Facts about ONNY

The Orchestra of Northern New York, now in its 22nd season, was founded in 1988 by Music Director and Conductor Kenneth Andrews, and was incorporated as The Orchestra Association of Northern New York in 1995.

Its mission is to improve the quality of life in northern New York and southern Ontario through live performances of orchestral music performed by superb musicians in a professional setting. It is the only professional symphony orchestra based in the North Country and was honored with the Why I Love New York Award by former First Lady, Libby Pataki.

The Orchestra consists of over 60 professional musicians from northern New York, Montreal, Ottawa, New York City, New England and a select group of accomplished Crane School of Music (SUNY Potsdam) students. Orchestra personnel have performed with the Montreal Symphony, Syracuse Symphony, National Arts Center Orchestra and Hull Chamber Orchestra in Ottawa, Buffalo Philharmonic, Kingston Symphony and many other orchestras in the Northeast US, Canada, and around the world.

The Orchestra has presented over 200 concerts for the enjoyment of audiences in Clinton, Essex, Jefferson, Franklin, St. Lawrence, and Lewis Counties and also in Ontario, Canada. Guest soloists have included some of the most famous musicians of our day, including The Susquehanna String Band, clarinetist Richard Stoltzman, pianist Claude Frank, fiddler Mark O'Connor, harpsichordist Igor Kipnis, violinist Jaime Laredo, trumpeter Allen Vizzutti, and singer Tony Bennett, to name a few.

Three years ago, The Orchestra launched its Young Artist Instrumental Competition to promote and reward excellent effort by the region's high school students.

The Orchestra's revenue sources include ticket sales and concert fees totaling nearly 60% of its budget. The remaining 40% is realized from generous individuals, businesses, and organizations that appreciate the contribution The Orchestra adds to the quality of life in the region. Patron support is essential to the stability and growth of The Orchestra. New patrons are always welcome.