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Regional grade school students are being invited to a whimsical orchestral adventure in which they will step inside a fantastical animal kingdom where lions roar, turtles dance, elephants lumber, kangaroos leap, and swans glide — all through the magic of a live symphony orchestra.

The Orchestra of Northern New York (ONNY), with support from presenting sponsor SeaComm Federal Credit Union, will bring to life French composer Camille Saint-Saëns’ beloved Carnival of the Animals for North Country schoolchildren in early 2027.

The free 45-minute performance will take place at 10:00 am on Friday, February 12, 2027 in Hosmer Hall at the Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam. The program is designed for students in Grades 3, 4, and 5. Community Performance Series, Potsdam, is partnering with ONNY as school outreach consultants. 

Carnival of the Animals is a playful musical parade filled with humor, imagination, and unforgettable melodies. Each animal is brought vividly to life through the unique sounds of the orchestra, from the fluttering flute and mysterious clarinet to strings, xylophone, glass harmonica, and two pianos.

With ONNY’s Music Director Colonel Michael J. Colburn, USMC (Ret.) conducting and moderating the program, students will discover how composers can use music to make audiences hear, imagine, and even feel the personalities of the animal world.          

“This is more than a concert — it’s an invitation to explore, imagine, and experience the orchestra in a completely new way,” says Colburn. “Carnival of the Animals is funny, surprising, and full of musical characters that children can immediately connect with.”

SeaComm Federal Credit Union, headquartered in Massena, is making the program possible through its sponsorship.It is helping bring the power and excitement of live orchestral music directly to students across the North Country.

SeaComm CEO and President Scott Wilson noted, “Music and the arts are rich in the North Country. We are extremely fortunate to be living in an area that appreciates the value the Orchestra of Northern New York brings to us.

“We are proud to be the contributing sponsor of this live symphony Carnival of Animals, which will provide an enriching experience for grade school students in St. Lawrence County.” Wilson continued. “For many students, the performance will be an opportunity to experience the sound, energy, and excitement of a full orchestra in person. They will also discover how classical music can be every bit as imaginative, entertaining, and unexpected as the animal kingdom itself.” 

School districts will arrange student transportation on February 12 to/from Hosmer Hall. They are encouraged to make reservations with ONNY soon.

For more information, visit ONNY.org, email ONNY Executive Director Kathy Del Guidice at executivedirector@onny.org, or call/text 315-212-3440.

Whether you are a regular audience member at the Orchestra of Northern New York (ONNY) performances, or a new-comer to the events, don’t miss out on this opportunity to get a season subscription that provides access to four concerts for the price of three!

This special promotion for the 39th season of ONNY ends on October 12, 2026, and offers the best deal for the 2026-2027 “Season of Legends” series. By ordering today, you can skip the line at the box office and receive your tickets for each performance by email as soon as your order is processed.

To better accommodate our audience members of all ages, we provide five levels of ticket subscriptions:

• Adult: $90 ($120 value)
• Senior/Military: $81 ($108 value)
• College Student: $30 ($40 value)
• Teens 13-17: $5 ($20 value)
• Children 12 & under are always FREE, but tickets are required

All tickets are general admission seating.

The first concert for the new season will be American Lit:101 at 7:30pm on October 17, 2026 at SUNY Potsdam, and at 3:00pm on October 18 at the Trinity Episcopal Church in Watertown. 

‘Tis the Season will be performed at 3:00pm on December 12, 2026 at SUNY Potsdam, and at 3:00pm on December 13 at the First Presbyterian Church in Watertown. The 2027 concerts will include Four Seasons on February 6 in Potsdam, and February 7 in Watertown; and National Treasure on April 24 in Potsdam, and April 25 in Watertown.

Subscriptions as well as single tickets may be purchased online at onny.myeventscenter.com or by phone at 315-212-3440. Tickets will also be on sale at the box office one hour before each performance. For a list of all upcoming ONNY concerts, visit onny.org/event. 

Twelve outstanding vocal students from SUNY Potsdam’s Crane School of Music will take the stage as paid professionals for the first time when the newly formed Chamber Choir of Northern New York makes its debut in Finding Home, a free concert presented by the Orchestra of Northern New York.

The concert will take place Thursday, September 10, at 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Potsdam. Admission is free, with donations appreciated.

Under the direction of Dr. Nils Klykken, Associate Professor of Choral Music and Choral Area Coordinator at the Crane School of Music, the new ensemble will explore the many ways people understand and experience home — as a place, a memory, a journey, a community, and ultimately, as something we carry within ourselves.

“Finding Home” considers what it means to return after being away, to find belonging while on a journey, to create a welcoming space for others, and to discover a sense of home within ourselves. The program also explores deeper questions of identity, belonging, longing, and community.

Audiences will hear a wide-ranging collection of choral music spanning centuries and musical traditions, from German Romantic music and Black spirituals to folk-inspired works, contemporary compositions, and music from science fiction opera.

The program opens with “Meet Me Here” from Considering Matthew Shepard by Craig Hella Johnson, followed by “Panda Chant I” from The Games: a science fiction opera by Meredith Monk. Other selections include “Home” by James Sizemore and “Abendlied” by Josef Rheinberger.

The ensemble will also perform “I Flow…I Am,” a spiritual commentary on the courage required to remain present through darkness, pain, and uncertainty. Traditional Black spirituals “Deep River” and “We Shall Walk through the Valley” continue the program’s exploration of faith, perseverance, and hope.

The concert concludes with two works centered explicitly on the idea of returning home: Dvořák’s “Goin’ Home” and “The Road Home” from Southern Harmony by Stephen Paulus, followed by “Homeward Bound” by Marta Keen, with additional music by Gustav Holst.

The inaugural Chamber Choir of Northern New York features Ian Bailey, Emily Buliung, Kenzie Caccamo, Manny Coleman, Julie DeLaurentis, Rebecca Gatto, Caden Gibbens, Gabriela Jimenez, Jack Kalteux, Julian Lamar, Rebeckah Lucia, and Ben Randles.

Dr. Klykken holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the University of Michigan and a Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts in Conducting from the Eastman School of Music. His conducting and creative work focuses on evolving choral practices for the 21st century, including the relationship between historical performance practices and contemporary improvisation.

The Orchestra of Northern New York (ONNY) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing exceptional orchestral and musical experiences to audiences throughout the North Country. ONNY receives funding in part from the New York State Council on the Arts, with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature.

Two of the North Country’s leading institutions are joining forces to inspire the next generation through the power of live music.

The Orchestra of Northern New York (ONNY) will present one performance only of a free concert, Carnival of the Animals, for St. Lawrence County students in grades 3, 4, and 5 on February 12, 2027, at Hosmer Hall, Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam.

This special field trip experience is made possible through a generous grant from SeaComm Federal Credit Union, headquartered in Massena and serving communities throughout Northern New York.

One of the most beloved works in classical music, Carnival of the Animals transports audiences into a whimsical world where lions roar, elephants lumber, turtles dance, and swans glide. Filled with humor, imagination, and memorable melodies, the masterpiece introduces young listeners to the excitement and storytelling power of a live orchestra.

The performance will be conducted by ONNY’s Music Director, Colonel Michael J. Colburn, USMC (Ret.), a nationally respected conductor and educator. Colburn says, “We are thrilled to partner with SeaComm to offer this unique educational and artistic experience to students across St. Lawrence County. Experiencing live orchestral music can spark creativity, curiosity, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts.”

ONNY Executive Director Kathy Del Guidice added, “All of us at ONNY are deeply grateful for SeaComm’s commitment to creating new opportunities for young people in our region.”

“Music and arts are rich in the North Country. We are extremely fortunate to be living in an area that appreciates the value that the Orchestra of Northern New York brings to us,” says SeaComm President and CEO Scott Wilson.

“We are proud to the be the contributing sponsor of this live symphony Carnival of the Animals, which will provide an enriching experience for grade school students in St. Lawrence County,” he added.

The concert reflects a shared commitment by ONNY and SeaComm to enrich the lives of North Country youth through access to high-quality educational and cultural experiences. By bringing hundreds of students together for a live performance in one of the region’s premier concert venues, the organizations hope to create memories that will resonate long after the final note is played.

Information about the field trip will be sent to music teachers in elementary schools in September. Capacity is capped at 500 students, so those responding early will be assured of a seat.

ONNY is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and a member of the League of American Orchestras. ONNY is funded in part by the Northern New York Community Foundation, and by NYS Council on the Arts, a state agency, with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the NYS Legislature. 

For more information, visit onny.org or call/text 315-212-3440.

The Orchestra of Northern New York, the North Country’s only year-round symphony orchestra, begins its 39th season with music by legendary composers.

Music Director Colonel Michael J. Colburn, USMC (Ret.), now in his third year as the artistic leader of ONNY, says, “We have music inspired by literature, movies, the holidays, the four seasons, and national pride. And the composers include Dvorak, Bernstein (both Elmer and Leonard), Vivaldi, Saint-Saens, and Sibelius. You won’t want to miss a single note!”

Frederic Remington’s America

ONNY’s celebrates our nation’s 250th anniversary with a unique and exciting collaboration with the Frederic Remington Art Museum, located in Ogdensburg, New York. The concert, Frederic Remington’s America, has been curated through the lens of one of America’s most important artists, and reflects his family’s heritage, experiences growing up in Northern New York, his travels to Paris and Cuba, and his lifelong love of the cowboy culture of the American West. 

The concert will feature a veritable “Who’s Who” of American composers, including Aaron Copland, Richard Rodgers, George Gershwin, Scott Joplin, and Leroy Anderson, and will finish in traditional ONNY fashion with Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture and Sousa’s The Stars and Stripes Forever. 

The ever-popular summer Pops concert is a stand-along offering this year, not part of the season subscription offering. For tickets, visit onny.org or call/text 315-212-3440.

The celebration begins with an outdoor free performance on July 1 at 8 pm in Thompson Park, Watertown, followed by fireworks. It continues Thursday, July 2 at 7:30 pm in Hosmer Hall, Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam. And because of a special collaboration between ONNY and the Frederic Remington Art Museum, a third performance on Friday, July 3 at 7 pm will take place in the George Hall Auditorium at Ogdensburg Free Academy. The program begins early to give patrons time to get to Morristown for the traditional fireworks display there.

American Lit. 101

For the opening concert of the season, ONNY turns to music inspired by great American literature. In some cases, the works are traditional novels, like Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, Thomas Pynchon’s Gravity’s Rainbow, and William Faulkner’s The Reivers. In other cases, the music is inspired by other types of writing, such as the series of Pulitzer Prize winning articles by Malcolm Johnson that were the catalyst for the 1954 film On the Waterfront, and the collected writings of the Suffragette movement that led to 19th Amendment. The music resulting from all these works is as varied and stirring as the texts themselves and serves as a reminder of how music can augment and even elevate the power of the written word. 

Two of the works on the program, Stacy Garrop’s “Battle for the Ballot” and John Williams’ “Suite from The Reivers” feature the texts of the authors as part of the concert experience. To share these words, we’re thrilled to be joined by Guy C. “Chip” Lamson and Dr. Colleen Skull as guest narrators.

Performances are scheduled for Saturday, October 17 at 7:30 in Hosmer Hall, Crane School of Music. On Sunday, the program is presented at 3 pm in Trinity Episcopal Church, Watertown. 

‘Tis the Season

When it comes to getting into the spirit of the holiday season, there’s nothing like a concert of your favorite holiday music! Rest assured that ONNY will always do its part to get you ready for all that shopping, wrapping, and decorating. Whether you’re in the mood for classical works by composers like Tchaikovsky and Vaughan Williams, light-hearted gems by Leon Jessel and Leroy Anderson, or music from cherished television specials like Charlie Brown and the Grinch, ONNY has you covered. “Tis the season” to get rid of the humbugs and celebrate the season with ONNY!

Performances include a matinee only on December 12 at 3:00 PM in Hosmer Hall, SUNY Potsdam, and December 13 at 3:00 PM in Trinity Episcopal Church, Watertown.

Four Seasons

Is there any better way to brighten up a cold, dark February evening than to listen to music that evokes thoughts of birdsong in the spring, a languid, warm summer afternoon, or a harvest festival in the autumn? Thanks to composer Antonio Vivaldi and soloist Liesl Schoenberger Doty, ONNY will take listeners on a musical journey through the “Four Seasons” that is sure to transport you out of the doldrums of a North Country winter. 

Longtime patrons of ONNY may recall our annual Baroque concerts, which we are bringing back with a twist: While Baroque music will still be featured on these programs, we will also program string orchestra works from other eras as well. In addition to Vivaldi, we will perform Finnish composer Einojuhani Rautavaara’s charming depiction of country fiddlers, “Pelimannit,” and John Rutter’s heartwarming tribute to British folksong, “Suite for Strings.”

Performances are Saturday, February 6, 2027, at 7:30 PM in First Presbyterian Church, Potsdam, and Sunday, February 7 at 3:00 PM in Trinity Episcopal Church, Watertown.

National Treasure

One of the greatest sources of inspiration for many composers is their country and culture, and this program features works in which the country of origin is beyond a doubt! There is perhaps no greater example of this type of composition than Sibelius’ “Finlandia,” a work so nationalistic that it had to be performed under the title “Impromptu” during the years that Finland was under the sway of the Russian Empire. Ironically, Joan Tower’s “Made in America,” a fantasia on “America the Beautiful,” was inspired by the years she spent as a child living in Bolivia, an experience that gave her an even greater appreciation for the opportunities our country offers. Dvorak’s Symphony No. 8 is a showcase for the charm and exuberance of the folk music that endlessly inspired him.

Performances are on Saturday, April 24 at 7:30 PM in Hosmer Hall, SUNY Potsdam, and Sunday, April 25th at 3:00 PM in Trinity Episcopal Church, Watertown.

Ticket Information

Adult tickets are $30 with discounts for seniors, military, and students. Children 12 and under are always free. Newcomers to ONNY may request a voucher, $30 value, for one free ticket to any concert. 

Purchase a subscription and get four concerts for the price of three. Season subscriptions are $90 adults ($120 value), $81 seniors ($108 value), $30 college students ($40 value), and $15 teens ($20 value). They are on sale until October 16.

ONNY is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and a member of the League of American Orchestras. ONNY is funded in part by the Northern New York Community Foundation, and by NYS Council on the Arts, a State agency, with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the NYS Legislature. 

For more information, visit onny.org or call/text 315-212-3440.

The Carriage House Quartet will perform an hourlong concert as part of the Orchestra of Northern New York’s new family-centered outreach initiative, ONNY Pops Up! The program, which is free and open to the public, will be presented at the Frederic Remington Art Museum on Sunday, June 14 at 3 pm. 

Designed to spotlight the talents of ONNY musicians, ONNY Pops Up! aims to build new community partnerships, expand the orchestra’s capacity for future outreach, and bring live music into unexpected spaces. The program focuses on increasing public engagement – especially among youth and families – by offering performances outside traditional concert halls.

The program is chaired by ONNY bassoonist and board director Max Grube, who also serves as Internship Coordinator at SUNY Potsdam’s Lougheed Center for Applied Learning. Grube says, "With the goal of enhancing community connection through music, this series will feature pop-up concerts in new and/or unexpected spaces with an initial focus on family and youth programming. This series has something for all listeners and audience members who can expect a range of musical styles, instrumentation, and engaging demos from ONNY musicians. Please be in community with us when "ONNY Pops Up" at the Remington Art Museum on June 14!"

Members of the Carriage House Quartet are Maggie McKenna, First Violin; Jennifer Kessler, Second Violin; Erin Brooks, Viola; and Robert Docker, Cello. McKenna is ONNY’s Assistant Concertmaster and Executive Director of the Frederic Remington Art Museum. Kessler, Brooks, and Docker also play with ONNY and are faculty members of the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam.

The Quartet does recitals, community events, weddings, and other private and public events. They enjoy performing various genres including baroque, classical, romantic, new music, pop/rock and tangos. The group is named for the 19th-century carriage houses behind their Victorian homes, where they are known to rehearse and relax on summer evenings.

ONNY is a 501(c)(3) funded, in part, by the New York State Council on the Arts, a state agency supported by Governor Kathy Hochul and the NYS Legislature and the Northern New York Community Foundation.

For more information about the Orchestra of Northern New York and ONNY Pops Up!, visit onny.org or call/text 315-212-3440. 

The Orchestra of Northern New York (ONNY), the North Country’s only year-round professional symphony orchestra, is launching a new family-centered outreach initiative this spring: ONNY Pops Up!

Designed to spotlight the talents of ONNY musicians, ONNY Pops Up! aims to build new community partnerships, expand the orchestra’s capacity for future outreach, and bring live music into unexpected spaces. The program focuses on increasing public engagement—especially among youth and families—by offering performances outside traditional concert halls.

The program is chaired by ONNY bassoonist and board director Max Grube, who also serves as Internship Coordinator at SUNY Potsdam’s Lougheed Center for Applied Learning. Grube says, "We're excited to launch "ONNY Pops Up!" in spaces across the North Country. With the goal of enhancing community connection through music, this series will feature pop-up concerts in new and/or unexpected spaces (with an initial focus on family and youth programming). This series has something for all listeners—audience members can expect a range of musical styles, instrumentation, and engaging demos from ONNY musicians. Please be in community with us, wherever "ONNY Pops Up" next!"

The inaugural ONNY Pops Up! event will take place Saturday, April 11 at 11 a.m. at the North Country Children’s Museum. The Potsdam Brass Quintet will perform, and all attendees will receive a free keepsake from the event. Admission is free for NCCM members and $10 for non-member adults and children ages one and up.

Additional ONNY Pops Up! performances will feature string quartets drawn from the orchestra. Upcoming dates include events at the Frederic Remington Art Museum in Ogdensburg in June and Boldt Castle in Alexandria Bay in July.

Other members of ONNY’s Outreach Committee include principal cellist Marie-Elaine Gagnon, assistant concertmaster Maggie McKenna, and Crane School of Music student apprentices Michael Wong ’26 and Alyssa Spina ’26.

Now in its 38th season, ONNY is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Its next major performance, Summon the Heroes, celebrates American composers and features Aaron Copland’s Lincoln Portrait, narrated by Dr. P. Wesley Roy, Assistant Professor of Choral Music Education at the Crane School of Music. Performances are on April 25 in Potsdam and April 26 in Watertown.

For more information, visit onny.org or call/text 315-212-3440.

Enjoy scrumptious desserts while listening to eight fabulous local singers as they perform hits from Broadway and beyond!  The Orchestra of Northern New York is hosting A Cabaret Show with Desserts for one performance only on Saturday, February 13 from 6:30-8:30 pm in St. Lawrence University’s Eben-Holden Conference Center, which is handicap accessible.

The ensemble will be performing songs from Bye, Bye Birdie, Hadestown, Little Shop of Horrors, Company, Sweeney Todd, Rent, Annie Get Your Gun, Chicago, Shrek and many more.

Performers include Jim Fryer, Kyle Flint, Meaghan Janovsky, Jennifer Blewett, Hailey Hodge, Andrea Ellison, Laura Gilbert, and Kimberly Busch, with John Barkley on piano.

Jim Fryer has performed with Community Performance Series summer musicals, with Grasse River Players, and Parishville-Hopkinton School. He is an Associate Professor of Psychology at SUNY Potsdam.

Kyle Flint has also had roles in CPS summer musicals, including Gomez in The Addams Family. He is a clinical pharmacist at Canton-Potsdam Hospital.

Meaghan Janovsky will also be familiar to CPS audience members having played leading roles for several productions. She teaches fifth grade in Massena.

Jennifer Blewett is a veteran of CPS productions, including Once Upon a Mattress and Mary Poppins. She is the Director of Compliance and Continuing Education at Auto Manager.

Hailey Hodge has played Frenchie in Grease and Cinderella in Into the Woods, in addition to other CPS roles. She owns Luna, a women’s clothing and lingerie store in Canton.

Andrea Ellison is a Crane alumna who is honored to be part of the musical community of the North Country. She shares her love of performing teaching her music students at Parishville-Hopkinton Central School.

Laura Fitzsimons Gilbert has worked previously as a soloist in the CPS “Back to Broadway Cabaret” and as a lead in their musical, The Taffetas. In her free time, she performs with her rock/folk/country ban, The Whiskey Room, at festivals and other venues in the area. She is the PreK-12th grade Vocal Music Teacher at Morristown Central School.

Kimberly Busch, who is directing the Cabaret, will join others in production numbers. She has served as guest conductor for the Herkimer County Music Educators’ Association and the St. Lawrence County Music Educators’ Association (SLCMEA). She is the Vocal Music Director at Canton Central School where she directs choir students in grades 5-12. Ms. Busch is also the immediate past president of the Orchestra of Northern New York and a former board member.

Josh Barkley will accompany the performers on piano. He has had a role in more than 25 musicals, from music directing and playing keyboards in the pit to sound engineer and lighting designer. He is the new Assistant Facilities Manager for the Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam.

Tickets, which are going quickly, are $30 for adults, $27 for seniors (62+) and military personnel including veterans, and $10 for college students. Reserve your seat today by visiting onny.org, by calling 315-212-3440, or at the door if the performance is not sold-out.

Violist Sarvesh Sitaraman, 15, took home First Prize in the Orchestra of Northern New York’s James and Katherine Andrews Young Artist Competition held recently for instrumental students “Pursuing Artistic Excellence.” He earned a $500 cash prize and the opportunity to solo with ONNY in its April 25 and 26 concerts in Potsdam and Watertown, respectively.

Sarvesh performed the First Movement Allegro Moderator of Haendel’s Concerto in B Minor on the viola. 

Sarvesh began playing the viola at age 10 and performs with the St. Lawrence University Orchestra. He studied viola initially with Nancy Kear, then with Lorie Gruneisen, and is currently taking private lessons with Christian Hosmer, all of whom are former ONNY musicians.

In 2023, he attended Crane Youth Music, a summer camp at the Crane School of Music, 
SUNY Potsdam, on a Scott LaVine scholarship. He has participated in area all-state and all-county orchestra since 2022. He began playing viola at NYSSMA in 2021.

Apart from playing viola, Sarvesh enjoys playing violin, clarinet, and piano. He also loves singing. He has been part of his school band, orchestra, chorus, and select choir since 2019. In 2024, he received coaching and feedback as a participant in ONNY’s Vernice N. Church Challenge for Young Artists.

He is the son of Sitaraman Krishnan and Sinduja Sitaraman, Potsdam.

The James and Katherine Andrews Young Artist Competition was established in 2007 for talented high school students in Northern and Central New York. Mr. and Mrs. Andrews were great supporters of various activities for young people and were especially fond of those involving music. The mission of the YAC is to inspire young musicians to reach the highest level of artistry they can achieve.

For more information about the Young Artist Competition, visit onny.org/youth-programs, email info@onny.org, or call 315-212-3440.

Two full pages of sponsor and donor names are evidence of the staunch support this cultural gem of the North Country has in the region. The report also summarizes ONNY’s new, three-year strategic plan that will take the orchestra to its 40th anniversary season in 2027-2028.

Finally, ONNY’s annual report discloses its finances for 2024-2025, noting total assets of $430,814 for this nonprofit organization. Programming accounts for 47% of expenses while donations are 45% of all revenue received. 

Significant contributions last season enabled the orchestra to establish a reserve fund, a dedicated savings account that will provide support in the event of unexpected financial emergencies and unique, mission-aligned opportunities, once all other reasonable funding sources have been considered.

The report is available online at onny.org. A copy can also be obtained by calling/texting 315-212-3440 or emailing info@onny.org.