History of the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra

The Cayuga Chamber Orchestra, distinguished by the designation

the “Official Orchestra of the City of Ithaca,” has been bringing

superb classical music to its audience for over a quarter of a century. 

The Orchestra was founded by Charles E.L. McCary in May 1976 when a group of local professional musicians debuted as the Finger Lakes Orchestra.  Distinguished conductor and Pulitzer Prize winning composer Karel Husa,

became Music Director of the orchestra in 1977 and served until 1984. He led the CCO in over 50 performances including ballet, oratorios, commissioned works, premieres, and many of his own works.  During an interim period from

1984-86, the CCO was led by guest conductors while the organization searched for a new musical leader.  In March 1986, the Board of Directors named Carl St.Clair Music Director.  Under the leadership of Mr. St.Clair, the CCO

expanded its offerings from six to ten concerts per season. In 1987-88 the Chamber Music Series was added, and in December 1988, a new holiday event, Caroling by Candlelight, was introduced.  Mr. St.Clair stepped down as Music Director in 1991 but continued as Artistic Advisor while the search for his successor was launched. 

During 1992-93, six finalists led full-orchestra concerts, and in May 1993, Heiichiro Ohyama became the CCO's third Music Director.  In his second season with the orchestra, Mr. Ohyama added an eleventh concert to the CCO's musical offerings.

Music Director Kimbo Ishii-Eto was the next Music Director for the CCO, and was present to celebrate the CCO’s 25th season, and the 30th anniversary season in 2006-2007.  Ishii-Eto was instrumental in working with several local groups and artists in collaborative performances, including highly distinguished artists such as Steven Stucky, Rachel Lampert, Steven Doane, the Cayuga Vocal Ensemble, and more. Ishii-Eto’s final performance as Music Director for the CCO was in April of 2007, where he conducted Beethoven's 9th Symphony at Bailey Hall with the Cornell University Chorus and Glee Club.  

Our 31st season was dedicated to the "Season of the Search", while we auditioned four high qualified candidates for the position of the CCO's fifth Music Director.  On April 19th, 2008, the CCO officially announced that Lanfranco Marcelletti, Jr. would be taking the podium for the 08-09 Season as the next CCO Music Director.