Celebrating 25 Years of Musical Excellence, Cooperstown Summer Musical Festival Unveils Spectacular Lineup

Extraordinary performances showcase collaborative spirit, artistic innovation and classical mastery

COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. (JULY 11, 2023) - The Cooperstown Summer Music Festival’s highly anticipated 25th anniversary season opens on Tuesday, August 1st at 7pm at the Otesaga Resort Hotel. The 2023 lineup of concerts will captivate Cooperstown audiences and beyond with world-class talent and unforgettable performances. ­

"We’re looking forward to sharing this special 25th year with music lovers of all stripes, as we embark on a remarkable musical journey that showcases an exceptional array of artists from diverse genres," says Festival Founder and Artistic Director Linda Chesis. 

From jazz legends to classical ensembles, each performance embodies the spirit of collaboration, inviting audiences to experience the powerful synergy created when talented musicians join forces. The festival's commitment to artistic innovation is evident in performances that push boundaries, introducing audiences to new musical territories as well as to novel expressions of more traditional genres.

Taking place every Tuesday in August at various venues in Cooperstown, including The Otesaga Resort Hotel and The Farmers’ Museum, the festival has become synonymous with the fusion of musical excellence, collaborative spirit, artistic innovation, and the celebration of classical masters.

2023 Cooperstown Summer Music Festival Lineup

Harry Allen's All Star New York Saxophone Band

Tuesday, August 1 at 7pm at the Otesaga Resort Hotel

Jazz saxophone legend Harry Allen joins forces with Ken Peplowski and Grant Stewart on tenor saxophone, Gary Smulyan on baritone saxophone, James Chirillo on guitar, Mike Karn on bass and Aaron Kimmel on drums for an evening of small group jazz with a big band feel. 

Nuevo Tango: JP Jofre, bandoneon and Tommy Mesa, cello

Tuesday, August 8 at 7pm at the Otesaga Resort Hotel  

Argentinian bandoneon master JP Jofre joins highly-acclaimed Cuban-American cellist Tommy Mesa for a program exploring the fusion of classical music and tango. Performing beloved works by Astor Piazzolla alongside original works by the Grammy-nominated Jofre, the duo will show fans the future of tango in a unique musical experience. 

Caroga Arts Ensemble: A String Serenade

Tuesday, August 15 at 7pm at the Otesaga Resort Hotel

The hometown heroes of the Caroga Arts Ensemble return to CSMF for a summer string extravaganza, showcasing works spanning a variety of sounds and emotions from around the globe.

All-Bach

Tuesday, August 22 at 7pm at Christ Episcopal Church 

CSMF Artistic Director Linda Chesis combines forces with festival favorites Joseph Lin, violin, Michael Katz, cello and the inimitable Bradley Brookshire on harpsichord for a celebration of the pure beauty and undeniable genius of J. S. Bach. In addition to performing a selection of Bach’s instrumental sonatas -- masterful compositions that reveal new meaning with each encounter -- they will be joined by Glimmerglass Festival Young Artists Emilie Kealani, soprano, and Kyle Tingzon, countertenor, for performances of Bach’s beloved arias. 

Borromeo String Quartet with Linda Chesis, flute

Tuesday, August 29 at 7pm at The Farmers’ Museum 

Hailed by the Boston Globe as “simply the best,” the Borromeo String Quartet returns to CSMF to perform Beethoven’s op. 127 as well as works by Amy Beach and Elena Alberga.

TICKET INFORMATION:

Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for students under 18. Tickets for all events must be purchased in advance either online from www.cooperstownmusicfest.org or over the phone by calling Purplepass Tickets at 800-316-8559 and selecting Option 1. Please note there is a $2 service fee per phone order.

ABOUT THE COOPERSTOWN SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL:

Founded in 1999 by flutist Linda Chesis, the Cooperstown Summer Music Festival has been bringing world-class chamber music performances to the Cooperstown area for 25 years. The festival has featured performances by the American, Juilliard, St. Lawrence, Jupiter and Jasper String Quartets, Stefon Harris, Bill Charlap, Kurt Elling, Simone Dinnerstein, Mark O’Connor, John Pizzarelli, the Sonia Olla Flamenco Dance Company, and many more. Concerts are held in venues across Cooperstown, including the grand Otesaga Hotel, The Farmers’ Museum and Christ Church (the church of author James Fenimore Cooper).

The Cooperstown Summer Music Festival is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature.