The board of directors of Carmel Symphony Orchestra (CSO) has announced the promotion of Cara Pittenger to Executive Director.
Pittenger
Pittenger joined CSO as Music Librarian in February 2019. Personnel Manager was added to her title later that same year, and in October 2020 she was promoted to Director of Operations.
“I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to guide this exceptional orchestra,” Pittenger said. “As far as plans for the future, I look forward to expanding our educational programs, and to getting the CSO out into our communities even more. I want everyone to know what a fantastic asset the Carmel Symphony Orchestra is, not just for the City of Carmel and Hamilton County, but for all of Central Indiana.”
“I also hope to introduce the orchestra and its music to younger concertgoers, especially families,” Pittenger continued. “We already are pursuing this path through our overall programming, including outdoor concerts like last month’s CarmelFest and Classical Mystery Tour on Sept. 5 at Coxhall Gardens. CSO offers an outstanding mix of classical with our Masterworks presentations and contemporary with our Pops performances – amazing music for everyone’s enjoyment, in convenient locations and at affordable pricing.”
The U.S. Army veteran served six years with the 38th Infantry Division Band. Following her military service, she performed as Percussionist with the Muncie Symphony Orchestra, Anderson Symphony Orchestra, Marion Philharmonic and Kokomo Park Band, and was Personnel Manager for both the Muncie and Anderson Symphony Orchestras. She also directed band, orchestra and choir for six years at public schools throughout Indiana.
Pittenger holds two degrees – a Bachelor of Music Education (2006) and a Master of Music in Percussion Performance (2008) – from Ball State University.
The Noblesville resident is married to Rod Pittenger, whom she met while both were serving in the Army. The couple has two children, Rylee, 8, and Caden, 7.
Pittenger will oversee the aforementioned Classical Mystery Tour – the Music of The Beatles (an inaugural collaboration with Hamilton County Parks and Recreation next month at Coxhall Gardens) and two “Symphony Uncorked” performances (Sept. 12 at Martinsville’s Cedar Creek Winery and at Daniel’s Vineyard in McCordsville on Oct. 3) before the CSO 2021-22 season officially kicks-off. Its Masterworks 1 performance on Saturday, Oct. 9 features guest artist Martina Filjak, and will showcase Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor and the beloved Symphony No. 5 by Beethoven.
About the Carmel Symphony Orchestra
The Carmel Symphony Orchestra, founded in 1975, is a professional orchestra that is among resident companies of the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts. For information about its upcoming season, visit CarmelSymphony.org. The 2021-22 season is supported by the City of Carmel, the Center for the Performing Arts, the Palladium, and Pedcor.