News from the Noteworthy from Fenimore Chamber Orchestra
Orchestra Preps for Start of Third Season
Fenimore Chamber Orchestra came about as the result of a conversation held in 2021, during the height of the worldwide pandemic, by its founders Thomas Wolf, Rosemary Summers and Maestro Maciej Żołtowski. Observing that the artistically-rich community of Cooperstown lacked a chamber orchestra, and undeterred by the challenges and doubts of naysayers, the trio’s determination to enrich the region’s musical tapestry began. Prominent members of the Cooperstown community stepped up to form a Governing Board of Directors, and in June of 2021, Fenimore Chamber Orchestra was officially incorporated, cementing its status as a nonprofit organization committed to serving the community.
The debut concert was held on August 27, 2022 at Christ Church Episcopal in Cooperstown. A hand-picked ensemble of the region’s finest musicians presented an outstanding program of music including Mozart’s Concerto for Flute and Orchestra featuring Principal Flutist Norman Thibodeau, and Haydn’s Symphony No. 34. Reviewer T. Stephen Wager wrote, “A new orchestra led by Maestro Żołtowski is indeed a rare and historic jewel in the already considerable crown of artistic offerings in Cooperstown. The capacity audience, obviously having enjoyed itself, rewarded Maestro Żołtowski and the Fenimore Chamber Orchestra with an enthusiastic and prolonged ovation at the conclusion of the concert.”
The mission of Fenimore Chamber Orchestra is to provide extraordinary performances at the highest level of artistic excellence for Cooperstown and the surrounding regions of upstate New York. Concerts by Fenimore Chamber Orchestra have become eagerly-awaited events in Cooperstown. The resulting audience acceptance and critical acclaim are very encouraging to the founders and governing board and demonstrate that the orchestra’s mission and vision truly address a genuine need in the region.
Fenimore Chamber Orchestra firmly believes that music has the power to enrich and elevate society. In this spirit, the five programs which are presented each season in Cooperstown and the surrounding region are meticulously curated to offer selections of rarely-heard music juxtaposed with more well-known musical works, thus ensuring an enriching and memorable experience for all.
The 2024-2025 concert season commences on August 24 at Christ Church Episcopal in Cooperstown. The program offers a typically-varied program which includes Rameau’s “Airs de Ballet,” Mozart’s “Concerto for Bassoon and Orchestra,” featuring Principal Bassoonist Daniel Hane, and Haydn’s delightful and rarely-heard Symphony No. 83, “La Poule.” Prospective patrons may visit Fenimore Chamber Orchestra’s newly-designed and updated website, fenimore-orchestra.org, to secure single tickets or a season subscription, and to make a contribution.
Thomas Wolf is chair of the Fenimore Chamber Orchestra board.