Chappaqua Orchestra changes name, location and announces new Music Director!

For Immediate Release

The Chappaqua Orchestra Board of Trustees and Co-Executive Directors David Restivo and Amy Harter are pleased to announce the new name of The Chappaqua Orchestra – “Orchestra 914”, a new location – Pleasantville, NY, and the appointment of Russell Ger as the Music Director for Orchestra 914.

The Chappaqua Orchestra (TCO) was created in 1958 in an effort to bring high-quality classical music to Northern Westchester. Over the years, TCO has had many incarnations, from a mix of professional and local amateurs, to what is now a fully professional orchestra. It has had several conductors, many of whom have gone on to national recognition. TCO served the town of Chappaqua for over 60 years. After careful consideration, the Board decided it was time to change the name and make the move to Pleasantville, to attract a wider and more diverse audience, as well as to be part of a community that is dedicated to the Arts, joining cultural organizations such as The Jacob Burns Film Center, ARC Stages, the Pleasantville Music Festival and the Pleasantville Farmers Market. The mayor of Pleasantville, Peter Scherer, is “very excited to bring Orchestra 914 to his residents and complete the cultural picture of Pleasantville.” 

Ex-Directors David Restivo and Amy Harter are both thrilled to begin working with Russell Ger, whose artistic energy encompasses our goals and vision for the orchestra’s future. Mr. Ger’s long-term experience will bring a collaborative approach to an inclusive and unexpected array of classical music, with the highest level of artistic integrity in mind. “It is with great anticipation that I begin this new journey leading Orchestra 914. I am looking forward to making some wonderful music and sharing it with our audience in new and exciting ways.” – Russell Ger

Since 2016, Mr. Ger has been Music Director of the Greater Newburgh Symphony in Dutchess County New York.  He will remain in that capacity and serve as the Music Director for Orchestra 914.

Russell Ger’s broad repertoire spans orchestral, operatic, and choral music, which he has conducted across North America, Europe, and his home of Australia.  Mr. Ger has toured North America with renowned violinist Itzhak Perlman, performed at the Hollywood Bowl with members of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and at the Barclay’s Center in NY for an audience of 6,000.

Mr. Ger received a Master of Music in Orchestral Conducting at The Boston Conservatory.  In 2013, Mr. Ger was one of four finalists from around the world for the prestigious 2nd International Chicago Symphony Orchestra Sir Georg Solti Conducting Apprenticeship. As a proud alumnus of Symphony Australia, the leading conductor training program in the country, Mr. Ger had the opportunity to work with Australia’s top orchestras.  Mr. Ger is committed to nurturing the next generation of musicians, and regularly works with young people to promote classical music.

To find more information about Orchestra 914, please, check out our new website at www.orchestra914.org.  The 2021/2022 season schedule will be announced within the next few weeks. The new season will include family and classical concerts in Pleasantville, Tarrytown, and Peekskill, as well as other towns in Westchester.

About Chappaqua Orchestra

The Chappaqua Orchestra is dedicated to producing high quality music in Northern Westchester, promoting local musicianship, and creating music lovers in the next generation through its four full orchestral concerts and four chamber events annually.