Our Chautauqua Orchestra

Music performance has always been an integral part of the Chautauqua Experience. From its inception the CSO has been a major draw for many people who visit season after season. For some, this is may be their only opportunity throughout the year to hear live symphonic music played by professional musicians. Not only is it possible to hear two or three formal concerts in a week, but visitors on the grounds are welcome to wander into the Amphitheater during rehearsals for a bit of shade and a preview of the evenings’ performances.

One of the nation’s oldest festival orchestras, the CSO presents a wide variety of classical favorites as well as compositions by leading living composers. They collaborate with the Chautauqua Opera and Conservatory, provide music for visiting dance ensembles like the National Ballet, and play the orchestral score to popular movies like “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi” while the audience watches the movie on a megascreen.

Concert soloists and guest conductors are renowned making a night at the symphony a topic of conversations as people leave to walk under the stars to waiting transportation or their vacation accommodations. One of the closest accommodations is the Athenaeum Hotel where people gather for a night cap on the porches to relive musical moments.

Music Director Rossen Milanov clearly wants the orchestra performance to be more than a passive listening experience. He engages with the audience both during and after performances by giving the listeners insights into the music and providing opportunities to meet guest artists. Conductor Stuart Chafetz joyfully explores the movie genre. Musicologist David Levy frequently holds preconcert lectures near the Amp to make the concert experience more meaningful. All three have national and international reputations for their dynamic and enthusiastic involvement with symphonic music.