Cayuga Chamber Orchestra Celebrates 50 Years with a Stellar 2026–27 Season

The Cayuga Chamber Orchestra (CCO) announces its 50th Anniversary Season, marking its five decades of supplying Ithaca and the Finger Lakes region with world-class orchestral and chamber music. Since its founding in 1976, the CCO has grown into a beloved institution for the community, and this golden anniversary season is anticipated to be its most ambitious and memorable yet.

Under the leadership of Music Director Guillaume Pirard, the 2026–27 season aims to present timeless classical masterpieces with fresh artistic voices. The lineup features a well-rounded mix of orchestral and chamber performances, culminating in a year-long celebration of music, community, and its legacy. The Orchestral Series will start the season with five captivating concerts, offering music lovers a theme for each musical experience. 

The orchestral season kicks off on Saturday, September 19, with “Giant-Proof” at Ford Hall, Ithaca College. This concert, featuring Christina Courtin on voice and violin, sets the tone for an inspiring season ahead. Then, on Saturday, October 10, the series continues with “Fantasies” at Ford Hall, Ithaca College. Jacob Jolliff, a virtuoso mandolinist, joins the orchestra for an evening of performances.

As the holiday season approaches, the series welcomes “Holiday Side-by-Side” on Saturday, December 19, also at Ford Hall, Ithaca College. This festive collaboration includes the CCO Youth Orchestra, Strebel Youth Concerto Competition winners, and the Ithaca High School Chorale. The season’s energy continues on Saturday, February 13, 2027, with “¡Bailemos!” at Ford Hall, Ithaca College. Guest conductor David Hayes leads the program, featuring Christina Bouey on violin, in a tribute to Latin-inspired music. Finally, the orchestral season concludes on a grand note with “Grand Finale” on Saturday, March 20, 2027, at Ford Hall, Ithaca College. The evening features Miri Yampolsky on piano and the world premiere of a CCO 50th Anniversary commission, a fitting tribute to the orchestra’s dedication to music.

The Chamber Series will also return this season with an intimate setting for some of classical music’s most beloved works. On Sunday, November 15, the series will set the stage with “Nielsen and Fauré” at the First Unitarian Society of Ithaca, offering an evening dedicated to the music of Carl Nielsen and Gabriel Fauré. The season continues on Sunday, January 17, 2027, with “Prokofiev and Beethoven”, where the contrasts and connections between Sergei Prokofiev and Ludwig van Beethoven take center stage in a unique program.

On Sunday, April 18, 2027, the series explores Spanish musical heritage with “Granados and Turina”, featuring works by Enrique Granados and Joaquín Turina at the First Unitarian Society of Ithaca. The chamber season will conclude on a high note on Sunday, May 9, 2027, with “Couperin and Purcell” at the First Congregational Church of Ithaca, showcasing the compositions of François Couperin alongside the dramatic flair of Henry Purcell. 

As the CCO prepares to showcase this milestone, music lovers are invited to secure their seats for the entire season. Subscriptions are now on sale at CCOithaca.org, giving music lovers the best value and ensuring no one misses a moment this year.