CSO’s Annual Cabaret Returns with Special Guests, New Venue
ONEONTA—The Catskill Symphony Orchestra is preparing for the return of its beloved annual cabaret concert this month, themed “The Golden Age of Broadway,” set to take place at the Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center on Friday, March 22. Organizers said this year’s concert has stirred unprecedented excitement, leading to the rapid sell-out of the premium tickets, which included a special pre-concert seated reception among other exclusive benefits.
The CSO board has announced that, while premium tickets have been fully claimed, they are offering new concert-only tickets for $45.00. These tickets provide access to an evening filled with the melodies of Broadway classics performed at the Bettiol Theater. Doors for concert-only ticket holders will open at 7 p.m., with the concert commencing at 7:30 p.m. Musical selections will include such Broadway classics as “West Side Story,” “The Phantom of the Opera,” “Candide,” and more. These pieces will be further brought to life by the vocal prowess of guest singers Casey Gray and Jazmin Gorsline, organizers said.
Another annual cabaret favorite is the spirited Guest Conductor competition, this year featuring Susquehanna Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Executive Director Stacie Haynes, of Westford, and Hoffman Family Medicine’s Mary Ellen Hoffman from Oneonta. Their diverse backgrounds, from animal welfare to medicine and music, add a unique flair to this competition. Each is raising funds for the CSO toward their ultimate goal of coming out on top to take the baton to conduct the orchestra for one song. Friends, family, and supporters are encouraged to contribute to their fundraising goals both in advance and during the concert.
In addition to the musical performances, this year’s concert will feature a silent auction, presenting an array of more than 30 items ripe for the bidding. Among the treasures is original art from several regional artists, contributions from jewelers including Wolf Wilde Goldsmith, Edward Teleky Jeweler and J. Gorman Fine Jewelry, golf passes, curated wine baskets, and gift certificates to a number of local restaurants and businesses. Not to be missed is a unique experience of dinner for eight, meticulously prepared by CSO Artistic Director Glen Cortese in the comfort of the winner’s home, accompanied by a conductor’s baton for a touch of musical flair. These items, among others, will be available for preview and advance bids in the week leading up to the concert, offering a blend of culture, art, and community spirit.
This year’s changes, including the new venue and date, are part of the CSO’s ongoing commitment to elevate the annual cabaret concert experience, organizers said in a release, “ensuring an evening of superior acoustics, comfort, and overall enjoyment.”
Concert tickets are $45.00 in advance and $50.00 at the door if available, and can be secured online at catskillsymphony.org/cabaret, and at the Green Toad Bookstore in Oneonta.
“The CSO is also proud to continue to extend free tickets to every student, plus up to two accompanying adults, through the newly-established Wendy Brown Memorial Fund and thanks to the generosity of Robert Nelson and Van Broughton Ramsey,” CSO officials announced.
For more information and to secure tickets, visit the website or reach out to CSO at cabaret@catskillsymphony.org or by calling (607) 269-7501.