History of the Orchestra

The Orchestra of Northern New York was founded by Music Director and Conductor Kenneth Andrews in 1988. Now in its twenty-third season, the Orchestra's mission is to help improve the quality of life in the North Country through live performances of orchestral music performed by superb musicians in professional settings. It is the only professional symphony orchestra from Rochester to Burlington and Syracuse to Ottawa.
With the help of public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts and in-kind support from SUNY Potsdam and The Crane School of Music, the Orchestra has performed over 230 concerts. The Orchestra is proud to have educated and entertained thousands of people in Northern New York, the Adirondacks, Ontario and beyond. Over the past two decades, the Orchestra has featured many internationally renowned soloists including Tony Bennet, Marc O'Connor, Richard Stoltzman, Igor Kipnis, Jon Manasse, Claude Delangle, Alan Vizutti, Jaime Laredo, and many more.

The Orchestra consists of seventy professional musicians from New York State, Canada, and New England, along with several Artists Faculty and a few exceptionally talented students by audition from The Crane School of Music. These musicians have performed with the Montreal Symphony, Toronto Symphony, National Arts Centre Orchestra, the Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse Symphonies, and other major orchestras around the world.

The Orchestra earns some revenue from ticket sales and concert fees but it still seeks significant financial assistance from businesses, local organizations and generous individuals. A growing core of support, with leadership from organizations like Cappello, Linden & Ladouceur, Clarkson University, The Corning Incorporated Foundation, Pat Collins Real Estate, Dr. Terence Reed and Stewart's Shops has helped sustain The Orchestra of Northern New York's exceptional quality. Corporate support also helps keep tickets affordable and all concerts free to children twelve and under.