CSO elects new officers
The Carmel Symphony Orchestra (CSO) has elected officers for its new season, which runs from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. This is an important season leading into next year’s 50-year celebration. New fundraising initiatives, finalizing the upcoming season and long-range planning have been the board’s focus as they seek to broaden their audience of classical orchestral music lovers. Another top priority is inspiring the next generation of musicians through CSO’s education programs.
- Chair: Nancy Sutton
- Vice Chair: Adam Campagna
- Secretary: Kiley Wanecke
- Treasurer: Mike Bogers
James Caraher to conduct at CarmelFest
Excitement is building for this year’s 4th of July CarmelFest Celebration at the news that Conductor James Caraher will lead the CSO at the Gazebo on the lawn of City Hall. The program will begin at 8 p.m. and lead up to one of the state’s best fireworks displays.
Caraher
Make sure to arrive early to set up your blanket and chairs to ensure the perfect viewing for both the concert and the fireworks. Carmel Rotary will present CarmelFest on July 3 and 4 this year. For more details about the two-day event, visit CarmelFest.net.
About James Caraher
Conductor and pianist James Caraher began his career as a rehearsal accompanist for Tri-Cities Opera in Binghamton, N.Y. Within a few years, he held the position of Music Director for the opera companies of Syracuse, N.Y., Memphis, Tenn., and Indianapolis, and was a frequent guest conductor for many other regional opera companies, including Nashville Opera, New Jersey Opera, Opera Saratoga, and The Opera Company of Philadelphia.
Since his departure from Indianapolis Opera after 33 years in April 2014, he now devotes his time to guest conducting, coaching, recital accompanying, and teaching.
He is currently Music Director for the Opera Program at Butler University in Indianapolis and in the past has served as Artistic Director/Conductor for The International Opera Performing Experience, a summer opera-language program located in Mercatello sul Metauro, Italy, as well as served as principal guest conductor for the Imperial Symphony Orchestra in Lakeland, Fla., for 20 years.
Awards include Sagamore of the Wabash, Indiana’s most prestigious civic award, Distinguished Citizen of the City of Indianapolis, and Hamilton College’s Alumni Medal for significant contributions to the performing arts.