Loose in the Cuse

Holiday Symphonic Spectacular 

Symphony Syracuse

Crouse-Hinds Concert Theater, 

John Mulroy Civic Center 

Dec. 14, 7:30 p.m. 

In May 2011 the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. M&T Bank acquired its assets and the musicians scattered. It looked as though the city’s orchestral void might never be refilled. 

On Friday, Dec. 14, 7:30 p.m., Symphony Syracuse, a musician-run reconstituted co-op version of the SSO, will perform at the Crouse-Hinds Theater. The event, billed “The Holiday Symphonic Spectacular,” looks to be great fun—not to mention the long-awaited relaunch of an essential Syracuse arts organization. Tickets are priced from $19 to $45.

The evening, conducted by Sean O’Loughlin, will consist of seasonal tunes, most of which were inspired by classic holiday films. “It’s not the usual holiday show,” said Jon Garland, who chairs the orchestra’s Board of Trustees. “We’ve got music from The Polar Express and Home Alone, with a lot of new arrangements.”   

Collaboration is another one of the show’s primary themes. Syracuse Pops Chorus and singer Amanda Brasher will contribute vocals to some of the pieces. The Empire State Dancers are set to perform as well in an appearance that’s supposed to include excerpts from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. “It’s going to be a very visually appealing show,” promised Garland.

There’s also going to be a world premiere: a work dedicated to the orchestra’s new name, which will be announced at the top of the Dec. 14 program. “As far as rolling out a new brand, we thought {the Symphonic Spectacular} would be the perfect grand-opening event,” said Garland. “It’s such an inclusive event.”

When the SSO collapsed, its musicians created Symphony Syracuse, a rough, ad hoc organization designed to help 70 unemployed musicians pay their bills. Since its creation, Symphony Syracuse has matured greatly, even if it will be called by a new name. The organization will offer a full series of concerts for winter and spring 2013, a move indicative of stable financial and structural footing. 

“We don’t want to have a repeat situation,” said Garland, “a situation where we can’t complete something we’ve promised to deliver.” 

The SSO’s fundraising group, formerly the Syracuse Symphony Association, has also undergone reorganization. Now called the Syracuse Sounds of Music Association, the collective will not only aid the new orchestra but other music-focused Central New York non-profits as well. It too will offer what it calls “a significant announcement” at Friday’s event.

Although there will surely be a stigma attached to the new orchestral organization, its administrators—the musicians themselves—foresee a successful future. “When people start businesses, they plan for success,” said Garland. “That’s what we’re doing, planning for success.”