, and the Crane Mariachi ensemble, “Mariachi los Osos del Norte”. Dr. Tramposh is a frequent presenter at ASTA national conventions and American Viola Society events, where she performs and speaks about issues such as practicing, hypermobility, and the pedagogy of bow strokes. Her articles have appeared in the Strad, and her CD “Sprezzatura” is available online. Shelly has been a member of several orchestras, including Colorado Symphony and the Rochester Philharmonic, among others. She has also participated in a numerous amount of summer music festivals. 

Dr. Tramposh holds degrees from the San Francisco Conservatory, the  Eastman School of Music, and the University of Colorado at Boulder. She is a past member of the executive board of the American Viola Society and an avid supporter of all things  alto. Shelly is the current principal violist with the Orchestra of Northern New York. 

Marie-Elaine Gagnon is a French-Canadian cellist, who is a proficient performer and educator. She holds degrees from the Conservatoire de Musique de Montreal, Conservatoire de Musique de Quebec, Florida International University, and the University of Miami. She taught at the University of South Dakota from 2007 to 2017 before joining the music faculty at the Crane School of Music of SUNY Potsdam in the fall of 2017. Earlier on, Marie-Elaine taught at the Université de Montréal for the Preparatory Program and at Barry University in Miami. In August 2021, Dr. Gagnon was awarded a Lougheed Applied Learning Grant from SUNY for her project, “Teaching Music through Mindful Mindset and Neuro Associative Conditioning.” Dr. Gagnon is a first prize winner in numerous music competitions and is an avid participant in music festivals. She is the current principal cellist with the Orchestra of Northern New York. 

The spring concert Delights and Dances will be conducted by Music Director Colonel Michael J. Colburn (USMC, Ret.). It will take place April 26th at 7:30pm, in SUNY Potsdam’s Hosmer Hall, as well as April 27th at 3:00pm, in the Trinity Episcopal Church in Watertown. Tickets are available for purchase online at www.onny.org or by calling (315) 212-3440. 

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The Orchestra of Northern New York, the region’s only year-round professional orchestra, will shine a spotlight on 16-year-old violinist Eric Lee, Manlius, in its highly anticipated spring concert series on April 26 in Potsdam and April 27 in Watertown.

Lee, a junior at Christian Brothers Academy in Syracuse, captivated judges with a brilliant performance of Felix Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E Minor, winning him first place in ONNY’s 18th Annual James and Katherine Andrews Young Artist Competition, and the opportunity to solo with the Orchestra later this month. Known for its soaring lyricism and breathtaking virtuosity, the concerto is a beloved masterpiece—and Lee’s upcoming performance promises to make this must-see concert unforgettable.

A student of Dr. Peter Rovit, Concertmaster of The Syracuse Orchestra, Lee has been studying violin for 11 years. His talent and dedication have earned him prestigious honors, including First Prize in the CNYAMT Instrumental Competition, recognition from The Syracuse Orchestra, and leadership positions such as Concertmaster of the Syracuse Youth Orchestra. His musical journey has taken him to renowned programs like the Boston University Tanglewood Institute and the NYSSMA All-State Winter Conference at the Eastman Theatre in Rochester.

Eric Lee is the son of Kelly and Young Lee, Manlius.

ONNY remains dedicated to inspiring and fostering young musicians through initiatives like the Young Artist Competition, which has provided a platform for young musicians since 2007. Lee’s performance is a testament to the competition’s mission—to inspire young musicians to reach the highest level of artistry they can achieve.

This event is a unique opportunity for middle school and high school instrumental and vocal students who are “pursuing artistic growth. They perform for ONNY’s professional musicians, then receive feedback and coaching from the panelists. It takes place on Saturday, April 12, from 9 am – 1 pm in the Crane School of Music, Rehearsal Room C143. The deadline to apply is March 29.

Last spring, fifteen students from around St. Lawrence County and as far away as Rome, NY, played their NYSSMA selections prior to that competition, which was held in May 2024. All participants receive a Certificate of Participation and written feedback from the panelists who include ONNY’s Music Director, Colonel Michael J Colburn (USMC, Ret.) 

The application for the Challenge can be found at onny.org/competition/youth-programs. Students must apply with a teacher(s) recommendation to be considered for the event. The selected work must be from the current NYSSMA Manual, Level 5 or 6. Memorization is NOT required. The non-refundable application fee is $25 per student.

For the guidelines and application for the Challenge for Young Artists, visit onny.org/youth-programs or call 315-212-3440.

More than 140 people enjoyed scrumptious desserts while listening to eight fabulous local singers as they performed hits from Broadway and beyond at ONNY’s first Cabaret Show with Desserts on Saturday, February 1 in SUNY Potsdam’s Thacher Hall.

ONNY wishes to extend its sincere thanks to the performers who donated their time and talents for this fundraiser. They were Jim Fryer, Kyle Flint, Meaghan Janovsky, Jennifer Blewett, Hailey Hodge, Andrea Ellison, Laura Gilbert, and Kimberly Busch, with Josh Barkley on piano. We are also grateful to all those who attended the show.

Jim Fryer has performed with Community Performance Series summer musicals, with Grasse River Players, and Parishville-Hopkinton School. He is an Associate Professor of Psychology at SUNY Potsdam.

Kyle Flint has also had roles in CPS summer musicals, including Gomez in The Addams Family. He is a clinical pharmacist at Canton-Potsdam Hospital.

Meaghan Janovsky was also familiar to audience members having played leading roles for several CPS productions, including Midge Mahoney in last summer’s production of the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. She teaches fifth grade in Massena.

Jennifer Blewett is a veteran of several CPS productions, including the aforementioned Spelling Bee show, Once Upon a Mattress, and Mary Poppins. She is the Director of Compliance and Continuing Education at Auto Manager.

Hailey Hodge joined other CPS production actors in this cabaret show. She has played Frenchie in Grease and Cinderella in Into the Woods, in addition to several other roles. She owns Luna, a women’s clothing and lingerie store in Canton.

Andrea Ellison is a Crane alumna who is honored to be part of the musical community of the North Country. She shares her love of performing with her music students at Parishville-Hopkinton Central School.

Laura Fitzsimons Gilbert has worked previously as a soloist in the CPS “Back to Broadway Cabaret” and as a lead in their musical, The Taffetas. In her free time, she performs with her rock/folk/country band, The Whiskey Room, at festivals and other venues in the area. She is the PreK-12th grade Vocal Music Teacher at Morristown Central School.

Kimberly Busch, who organized the cabaret, joined others in production numbers. She has served as guest conductor for the Herkimer County Music Educators’ Association and the St. Lawrence County Music Educators’ Association (SLCMEA). She directed the CPS production of Once Upon a Mattress and was Vocal Director for The Addams Family. She is the Vocal Music Director at Canton Central School where she directs choir students in grades 5-12. Ms. Busch is also the immediate past president of the Orchestra of Northern New York and a current board member.

Josh Barkley accompanied the performers on piano. He has had a role in more than 25 musicals, from music directing and playing keyboards in the pit to sound engineer and lighting designer. He is the new Assistant Facilities Manager for the Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam.

The Orchestra of Northern New York, the North Country’s only year-round professional orchestra, hosted the 18th Annual James and Katherine Andrews Competition on January 25 in Hosmer Hall. A sixteen-year-old violinist from Manlius, NY, won first place.

Eric Lee, son of Kelly and Young Lee, vied with other competitors for the first-place prize of $500 and the opportunity to solo with ONNY at its spring concert series, April 26 and 27 in Potsdam and Watertown respectively.

Lee, a junior at Christian Brothers Academy in Syracuse, has studied the violin for eleven years, and is currently studying under Dr. Peter Rovit, Concertmaster of The Syracuse Orchestra. Eric has also been a member of The Syracuse Youth Orchestra for the past seven years and has recently been selected to be its Concertmaster.

Eric is the recipient of numerous awards and scholarships, including First Prize from the CNYAMT Instrumental Competition, Second Prize from the ONNY Young Arts Competition, the Excellence in Music Award presented by The Syracuse Orchestra and Drakos Urgent Care, and as a Finalist for The Syracuse Orchestra Tenacity in Tune Award. Additionally, the Wolfgang String Quartet, of which he is the first Violinist, won Best Syracuse Area Ensemble awarded by the Syracuse Friends of Chamber Music.

Eric has attended and been recognized at numerous prestigious festivals and summer camps, most recently attending the Boston University Tanglewood Institute in July to August 2024 and the NYSSMA All-State Winter Conference held at the Eastman Theatre in Rochester, NY in December 2024.

Cellist Felix Haskins, 14, son of Catherine and Taylor Haskins, Westport, NY, took second place and a prize of $300. A member of the Vermont Youth Orchestra, he has been studying privately with Suzanne Smith since 2021. Last summer, he was accepted as the youngest participant at Kinhaven Music School’s Senior Session, an intensive music camp for high school students. In addition, Felix was admitted to the nation’s first ever semester program for high school-aged classical musicians, which will begin next fall. He has also performed in pit bands, holiday services, and informal ensembles across his local community.

James Cooper, 15, won third place and $150 prize. He is the son of James and Michelle Cooper, Rome, NY. James is currently a Syracuse Young Artist Orchestra member, the most elite of three SYO groups. He has participated in numerous All-State and All-County orchestras and the Crane Youth Music summer camp in 2024. He was recently chosen as one of the ten Tenacity in Tune Award finalists and recipient of the Excellence in Music Award. In 2024, he was one of the top three winners of the CNYAMT Instrumental Music Competition. 

The Young Artist Competition was founded in 2007 for talented high school students in Northern and Central New York. Its mission is to inspire young musicians to reach the highest level of artistry they can achieve.

For more information about the annual competition and the Orchestra of Northern New York, visit onny.org or call/text 315-212-3440.

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The Orchestra of Northern New York held the 18th Annual James and Katherine Andrews Young Artist Competition on January 25, 2025, at Hosmer Hall, Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam. Pictured here, L to R are judge and ONNY Music Director Colonel Michael J Colburn (USSMC, Ret.); judge Liesl Schoenberger Doty, ONNY Concertmaster in the April 2025 concert; cellist James Cooper, Rome, who took third place; violinist Eric Lee, Manlius, who won the competition; cellist Felix Haskins, Westport, who placed second; judge Marie-Elaine Gagnon, ONNY Principal Cello; and Kevin A. Angstadt, President of the Orchestra's Board of Directors. All three of the judges are on the faculty of the Crane School of Music.

Enjoy scrumptious desserts while listening to eight fabulous local singers as they perform hits from Broadway and beyond!  The Orchestra of Northern New York is hosting A Cabaret Show with Desserts for one performance only on Saturday, February 1 from 6:30-8:30 pm in SUNY Potsdam’s Thacher Hall, which is handicap accessible.

Performers include Jim Fryer, Kyle Flint, Meaghan Janovsky, Jennifer Blewett, Hailey Hodge, Andrea Ellison, Laura Gilbert, and Kimberly Busch, with John Barkley on piano.

Jim Fryer has performed with Community Performance Series summer musicals, with Grasse River Players, and Parishville-Hopkinton School. He is an Associate Professor of Psychology at SUNY Potsdam.

Kyle Flint has also had roles in CPS summer musicals, including Gomez in The Addams Family. He is a clinical pharmacist at Canton-Potsdam Hospital.

Meaghan Janovsky will also be familiar to CPS audience members having played leading roles for several productions, including Midge Mahoney in last summer’s production of the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. She teaches fifth grade in Massena.

Jennifer Blewett is a veteran of several CPS productions, including the aforementioned Spelling Bee show, Once Upon a Mattress, and Mary Poppins. She is the Director of Compliance and Continuing Education at Auto Manager.

Hailey Hodge joins other CPS production actors in this cabaret show. She has played Frenchie in Grease and Cinderella in Into the Woods, in addition to several other roles. She owns Luna, a women’s clothing and lingerie store in Canton.

Andrea Ellison is a Crane alumna who is honored to be part of the musical community of the North Country. She shares her love of performing with her music students at Parishville-Hopkinton Central School.

Laura Fitzsimons Gilbert has worked previously as a soloist in the CPS “Back to Broadway Cabaret” and as a lead in their musical, The Taffetas. In her free time, she performs with her rock/folk/country ban, The Whiskey Room, at festivals and other venues in the area. She is the PreK-12th grade Vocal Music Teacher at Morristown Central School.

Kimberly Busch, who is directing the Cabaret, will join others in production numbers. She has served as guest conductor for the Herkimer County Music Educators’ Association and the St. Lawrence County Music Educators’ Association (SLCMEA). She directed the CPS production of Once Upon a Mattress and was Vocal Director for The Addams Family. She is the Vocal Music Director at Canton Central School where she directs choir students in grades 5-12. Ms. Busch is also the immediate past president of the Orchestra of Northern New York and a current board member.

Josh Barkley will accompany the performers on piano. He has had a role in more than 25 musicals, from music directing and playing keyboards in the pit to sound engineer and lighting designer. He is the new Assistant Facilities Manager for the Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam.

Tickets are $30 for adults, $27 for seniors (62+) and military personnel including veterans, and $10 for college students. Reserve your seat today by visiting onny.org, by calling 315-212-3440, or at the door if the performance is not sold-out.

The Orchestra of Northern New York, the North Country’s only professional orchestra, rings in the holiday season with its brass and percussion ensemble in a musical evening to remember, while recognizing the contribution area hospitals make to our communities.

ONNY’s Hospital Appreciation Night welcomes employees, associates, and their families of Canton-Potsdam Hospital, Massena Memorial Hospital, and Gouverneur Hospital to its Holiday in Brass concert on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 7:30 pm in SUNY Potsdam’s Hosmer Hall. 

In keeping with ONNY’s audience development initiative, newcomers to this special program, whether associated with the hospitals or not, are free. If one has never been to an ONNY concert, a voucher for a complimentary ticket may be obtained through the Hospital’s Corporate Communications Office. The voucher may be redeemed at the box office the night of the performance for a general admission seat.

Special pricing is also available for all hospital team members who have attended an ONNY concert in the past. Tickets can be purchased online with the code HOSPITAL at checkout for $5 off ONNY’s regular ticket prices. Discounted tickets are $25 adults, $22 seniors and military, and $5 college students. Teens and children are free for this concert.

This holiday program is back by popular demand. Many people who saw the virtuoso brass and percussion ensemble last year thought it was one of the best programs ONNY had produced in its 36 years. Now, with a whole new program of music, ONNY celebrates the traditions of Christmas and Hanukkah with imaginative arrangements of holiday favorites.

Works to be performed include Herbert’s March of the Toys, Tchaikovsky’s “Le Chocolat” from the Nutcracker, Bulla’s Rhapsody for Hanukkah, and Anderson’s A Christmas Festival, among others. Music Director Colonel Michael J. Colburn (USMC, Ret.) will conduct the ensemble.

For more information about Holiday in Brass, visit onny.org or call/text 315-212-3440.

SUNY Potsdam’s Thatcher Hall will be the place to be when the Orchestra of Northern New York hosts its Holiday Brunch and Silent Auction on Sunday, December 8 from 11 am to 1 pm.

PACES Catering is preparing a scrumptious breakfast buffet along with baked ziti with chicken and broccoli in an alfredo sauce. 

The auction promises to be full of interesting and unusual offerings, including a chess set, three-piece pottery collection, watches, baskets of goodies, jewelry, scarves, and much more.

Proceeds of the brunch benefit ONNY’s Youth Programs, including the Young Artist Competition to be held January 25 at SUNY Potsdam’s Hosmer Hall and the Challenge for Young Artists slated for April 12 at the Crane School of Music.

The cost of the brunch is $30/pp and reservations, required by Friday, November 29th, may be made by calling/texting 315-212-3440 or visiting onny.org.

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. 

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.