The Cayuga Chamber Orchestra was founded by Charles E.L. McCary in May 1976 when a group of local professional musicians debuted as the Finger Lakes Orchestra. The orchestra’s first concert as the CCO was at Treman Marina in August 1976 as part of the Bicentennial Barge Festival celebration.
Distinguished conductor and Pulitzer Prize winning composer Karel Husa, became Music Director of the orchestra in 1977 and served until 1984. He led the CCO in over 50 performances including ballet, oratorios, commissioned works, premieres, and many of his own works.
During an interim period from 1984-86, the CCO was led by guest conductors while the organization searched for a new musical leader. In March 1986, the Board of Directors named Carl St. Clair Music Director.
Under the leadership of Mr. St. Clair, the CCO expanded its offerings from six to ten concerts per season. In 1987-88 the Chamber Music Series was added, and in December 1988, a new holiday event, Caroling by Candlelight, was introduced.
Mr. St. Clair stepped down as Music Director in 1991 but continued as Artistic Advisor while the search for his successor was launched. During 1992-93, six finalists led full-orchestra concerts, and in May 1993, Heiichiro Ohyama became the CCO’s third Music Director. In his second season with the orchestra, Mr. Ohyama added an eleventh concert to the CCO’s musical offerings
