Despite last month’s announcement that the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra (SSO) had canceled the remainder of its 2011 performance schedule due to bankruptcy, the 65 musicians who comprised the former SSO will return to Inlet on July 29 for the Fulton Chain of Lakes Performing Arts Council’s (FCLPAC) annual concert at Arrowhead Park.
In the last couple weeks, FCLPAC board chairman Jerry Dupuis said he has been in contact with former SSO percussionist Mike Bull who said he and his fellow musicians voted overwhelmingly in favor of continuing the scheduled SSO season’s programs, including the Inlet performance.
According to Dupuis, Bull is also general manager of the newly-formed Symphony Syracuse, which Dupuis describes as “a new institution with the same players”.
“I am ecstatic for everyone involved. Performing is these musicians’ life work. Where would they go if a symphony in Syracuse does not exist?” Dupuis said.
Dupuis was also excited to announce that he has been contacted by Grant Cooper who, as previously planned, will return as conductor for this year’s lakeside concert.
“I am ecstatic that I have this opportunity to return to Inlet so that I might make music once again for the wonderful audience there.
“Our performances under the tent had been a highlight of my musical life for many years and I am thrilled to be able to return in 2011.
“How fitting that we play on the site of a baseball diamond—the program we have planned is going to be a “home run!” Cooper said.
Dupuis admits the last couple weeks have been stressful for him and his fellow board members as they were uncertain of the future of the concert which has been so positively embraced by residents and visitors for the last 12 years.
“The reality was, if we had to take a break for a year we might not get our audience back. It was a real concern,” Dupuis said.
But in the end, Dupuis said their most reassuring factor was the number of people who called to say, “We want you back. We will miss this event.”
“And this year, we will give them a program they will never forget,” he said.
