The year of 2026 is especially meaningful music to the ears of musicians and supporters of the Carmel Symphony Orchestra, which was founded in 1975 and officially incorporated on Dec. 10, 1976.
CSO Business Manager Cheri Moore says the group will celebrate that five-decade anniversary milestone throughout their upcoming season between October 2026 to April 2027. "We'll culminate in a dinner before the final concert to celebrate those who've contributed to the CSO's success over the past 50 years," she adds.
The organization launched a debut public performance on Dec. 21, 1976, at the Carmel High School auditorium. Although, the orchestra actually took shape in 1975 as a volunteer group of 15 musicians at the Carmel Friends Meeting House. For the launch performance in 1976, Latvian-born Viktors Ziedonis was the conductor.
Presently, the CSO consists of up to 85 members, depending on performance types and venues, and serves as the resident orchestra at the Payne & Mencias Palladium in Carmel.
See CSO Perform In Carmel July Fourth
Join CSO members in a celebration of the 250th anniversary of America during the 39th annual CarmelFest on July 4 from 8-9:40 p.m. Enjoy their classic, patriotic tunes at the gazebo at Civic Square leading up to a fireworks display at 9:45 p.m.
Welcoming A New Conductor
David Commanday joined CSO on July 1 as the new music director. Notably, he's a familiar face to CSO enthusiasts, as he served as the orchestra's interim music director from October 2023 through June 2024.
"I so look forward to making music again with the fine musicians of the CSO, and to reconnecting with the wonderful city of Carmel. This season, we'll be raising the level of ensemble and building a unique sound, as we fill the Palladium with glorious music, all made in, or inspired by, America.”
Maestro David brings extensive experience to this position, having performed with orchestras across North America, Europe, the Middle East and South Asia. Among his many awards, he was recognized by the Illinois Council of Orchestras as Illinois Professional Conductor of the Year.
As a cum laude graduate of Harvard College, David was awarded the Austrian State Diploma in Orchestral Conducting from the University of Vienna with highest distinction. He held faculty positions at Harvard, Boston University and MIT.
David was a principal cellist at Tanglewood under the direction of Leonard Bernstein, Seiji Ozawa and Aaron Copland. He often plays chamber music performances with visiting artists, such as Yo-Yo Ma, Bobby McFerrin, Rachel Barton Pine, Jason Vieaux and Michael Stephen Brown.
David also is artistic director/conductor of the Heartland Festival Orchestra, and directs Orchestral Activities at Eastern Illinois University.
Community Outreach
As a registered 501(c)(3) organization, CSO offers free concerts to area fifth-graders as part of the group's educational outreach. These interactive concerts are designed especially for students to spark curiosity and a lifelong appreciation for the arts. Cheri says through the years, these concerts have become a much-anticipated event for local schools, offering both entertainment and educational value by connecting music to history, culture and creativity. While these concerts are presented at no charge to students, CSO staffers seek support from area corporations, individuals and grants to cover the production costs.
Visits to senior communities to share the joy of music, prompt memories and create meaningful connections through engaging programs are scheduled by CSO small ensembles to perform select pieces while sharing history behind the music and their instruments. "It’s our way of bringing the symphony to those who may not be able to attend concerts, and honoring the role music plays throughout all stages of life," explains Cheri.
CSO also hosts musician read-alongs for children at local libraries, introducing them to the sounds of various orchestral instruments.
As part of CSO's educational initiatives, the musicians provide experiences for school students called an "Instrument Petting Zoo,” where students learn more about string instruments. Students are able to take turns playing each of the instruments, which are half- to quarter-size versions to accommodate younger children.
Cheri says, "It's our hope this early childhood exposure to these instruments will ignite a lifelong love of classical music for these children."
Details for the CSO 2026-2027 season can be found online at CarmelSymphony.org.
Celebrating five decades of inspirational and acoustic excellence in Carmel Symphony Orchestra performances that are remembered long after the last note has sounded.