Tag Archives: symphony syracuse

shaking hands

Overcast skies brighten on cue for Inlet’s Symphony Weekend

Symphony Syracuse gave a special children's concert before their regular evening performance

The newly formed Symphony Syracuse performed last Friday for a nearly sold-out crowd under the tent at Arrowhead Park in Inlet. Fulton Chain of Lakes Performing Arts Council chairman Jerry Dupuis is shown congratulating popular Maestro Grant Cooper, who conducted the performance.

by Marianne Christy

Near-capacity crowd turns out for last weekend’s Arrowhead Park performance

Fulton Chain of Lakes Performing Arts Council chairman, Jerry Dupuis

A near capacity crowd of music lovers filled the tent at Arrowhead Park in Inlet on Friday, July 29 to enjoy a performance by the Symphony Syracuse Orchestra.

According to Barbara Criss of the Fulton Chain of Lakes Performing Arts Council, Inc. (FCLPAC), the organization responsible for bringing the symphony to Inlet the last 13 years, the symphony once again delivered an outstanding program, and played well beyond their contracted two hours. Continue reading →

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Symphony Syracuse: Inlet Readies

It’s become a special night for many—a valued part of summer in the Adirondacks; it’s an evening where a great cross-section comes together in Inlet, New York to enjoy and ponder the genius of history’s great composers as arranged and performed by some of today’s finest musicians. It’s always a great night.”—Jerry Dupuis, chairman of the Fulton Chain of Lakes Performing Arts Council

Annual Arrowhead Park Performance to Return Next Weekend

When the musicians of the Symphony Syracuse Orchestra take to the stage under the tent at Inlet’s Arrowhead Park on Friday evening July 29, they will be led by old friend and colleague Maestro Grant Cooper.

Cooper, who served as resident conductor of the former Syracuse Symphony Orchestra from 1997 to 2007, is currently Artistic Director and Conductor with the West Virginia Symphony.

At past concerts, Cooper dazzled the local audience with his showmanship and wit, and he said he is looking forward to his upcoming return.

“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 this year,” Cooper said.

Jerry Dupuis, chairman of the Fulton Chain of Lakes Performing Arts Council, Inc., hopes for a large turnout by not only veteran symphony-goers, but by those who have never attended a performance before.

“I think if people gave it a try, they would love it. It’s like those who say ‘I don’t like rice pudding’, yet they have never tried it. Once they have a taste, they can’t get enough!” Dupuis said.

The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 and available at the Inlet and Old Forge Visitor Information Centers until the day of the performance. Tickets can also be purchased at the door where lawn tickets will also be available for $10.

A free children’s concert will begin at 3 p.m., and a fundraising Cocktail Party will be held at the Woods Inn from 4 to 7 p.m. Cocktail party tickets are $110 and also available at the two information offices. More information can be found by calling (315) 357-5501 or 369-6983.

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Symphony Syracuse: Inlet readies

It’s become a special night for many—a valued part of summer in the Adirondacks; it’s an evening where a great cross-section comes together in Inlet, New York to enjoy and ponder the genius of history’s great composers as arranged and performed by some of today’s finest musicians. It’s always a great night.”—Jerry Dupuis, chairman of the Fulton Chain of Lakes Performing Arts CouncilAnnual Arrowhead Park performance to return next weekend. Continue reading →

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SYMPHONY UPDATE Summer concert back on: Inlet organizers reach agreement with Syracuse musicians

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.

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