Windham Festival Chamber Orchestra Bids Farewell with a Stirring Final Performance

WINDHAM - Andrew Garland, Peter Finn, Magdalena Golczewski, Sarah Finn, and Robert Manno.

Robert Manno applauded at the end of conducting his final concert with the Windham Festival Chamber Orchestra.

TANNERSVILLE, NY—The Windham Festival Chamber Orchestra (WFCO) delivered a spellbinding final performance at the Orpheum Performing Arts Center last Saturday evening, marking the end of an era with an unforgettable night of music. Conducted by the orchestra's co-founder, Robert Manno, the event was a fitting culmination of 27 years of artistic excellence. Sponsored by the Catskill Mountain Foundation and Peter and Sarah Finn, the evening featured a vibrant program, including Tchaikovsky's Souvenir de Florence and Scott Joplin's Three Rags for Chamber Orchestra (arranged by Skoryk and Manno).

The talents of baritone Garland and soprano Wimbish further elevated the performance. Garland, celebrated by Opera News as a "baritone of strength and vocal opulence," captivated the audience with his rich, commanding voice. His reputation as a leader in recital work, with notable performances at venues like Carnegie Hall, was clearly evident. Wimbish, whose career spans opera, musical theater, and rock opera, brought her dynamic vocal range and stage presence to the performance. As the frontwoman of the pop duo Outcalls, she delivered a vocally stunning and theatrically riveting performance.

The concert, held at the Orpheum Performing Arts Center at 6050 Main Street in Tannersville, was a celebration of the WFCO's legacy and a glimpse into its potential future. In a joint statement, Manno and Magdalena Golczewski expressed their deep gratitude to the audience and supporters who have sustained the orchestra over the years. "Our final performance was inspiring and uplifting, and we were so grateful to the packed, enthusiastic house at the Orpheum PAC. Our gratitude extends to so many for the past 27 years. First and foremost, I thank Peter & Sarah Finn, Pam Weisberg, and the CMF staff. There has been long-standing financial support from Suzy and Bill Vogler, the Willow Springs Charitable Trust, the many donors to the original Windham Chamber Music Festival, and the Catskill Mountain Foundation. We especially look forward to being a part of CMF in the near future," they said.

Peter and Sarah Finn, who have been instrumental in supporting the WFCO through the Catskill Mountain Foundation, shared their excitement about the future of the orchestra. "The Windham Festival Chamber Orchestra performance on Saturday, Aug. 17, was amazing. It was a privilege to see so many top-tier professional musicians on stage at the Orpheum Performing Arts Center in Tannersville, and it was a wonderful grand finale for Bob Manno and Magdalena Golczewski. Sadly, they will not perform again, but we have a secret we are working on!"

They continued, "We are collaborating with Bob to find a new conductor to take Bob's place in leading the Windham Festival Chamber Orchestra. We are not ready to make any announcements yet, but we expect that the WFCO will return to the Orpheum next year with many of the same musicians and that the group will continue to share their music with us for many years. Bob is helping us find the new conductor and has agreed to continue on as an advisor on this."

The Finns also highlighted Tannersville's tremendous transformation in the past decade, with the Orpheum Performing Arts Center playing a significant role in that evolution. "We have great things in store for the future, and the Orpheum's impact on the community will only increase. Since the start of 2024, $1.4 million of new theatrical equipment has been installed at the Orpheum, which will make it possible for us to present more sophisticated performances than ever before. Construction on our two new dance/rehearsal studios at the Orpheum will begin shortly. Stay tuned for the Orpheum to become more significant than ever!" they added.

The Catskill Mountain Foundation (CMF), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, has played a pivotal role in supporting the WFCO and other cultural initiatives in the region. With a mission dedicated to enhancing arts, culture, and education in the northern Catskills, the Foundation has been instrumental in creating opportunities for artists and enriching the lives of residents and visitors alike. The CMF's vision of transforming lives through the power of art was clearly on display during this unforgettable evening.

As the WFCO takes its final bow under Manno's baton, the orchestra's legacy and contributions to the cultural fabric of the Catskills will endure. The Finns' hint of a new chapter suggests that the WFCO will continue to be a beloved fixture in the region's cultural landscape for years to come.

For more information about the Catskill Mountain Foundation and its upcoming events, visit their website or contact their Hunter, Tannersville, or Windham offices.