Our Story
Founded in 1890, Civic Morning Musicals, Inc. (CMM) is a longstanding organization in Syracuse, New York whose activities over the decades have evolved from presenting nationally and internationally known classical musicians to fostering the talent of Central New York. CMM has created a community of local classical musicians as well as hosted for over forty years competitions for young professional vocalists and Jr./Senior high school student instrumentalists. We are very proud that many of the selected winners of these competitions from decades past have flourished in musical careers ever since. Our regional Annual Competition for Singers (ages 17-21 and 22-27) is in November and the CMM & Symphoria Annual Youth Concerto Competition is in January. CMM also recognizes outstanding community members with Annual Awards named in June at the end of each season. CMM provides recordings of our finest concerts to WCNY-FM for broadcast.
In the 2019-2020 season, Civic Morning Musicals has two concert series, two competitions mentioned above, and more, including a special soiree for member donors. We have opportunities for membership and sponsorship, as well as volunteering.
The Wednesday Recital Series holds about 25 concerts per year, free and open to the public, at St. David’s Episcopal Church in Dewitt and Park Central Presbyterian Church in downtown Syracuse, NY. Concerts are Wednesdays at 12:15 p.m. from the beginning of October to mid-December and late February to mid-May.
The other series, Sundays Live! features prominent professional musicians closely associated with Central New York audiences. There are 5 concerts on the Live! series, with the final being the annual CNY Young Artists Live! which features winners of various competitions and awards over the season. Sundays Live! performances take place at Park Central Presbyterian Church in Syracuse at 4 p.m. and admission is $25. These concerts are a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon.