Windham Festival Chamber Orchestra to Hold Final Performance Aug 17

TANNERSVILLE — The Windham Festival Chamber Orchestra (WFCO) will hold its final performance as a group on August 17, 2024, at 7:00 pm at the Orpheum Performing Arts Center in Tannersville. Under the baton of conductor Robert Manno, the concert will feature soprano Melissa Wimbish and baritone Andrew Garland.

Program:

Manno: Portrait of Millay for Soprano & String Orchestra on Five Sonnets by Edna St. Vincent Millay (Premiere)

Manno: Fern Hill (Dylan Thomas) for Baritone & Chamber Orchestra (Premiere of Orchestra Version)

Tchaikovsky: Souvenir de Florence for String Orchestra

Scott Joplin: Three Rags for Chamber Orchestra (arr. Skoryk/Manno)

Formed in 2000 by Robert Manno, the Windham Festival Chamber Orchestra has become a fixture in the Catskill Mountain region, performing at the Windham Civic Center and the Doctorow Center for the Arts. Composed of top-tier musicians from the New York area, including members of world-renowned orchestras and ensembles, the WFCO has delighted audiences for over two decades.

"Magdalena and I are eternally grateful for all the support we've received over the past 27 years from the Mountain Top Community,” said Manno. "So many donors, volunteers, and loyal concert-goers! In Windham, we could not have existed without the support of Larry Tompkins and Carole Spear and the very generous grant support from Peter & Cynthia Kellogg, Bill and Suzy Vogler, and the Willow Springs Charitable Trust. Likewise, in Hunter and Tannersville since 2003, the generosity and support of Peter & Sarah Finn, Pam Weisberg, and the staff of the Catskill Mountain Foundation made it possible to continue our performances in both Hunter and Tannersville."

The concert promises a mix of classics and premieres, including Manno's compositions, "Portrait of Millay" and "Fern Hill," alongside Tchaikovsky's "Souvenir de Florence" and an arrangement of Scott Joplin's "Three Rags."

In addition to the evening performance, there will be an open rehearsal at 10:30 am and a pre-concert talk at 6:45 pm on the same day.

The WFCO was established shortly after Manno and Golczewski retired from the Metropolitan Opera in 2000 and 2001. Their collaboration with the Catskill Mountain Foundation (CMF) brought world-class music to the region and cultivated a strong community of classical music enthusiasts.

CMF co-founders Peter and Sarah Finn praised Manno and Golczewski for contributing to the area's artistic landscape over the last two-plus decades. “We have loved working with Bob and Magdalena for so many years,” said Peter and Sarah in a joint quote. “They have been wonderful arts partners and also very good friends. They have made extraordinary contributions to the classical music audiences on the Mountaintop and beyond. We are working with Bob on a possible succession plan, and appreciate their continued friendship and support.”

Looking Ahead

As Manno and Golczewski prepare for their final bow, they express gratitude for their journey and excitement for the future. Manno plans to focus on composing and enjoying the rich music scene as an active listener. The couple remains committed to supporting the Catskill Mountain Foundation and the region's artistic endeavors.

The Windham Festival Chamber Orchestra presents "Music by Tchaikovsky, Scott Joplin, and Robert Manno" on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 7:00 pm at the Orpheum Performing Arts Center, 6050 Main Street, Tannersville, NY 12485. A free open rehearsal will occur at 10:30 am, and a pre-concert talk will begin at 6:45 pm. Tickets are $25 for general admission, $20 for seniors, and $7 for students, with processing fees applicable. Given the anticipated high demand, early reservations are encouraged. Tickets can be purchased at catskillmtn.org or by calling 518-263-2063.