Caramoor’s 80th Season is for Dabblers and Devotees Alike

Caramoor recently announced its 2025 summer season – the organization’s 80^th – with a diverse lineup of performances, all set within the picturesque gardens and historic venues of its Katonah estate. Concerts range from classical masterpieces to new collaborations that blend genres. The grounds encompass several venues that lend different environments to the viewing and listening experience, including a tented live music venue that seats 1,500 people, a sprawling field, picturesque courtyard, sunken garden and intimate listening room.

Every season, residents and visitors alike travel to catch a show at Caramoor. Some take in the history, some yearn to hear a classic, others crave recent innovations in music. Some are simply looking for a place to spend time with their family. Chances are, all will find what they seek.  According to the press release announcing the lineup, “Caramoor’s long-held philosophy of offering premium programming that runs the gamut of genres and styles ensures not only something for every audience, but a world of new discoveries and old favorites for the entire family.”

For a Familiar Name

Caramoor has set the stage, both proverbially and literally, for some of the most sought-after names in classical music today. Cellist Yo-Yo Ma, one of classical music’s most celebrated artists alive today, will come together with pianist Emanuel Ax and violinist Leonidas Kavakos on July 30 for a performance that includes Beethoven’s “Leonore” Overture and Symphony No. 3 “Eroica.” Just days later, Lyle Lovett, an influential figure in country music, will take the same stage on August 2 with his “Large Band”.

The summer season lineup also includes renowned pianist Daniil Trifonov (6/27) and innovative mandolinist Chris Thile, known for his work with Nickel Creek and Punch Brothers, with The Knights (7/20). Also recognizable in their niches are The Legendary Ingramettes (6/15), and Arturo O’Farrill, a leader in the world of Latin jazz (7/26) and Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Caroline Shaw, who will join Sō Percussion on July 10 for a performance featuring her experimental works.

For Classical and Chamber Music Aficionados

Several events in Caramoor’s summer season cater to the timeless classics of the chamber and orchestral world, beginning with an opening night performance of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 performed by Orchestra of St. Luke’s (OSL) on June 21. The OSL will play two other times: once with violinist Stella Chen for Beethoven’s Violin Concerto and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5 (7/13), and then again with pianist Garrick Ohlsson performing Brahms’s Piano Concerto No. 2 and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 to close out the season (8/3).

Meanwhile, the Spanish Courtyard and Music Room are where guests can find more intimate performances by chamber music ensembles, including Escher String Quartet with Alessio Bax (7/6), renowned string quartet Takács Quartet (7/25), Terra String Quartet (6/22) and Claire Bourg & Jinhee Park (8/2).

For Those Who Bring Their Dancing Shoes

The stage on Friends Field invites a welcoming anything-goes environment with some high energy “Concerts on the Lawn” performances that are likely to get guests dancing. One example is Endea Owens & The Cookout, a soulful jazz performance with upbeat rhythms (7/3); another is La Excelencia, an 11-piece salsa band known for its infectious rhythms (7/5). On July 11, the Grammy Award-winning Ranky Tanky presents a lively mix of jazz, Gullah music and R&B. Finally, on August 1, the Garifuna Collective celebrate the traditions of the Garifuna people of the Caribbean and Central America with lively rhythms and call-and-response vocals (8/1). Of course, dancing isn’t required. Some attendees prefer to simply spread out a blanket and relax on the lawn with a picnic in the summer breeze – and that’s okay, too.

For Celebrations of Community and Identity

Caramoor recognizes cultural traditions and inclusive celebrations within its lineup. Two significant options are a Juneteenth celebration with The Legendary Ingramettes, a tribute to the African American heritage through gospel music (6/15) and a Pride event with Seth Rudetsky & Friends, acollaborative event with The LOFT LGBTQ+ Community Center that celebrates Pride through music and storytelling. Other events also embrace cultures and traditions, introducing the sounds of New Orleans, Garifuna, Gullah culture and more.

For Full-Day Festivals

Two full-day festivals this summer season allow music lovers of all ages to explore its grounds as performances take place in several locations throughout the campus. American Roots Music Festival (6/28) offers a lineup of bluegrass, folk and more, closing with New Orleans ensemble The Rumble, featuring Chief Joseph Boudreaux Jr. The Jazz Festival (7/26) celebrates jazz in all its forms and evolutions, with headlining performance by Arturo O’Farrill & the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra. 

For Mindfulness

According to Caramoor Artistic Director Kathy Schuman, the organization aims to remain true to its founders’ vision of “a creative oasis where audiences can pause, dream and be inspired.” There are plenty of opportunities to discover the tranquil spirit of Caramoor. Visitors can explore Caramoor’s grounds on their own on Thursdays–Sundays once they open on June 1. Mindful listening is encouraged during the Music & Meditation series in the sunken garden on Saturday mornings in July. In addition, sound installations throughout “aim to re-interpret the Caramoor grounds and inspire alternative ways of listening.”

With something for every musical taste, Caramoor’s summer season invites the community to explore its rich offerings, including those not listed above, like dance, opera, new music and more. The lineup also presents several performances that, rather than expecting kids to sit still in their seats, provides an atmosphere that is more conducive to exploring and enjoying music, like American Roots and Jazz festivals, family-friendly activities during the Juneteenth event, and Concerts on the Lawn.

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For more arts news and updates, visit artsw.org/artsnews.

^{Photos (top to bottom): Venetian Theater (photo credit: Gabe Palacio); Emanuel Ax, Leonidas Kavakos and Yo-Yo Ma (photo credit: Nigel Parry); Orchestra of St. Luke’s (photo credit: Gabe Palacio); The Legendary Ingramettes (photo courtesy of Caramoor); The Rumble (photo courtesy of Caramoor); Caramoor’s sunken garden (photo credit: Gabe Palacio)}