NYS Music 2023

Tag: ithaca

  • Cayuga Chamber Orchestra Announces 2023-2024 Season “Beethoven and Beyond”

    The Cayuga Chamber Orchestra has announced its 2023-2024 season titled Beethoven and Beyond, featuring the four finalists in the search for the next Music Director.

    Music Director Finalists.

    Each finalist will conduct a concert on the CCO’s Orchestral Series during the coming season, including a Beethoven Symphony, a concerto, and a “conductor’s choice.” Candidates include Jeffery Meyer, Guillaume Pirard, Michelle Di Russo, and Octavio Más-Arocas. Meyer recently joined the Orchestral Conducting faculty at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music and serves as Artistic Partner with the Northwest Sinfonietta in Tacoma, Washington. Di Russo is currently the Associate Conductor of the North Carolina Symphony.

    Pirard was a founding member and Co-concertmaster of the Brooklyn-based chamber orchestra, The Knights, and will serve as Visiting Professor of Violin at Ithaca College for the coming academic year. Más-Arocas directs the Michigan State University orchestras, the Mansfield Symphony Orchestra in Ohio, the Marquette Symphony Orchestra in Michigan, and the Clinton Symphony in New York. All four conductors have ties to Ithaca through their work.

    The Cayuga Chamber Orchestra was founded in 1976 and is officially designated “Ithaca’s Orchestra.” Each season includes an Orchestral Series, Chamber Music Series, Holiday concerts, free Family Concerts, and the long-standing Willard Daetsch Youth Outreach Program, which earned the 2015 Yale Distinguished Music Educator award. In 2017, the CCO added a Youth Orchestra program for advanced students, and in 2019, a new Diversity Career Fellowship program was established to provide opportunities for college students from communities that have been historically underrepresented in classical music.

    The 2023-2024 season will also include the popular Chamber Series and a performance of Händel’s Messiah. Concertgoers will be treated to a final concert, Passing the Baton: The Four Seasons, featuring
    Concertmaster Christina Neubauer as soloist. Interim Music Director Grant Cooper will make his final
    appearance on the podium as Interim and the next Music Director will be announced at that concert. A
    special reception is planned immediately following the concert.

    For tickets and more information, visit here.

  • Recording Studios in Central New York

    New York State is home to a great deal of recording studios, and Central New York certainly has their fair share. These studios are found from Ithaca to Syracuse and Utica, with many of these studios having a long and rich history, while others have only been around for a few years.

    Cooperstown, NY

    Rep Studio in the heart of downtown Ithaca provides recording artists with a spacious, comfortable environment in which to create and hone a first-rate product, whether it be a music CD, a radio spot, custom music for any application, sound to picture, or anything else audio.

    Pyramid Sound Studios in Ithaca is a state-of-the-art recording facility that has worked with both major label and independent artists worldwide for the past 30 years. The studio offers music production services for the entire album-making process including writing, recording, mixing, and mastering. Pyramid Sound is equipped with a live room that features three iso booths built with acoustic production in mind. Both the live room and the control room are built on sand and separated from one another to avoid excessive bleeding and vibrations, and both spaces are patchable to any other room via both instrument and speaker cables.

    The live room in Pyramid Sound Studios in Ithaca.

    Discover Recording Studios from across New York State in Western New York, the Capital Region, Long Island, the Hudson Valley, and New York City.

    Subcat Studios was originally founded in 2001 in Skaneateles before moving to Syracuse. The SAG-AFTRA-approved studio offers music recording and production, professional video production, and other educational services for recording artists. Mastering Engineer and Principal Owner Ron Keck had been working with digital recording since 1989. Because of his experience and skillset, SubCat quickly gained a reputation for high-quality audio recording. Today, SubCat prides itself on high-quality studio recording, remote recording, audio mixing and mastering, videography and photography, graphic design, CD and DVD duplication, printing, and much more.

    Studio A in Subcat Studios is equipped with a drum set.

    Big Blue North Recording Studio in Utica has a rich and extensive history. It was initially a wooden church erected in 1920, and on October 9, 1927, the current brick church building opened to the public with an auditorium filled. Big Blue North was purchased by its current owners, Audio Engineer Jeff Aderman and Studio Manager Pamela Jardieu in 2000 and underwent two and a half years of renovation under the supervision of audio industry icon John Storyk. The facility opened as Castle Recording Studio in 2003, and continued until the owner’s retirement 10 years later, reopening as Big Blue North Recording Studio in 2013.

    Big Blue North Recording Studio comes equipped with 5,000 square foot residence, a.k.a The Fort, with a large kitchen and dining room to self-cater your meals, a living room with a big TV to veg out, a practice room to work out your parts, a library to check your email, a private outdoor courtyard to get some fresh air, four bedrooms and an attached garage to securely park the band van and free wireless internet. Weekly cleaning service is included. Available free of charge for out-of-town residents.

    There are several recording studios throughout New York State and Central New York where aspiring musicians can produce music in their pursuit of making their musical dreams come true. If you know of another we missed, reach out to editors@nysmusic.com!

  • Cayuga Chamber Orchestra Concludes 2022-23 Season

    Ithaca’s Cayuga Chamber Orchestra’s 2022-2023 Season Chamber Series concludes on May 28 at First Unitarian Church, with Iberian Enchantment and a program featuring musicians from the orchestra and friends.

    Cayuga Chamber Orchestra Concludes 2022-23 Season

    The season’s final program will feature the Turnia Piano Trio No. 1, The Saraste Navarra and the Louise Farrenc Nonet. Ten talented musicians will perform the pieces, combining winds, strings, and piano. They will play a sparkling Turina, a quick Saraste, and the riveting Farrenc, transporting the audience with their combined musical talent.

    Organizers will unveil an exciting 2023-24 season in June, as the 2022-23 season draws to a close. Furthermore, the orchestra will present its four finalists for the next Music Director and its lineup of soloists.

    The CCO, officially known as “Ithaca’s Orchestra,” founded in 1976 The CCO’s annual program comprises an Orchestral Series, Chamber Music Series, a Holiday concert, free Family Concerts, and the William Daestch Youth Outreach Program, recipient of the 2015 Yale Distinguished Music Educator award. Additionally, in 2017, the CCO added a program for advanced students, the Youth Orchestra Program. In 2019, the CCO launched a Diversity Career Fellowship program for college students from underrepresented communities in classical music.

    Tickets can be purchased online, by phone, or at the door. Tickets cost $38.50 for adults and $12 for students with ID.

    For more information about the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra and tickets, visit their website here, or contact the CCO at (607)-273-8981 or info@CCOithaca.org.

  • Mikaela Davis ‘Here Comes Sunshine’ Residency Coming to Upstate

    Following up on her successful Dead of Winter Residency singer-songwriter and classically trained harpist Mikaela Davis will be playing a Here Comes Sunshine Residency in May at Upstate locations like Buffalo, Albany, Syracuse, and more.

    Mikaela Davis, photo by Tim Mosenfelder/WireImage.

    Mikaela Davis is a native of Rochester, navigating folk, rock, and chamber pop in her music. She emerged in the early 2010s showcasing her harp skills with solo covers of indie singer/songwriters, producing her debut album Delivery in 2018. At age eight she began studying classical harp at the Crane School of Music, writing her own songs after that, and touring whenever she wasn’t in school. Since her debut, she has released several singles, including August’s release of “Left Hand Path,” and has shared the stage with Bob Weir, Christian McBride, Bon Iver, and more. She also performs with her band Southern Star, recently recording at the Relix Studio in New York City, releasing an exclusive Relix Studios vinyl.

    Davis recently announced she will be playing a Here Comes Sunshine Residency in May in multiple Upstate cities like Ithaca, Buffalo, Albany, and Syracuse, with additional one-off shows in Burlington, VT, and the Rochester Lilac Festival. All residency shows will feature two sets, a mixture of original & Grateful Dead songs. Along with the announcement of these shows, Davis says a brand new album is in the works, to be announced at a later date.

    For more information about Mikaela Davis and to buy tickets to her Here Comes Sunshine Residency, visit here.

    Mikaela Davis Residency Shows

    5/2 – Buffalo NY – 9th Ward at Babeville [Residency Show]
    5/3 – Albany NY – Parish Public House [Residency Show]
    5/4 – Syracuse NY – Funk n Waffles [Residency Show]
    5/5 – Burlington VT – Burlington, VT [Residency Show]
    5/7 – Ithaca NY [Residency Show]
    5/8 – Ithaca NY [Residency Show]
    5/9 – Buffalo NY – 9th Ward at Babeville [Residency Show]
    5/10 – Albany NY – Parish Public House [Residency Show]
    5/11 – Syracuse NY – Funk n Waffles [Residency Show]
    5/15 – Rochester NY – Lilac Festival
    5/16 – Buffalo NY – 9th Ward at Babeville [Residency Show]
    5/18 – Syracuse NY – Funk n Waffles [Residency Show]
    5/19 – Albany NY – Parish Public House [Residency Show]

  • Sammy Rae and The Friends to Perform in Ithaca on Headline Fall Tour.

    Brooklyn-based ensemble Sammy Rae and The Friends have announced they will embark on a fall headline tour, which includes a stop in Ithaca.

    On Sept. 24, the band will perform at the State Theatre of Ithaca, five days after beginning their tour on Sept. 19. After the fall headline tour ends, the band will head back to the UK, where they will have a headline show in London.

    Sammy Rae and The Friends

    More than a band, Sammy and The Friends are a family. The diverse group of performers flourishes in any environment with a combination of all-for-one and one-for-all camaraderie, palpable chemistry, deft virtuosity, and vocal fireworks. Their most recent singles include the soul-infused “Closer To You,” and last summer’s jazzy retro pop single “If It All Goes South.” The latter was accompanied by a music video starring Barbara Lochiatto, who appeared in Netflix’s 2020 documentary Some Kind of Heaven as a widow looking for love. Inspired by Lochiatto’s story, Sammy reached out to her to join the music video.

    Prior to the fall tour, Sammy and The Friends are scheduled to perform at Carnegie Hall on March 15, for the 18th annual Music Of fundraising performance, The Music of Paul McCartney. Other musicians scheduled to perform include Nancy Wilson, Lake Street Dive, Natalie Merchant, and more. The upcoming performance marks only the beginning of a jam-packed 2023 for the band.

    Summer will keep the group busy, as well. On June 15, they will make their debut appearance at Central Park Summer Stage, shortly followed by another debut at the Bonnaroo on June 18. At the Green River Festival on June 24, the band is scheduled to headline.

    If you’re interested in seeing Sammy Rae and Friends perform in Ithaca, tickets go on sale starting March 10.

    Sammy Rae & The Friends Confirmed Tour Dates

    Wed, Mar 15     New York, NY @ Carnegie Hall (The Music of Paul McCartney)
    Thur, June 15    New York, NY @ Central Park Summerstage
    Sat, Jun 24        Franklin County Fairgrounds (Northampton, MA) @ Green River Festival
    Sun, Jun 18       Manchester, TN @ Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival
    Tue, Sept 19     South Burlington, VT @ Higher Ground
    Wed, Sept 20    Portland, ME @ State Theatre
    Thur, Sept 21    Boston, MA @ Roadrunner
    Sun, Sept 24     Ithaca, NY@ State Theatre of Ithaca
    Tue, Sept 26     Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues
    Wed, Sept 27 Detroit, MI @ Majestic Theatre
    Thur, Sept 28    Toronto, ON @ HISTORY
    Sat, Sept 30      Bridgeport, CT @ Sound on Sound
    Sun, Oct 1         Millavale, PA @ Mr. Small’s Theatre
    Mon, Oct 2       Columbus, OH @ Newport Music Hall
    Wed, Oct 4       Chicago, IL @ Riviera Theatre
    Thur, Oct 5       St Paul, MN @ Palace Theatre
    Fri, Oct 6           Kansas City, MO @ Madrid Theatre
    Sun, Oct 8         Denver, CO @ Ogden Theatre
    Tue, Oct 10       Salt Lake City, UT @ The Depot
    Wed, Oct 11     Jackson, WY @ Center for the Arts
    Fri, Oct 13         Vancouver, BC @ Commodore Ballroom
    Sat, Oct 14        Seattle, WA @ Showbox SoDo
    Sun, Oct 15       Portland, OR @ McMenamins Crystal Ballroom
    Tue, Oct 17       San Francisco, CA @ The Warfield
    Wed, Oct 18     Los Angeles, CA @ The Novo
    Thur, Oct 19      San Diego, CA @ House of Blues
    Sat, Oct 21        Tempe, AZ @ Marquee Theatre
    Thur, Nov 16     London, UK @ Eventim Apollo
    Fri, Nov 17        Bristol, UK @ SWX
    Sat, Nov 18       Manchester, UK @ New Century Hall
    Sun, Nov 19      Glasgow, UK @ Queen Margaret Union

    Watch Sammy and The Friends perform live at Brooklyn Steel.

  • Cayuga Chamber Orchestra Orchestral Concert On March 11th

    The Cayuga Chamber Orchestra will continue its Orchestral Series on Saturday, March 11, featuring renowned concert artist Paul Neubauer with CCO Concertmaster Christina Bouey. The concert will begin with Stravinsky’s Danses Concertantes, followed by selections from Romani Folk Songs, and ending with Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante.

    The CCO was founded in 1976 and is officially designated “Ithaca’s Orchestra.” CCO provides various programs in each season including but not limited with Orchestral Series, Chamber Music Series, and Holiday concerts. They also hold the award winning program Daetsch Youth Outreach Program, which earned the 2015 Yale Distinguished Music Educator award. In the following years, they add more programs to provide opportunities for advanced students and college students.

    Paul Neubauer is a globally award-winning soloist and recording artist. He performed with over 100 orchestras worldwide and won numerous awards, including first prize in the Lionel Tertis International Viola Competition. Neaubauer was the principal violist of the New York Philharmonic when he was 21 and is currently a faculty of The Juilliard School and Mannes College in New York City.

    Christina Bouey is currently Concertmaster of the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra and Assistant Professor of Violin at Ithaca College. She has won the Grand Prize at the Vietnam International Chamber Competition and the Grand Prize at the Fischoff Competition. In addition, her ensemble, the Ulysses Quartet, were Lisa Arnhold Fellows at the Juilliard School.

    Tickets may be purchased online, by phone or at the door. Select subscriptions are still available. For more information, please visit CCO website.