ITHACA, NY (CortacaToday) — The Cayuga Chamber Orchestra will present its annual Holiday Celebration concert on December 14, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. in Ithaca College’s Ford Hall. The performance will take place under the direction of Guest Conductor Grant Cooper and will include a side-by-side feature with the CCO Youth Orchestra.

Sarah Chandler, Executive Director and Second Clarinet of the orchestra, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming event. “We are so glad to welcome Maestro Cooper back as our Guest Conductor for this special concert. Audience members who joined us in 2022 will remember his marvelous holiday concert with our CCO and CCOYO musicians,” she shared.

Chandler also highlighted the significance of the side-by-side performance, describing it as a meaningful opportunity for the Youth Orchestra musicians. “The Side-by-Side provides an opportunity for our Youth Orchestra musicians to sit in their section with professional CCO musicians leading them. It’s an experience that we CCO musicians look forward to each time,” she said. Reflecting on her own experiences, she added, “We have fond memories of playing in youth orchestras ourselves, and these CCOYO students inspire us, too.”

The event will also feature a special performance by members of the Ithaca High School Vocal Ensemble, directed by Kristin Zaryski. The ensemble will offer a pre-concert performance in the McHenry Lounge, located outside Ford Hall, from 2:15 to 2:45 p.m.

Tickets for the Holiday Celebration concert are available at CCOithaca.org. In addition to individual tickets, the orchestra is offering Mix and Match Subscriptions, allowing attendees to select any four remaining concerts from the Orchestral or Chamber Series. First-time subscribers can take advantage of a 50% discount off single ticket prices.

For more information about tickets and subscriptions, visit CCO’s website here or contact the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra at 607.273.8981 or info@CCOithaca.org.