Orchestral Music in the Hills
Based in Morehead, the smallest city in Kentucky with a community-supported symphony orchestra, the Cave Run Symphony was founded in 2013.
It is a 60-piece musical ensemble comprised of professional and semi-professional musicians, music professors and teachers, and highly qualified, auditioned student musicians.
The Orchestra is operated by the Cave Run Symphony Orchestra Society, Inc., a non-profit, tax-exempt organization under Section 501 ©(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Gifts to the CRSO are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.
The CRSO is funded by gifts, grants, sponsorships, program book advertising, branded merchandise marketing and ticket sales. We welcome support at any time of the year.
Bringing Orchestral Music to the Hills
Based in Morehead, the smallest city in Kentucky with a community-supported symphony orchestra, the Cave Run Symphony was founded in 2013.
It is a 60-piece musical ensemble comprised of professional and semi-professional musicians, music professors and teachers, and highly qualified, auditioned student musicians.
The Orchestra is operated by the Cave Run Symphony Orchestra Society, Inc., a non-profit, tax-exempt organization under Section 501 ©(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Gifts to the CRSO are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.
The CRSO is funded by gifts, grants, sponsorships, program book advertising, branded merchandise marketing and ticket sales. We welcome support at any time of the year.
Starting Sunday, audiences and musicians helping in search for new conductor of Cave Run Symphony
“The race is on for a new baton.”
That’s the motto of the final phase of the innovative search for a new principal conductor of the Cave Run Symphony Orchestra. It will seek the input of audiences and orchestra musicians in the evaluation of three finalists to succeed Maestro Terry Durbin who is stepping away from the podium after six seasons.
“Each of our finalists will conduct the orchestra in one concert this season and Dr. Durbin will return to conduct one performance,” said Dr. Lori Baruth, search committee chair. “We are excited about the prospect of allowing audiences and orchestra members to have the opportunity to comment on each candidate’s demonstrated expertise through an evaluation form after each of the three concerts.”
The finalists were chosen recently through a traditional evaluation of written applications and supporting documentation.
Dr. Baruth is principal clarinet for the Cave Run Symphony and serves as chair of the CRSO’s Artistic Advisory Committee, which is responsible for orchestra programming and musical personnel.
Dr. Craig Burrows, chair of the Symphony’s Board of Directors, also is enthusiastic about inviting concertgoers and musicians to comment on the musical mastery, leadership skills, and artistic vision of each finalist.
“Inviting those persons with the most exposure to our performances to help us find a new principal conductor is most appropriate for this community-supported symphony orchestra and I applaud the search committee’s creative approach,” Burrows added. “This process is certainly in keeping with the spirit of strong community involvement which has guided us since the orchestra’s founding twelve years ago.”
The Cave Run Symphony Orchestra opens its 2025-26 concert season on Sunday, Oct. 26, at 3 p.m. in the Morehead Conference Center with the theme of “Scandinavian Showpieces.”
Conducting will be Kyle Elgarten of Coral Gables, Fla., who currently serves as assistant conductor of the Palm Beach Symphony, associate conductor of the Frost Symphony Orchestra, and assistant conductor of the Henry Mancini Institute Orchestra.
Season tickets are $35 if purchased on or before Oct. 26 but will be $50 after that date. They are available at the Morehead Visitor Center or may be purchased online at caverunsymphony.org or at the door or by mail at CRSO, PO Box 441, Morehead, KY 40351.
Adult tickets for single concerts are $18 and can be purchased at the door or online or by mail. Students and other children are admitted free of charge.
Ticket questions should be directed to the telephone message line at 784-9894 or by e-mail to caverunsymphony@gmail.com.
(Media Contact: keithkappes@gmail.com)
“The race is on for a new baton.”
That’s the motto of the final phase of the innovative search for a new principal conductor of the Cave Run Symphony Orchestra. It will seek the input of audiences and orchestra musicians in the evaluation of three finalists to succeed Maestro Terry Durbin who is stepping away from the podium after six seasons.
“Each of our finalists will conduct the orchestra in one concert this season and Dr. Durbin will return to conduct one performance,” said Dr. Lori Baruth, search committee chair. “We are excited about the prospect of allowing audiences and orchestra members to have the opportunity to comment on each candidate’s demonstrated expertise through an evaluation form after each of the three concerts.”
The finalists were chosen recently through a traditional evaluation of written applications and supporting documentation.
Dr. Baruth is principal clarinet for the Cave Run Symphony and serves as chair of the CRSO’s Artistic Advisory Committee, which is responsible for orchestra programming and musical personnel.
Dr. Craig Burrows, chair of the Symphony’s Board of Directors, also is enthusiastic about inviting concertgoers and musicians to comment on the musical mastery, leadership skills, and artistic vision of each finalist.
“Inviting those persons with the most exposure to our performances to help us find a new principal conductor is most appropriate for this community-supported symphony orchestra and I applaud the search committee’s creative approach,” Burrows added. “This process is certainly in keeping with the spirit of strong community involvement which has guided us since the orchestra’s founding twelve years ago.”
The Cave Run Symphony Orchestra opens its 2025-26 concert season on Sunday, Oct. 26, at 3 p.m. in the Morehead Conference Center with the theme of “Scandinavian Showpieces.”
Conducting will be Kyle Elgarten of Coral Gables, Fla., who currently serves as assistant conductor of the Palm Beach Symphony, associate conductor of the Frost Symphony Orchestra, and assistant conductor of the Henry Mancini Institute Orchestra.
Season tickets are $35 if purchased on or before Oct. 26 but will be $50 after that date. They are available at the Morehead Visitor Center or may be purchased online at caverunsymphony.org or at the door or by mail at CRSO, PO Box 441, Morehead, KY 40351.
Adult tickets for single concerts are $18 and can be purchased at the door or online or by mail. Students and other children are admitted free of charge.
Ticket questions should be directed to the telephone message line at 784-9894 or by e-mail to caverunsymphony@gmail.com.
(Media Contact: keithkappes@gmail.com)
Join us for the Cave Run Symphony Orchestra 2025-26 Season!
Burrows renamed board chair of Cave Run Symphony Orchestra for 2025-26
Dr. Craig Burrows, a family doctor and physician educator at UK St. Claire HealthCare, was re-elected chair of the Board of Directors of the Cave Run Symphony Orchestra Society at the organization’s annual membership meeting on Sept. 4.
“I’m honored to remain active in the life of our community orchestra as we enter our 12th season of outstanding music,” said Burrows, starting his fifth year as board chair. “We had a great season last year and our supporters continued to increase their enthusiasm about sharing this wonderful orchestra with more fans of orchestral music.”
He welcomed three new members to the CRSO board, including Dr. Pamela Clark, Wes Holland and Mark Perkins, and recognized Bill Shely as the board’s new vice chair.
“We owe a debt of gratitude to Dr. Yvonne Baldwin, Dr. Mark Minor, Dr. Don Grant, all of whom finished their board service this year and, at the same time, we are pleased to have three newcomers who share our love of this music,” Burrows added.
In his closing remarks, he encouraged all supporters of the Cave Run Symphony to become involved by encouraging others to purchase season tickets, make gifts, buy program advertising, underwrite sponsorships, and invite others to experience the beauty and majesty of orchestral music.
It was announced that season tickets are on sale online and at the Morehead Visitor Center at a 30 percent discount, $35 instead of $50, until Oct. 27 and that three finalists for the post of principal conductor will be guest conductors this season as part of the search process.
In other business at the annual meeting, two additional persons also were renamed to leadership posts. They included Monti Lloyd, secretary, and Dr. Thomas Pappas, treasurer. Bill Shely was elected vice chair, replacing Dr. Mark Minor who retired from the board.
Burrows, Lloyd and Shely were reappointed to three-year terms on the board.
The symphony’s season of four concerts begins on Sunday, Oct. 26, with a theme of “Scandinavian Showpieces”, followed by “Hometown Holiday” on Sunday, Dec. 7, “Tutu Terrific” on Sunday, Feb. 22, and “From Stages to Screen” on Sunday, April 12. Each concert starts at 3 p.m. at the Morehead Conference Center.
Morehead is the smallest community in Kentucky with its own symphony orchestra. The 60-piece ensemble was founded in 2013. It is supported by a dedicated group of individuals and public and private organizations that appreciate orchestral music for its educational and cultural values.
The orchestra’s website is
caverunsymphony.org.
Dr. Craig Burrows, a family doctor and physician educator at UK St. Claire HealthCare, was re-elected chair of the Board of Directors of the Cave Run Symphony Orchestra Society at the organization’s annual membership meeting on Sept. 4.
“I’m honored to remain active in the life of our community orchestra as we enter our 12th season of outstanding music,” said Burrows, starting his fifth year as board chair. “We had a great season last year and our supporters continued to increase their enthusiasm about sharing this wonderful orchestra with more fans of orchestral music.”
He welcomed three new members to the CRSO board, including Dr. Pamela Clark, Wes Holland and Mark Perkins, and recognized Bill Shely as the board’s new vice chair.
“We owe a debt of gratitude to Dr. Yvonne Baldwin, Dr. Mark Minor, Dr. Don Grant, all of whom finished their board service this year and, at the same time, we are pleased to have three newcomers who share our love of this music,” Burrows added.
In his closing remarks, he encouraged all supporters of the Cave Run Symphony to become involved by encouraging others to purchase season tickets, make gifts, buy program advertising, underwrite sponsorships, and invite others to experience the beauty and majesty of orchestral music.
It was announced that season tickets are on sale online and at the Morehead Visitor Center at a 30 percent discount, $35 instead of $50, until Oct. 27 and that three finalists for the post of principal conductor will be guest conductors this season as part of the search process.
In other business at the annual meeting, two additional persons also were renamed to leadership posts. They included Monti Lloyd, secretary, and Dr. Thomas Pappas, treasurer. Bill Shely was elected vice chair, replacing Dr. Mark Minor who retired from the board.
Burrows, Lloyd and Shely were reappointed to three-year terms on the board.
The symphony’s season of four concerts begins on Sunday, Oct. 26, with a theme of “Scandinavian Showpieces”, followed by “Hometown Holiday” on Sunday, Dec. 7, “Tutu Terrific” on Sunday, Feb. 22, and “From Stages to Screen” on Sunday, April 12. Each concert starts at 3 p.m. at the Morehead Conference Center.
Morehead is the smallest community in Kentucky with its own symphony orchestra. The 60-piece ensemble was founded in 2013. It is supported by a dedicated group of individuals and public and private organizations that appreciate orchestral music for its educational and cultural values.
The orchestra’s website is
caverunsymphony.org.
Minutes of the Cave Run Symphony Orchestra Society Annual Membership Meeting of Sept. 4, 2025
- Board Chair Craig Burrows opened the meeting at 6 p.m. at the Morehead Conference Center. Present were 35 members of the CRSOS, including the following members of the Board of Directors: Dr. Burrows, Dr. Thomas Pappas, Judy Yancy, Dr. Mark Minor, Bill Shely, and Keith Kappes. (NOTE: Dr. Minor’s retirement from the Board of Directors took effect at the end of the meeting.)
- Following a period of food and fellowship, the CRSO Jazz Trio (Ryan McGillicuddy, Glenn Ginn and Benjamin Morris) performed for 40 minutes. McGillicuddy, a bassist, and Morris, a saxophonist, are members of the CRSO.
- Dr. Pappas, board treasurer and principal oboist in the CRSO, brought greetings from his fellow musicians in the orchestra.
- Dr. Pappas also reported that the search for a new principal conductor would include having the three finalists each conduct one of the concerts in the upcoming season. He also thanked Maestro Terry Durbin for his six years of service as our principal conductor. His last concert as our conductor will be Hometown Holiday on Dec. 7.
- Operational details and updates for 2025–2026 were reviewed by Dr. Burrows and Mr. Kappes in his volunteer role as CRSO business manager.
- Dr. Burrows convened the business session of the meeting.
- A motion to re-elect three current board officers — Board Chair Burrows, Secretary Monti Lloyd, and Treasurer Dr. Thomas Pappas — and to elect Bill Shely as Vice Chair — was unanimously approved by the members present on a motion by Mr. Kappes and a second by Dr. Frances Helphinstine.
- The membership reappointed Dr. Burrows, Ms. Lloyd, and Mr. Shely to three-year terms on the Board of Directors ending June 30, 2028, on a motion by Mr. Kappes, a second by Elizabeth Reffitt, and a unanimous vote.
- The membership gave unanimous approval to the appointment of three new members of the Board of Directors: Dr. Pamela Clark for a three-year term ending 6-30-28; Wes Holland for a two-year unexpired term ending 6-30-27; and Mark Perkins for a one-year unexpired term ending 6-30-2026, on a motion by Mr. Kappes and a second by Dr. Helphinstine.
- Dr. Burrows expressed gratitude on behalf of the membership for the board service of Dr. Minor, Dr. Don Grant and Dr. Yvonne Baldwin.
- The financial report for 2024–25 was presented by Mr. Kappes and included these highlights:
- Highest ever annual revenue at $70,054.61.
- Highest ever expenses at $68,554.52, with June 30 operating balance of $1,500.09.
- Ongoing general fund balance of $82,281.78.
- Endowment fund balance at Blue Grass Community Foundation of $62,848, up from last year’s $52,252.
The report was accepted on a motion by Dr. Robert Lindahl, a second by Judy Yancy and a unanimous vote.
- The 2025 annual membership meeting was adjourned at 8 p.m.
Compiled by: Keith Kappes, Acting Secretary
Season Tickets for just $35!
Season Tickets for the Cave Run Symphony during the 2025-26 season are $50,
but you can save 30 percent and buy for only $35 if you order on or before Oct. 26.
That’s right, three concerts for just $35. The performance on Dec. 7 is free to all,
thanks to grant support from our city and county governments and the city-county tourism commission.
If you buy a season ticket on or before Oct. 26, the price is $35!
If you miss that deadline, the price is $50.
Adult tickets for individual concerts are $18 each.
Children and students are admitted free, thanks in part to a grant from the Morehead Optimist Club.
Great music at a great price! Order your season tickets on or after Sept. 1
but before Oct. 26 to get this incredible bargain — $35.
The 2024-25 concert season was a big success, musically and financially. Here’s a recap of our four public performances.
Season 11 opened with salute to ‘Our Fragile Earth’
The beauty and majesty of live orchestral music returned to Morehead on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, when the Cave Run Symphony Orchestra opened its 11th full season with a concert entitled “Our Fragile Earth” in the Morehead Conference Center.
It was the first of four CRSO performances in the 2024-25 season and was be followed by “Hometown Holiday” on Saturday, Dec. 7, “Symphonic Stories” on Sunday, Feb. 23, and “Great Scot!” on Sunday, April 6.
“The Board of Directors is pleased to remind everyone that we are proudly maintaining our distinction as the smallest city in Kentucky with its own symphony orchestra,” said Dr. Craig Burrows, CRSO board chair.
He added that Dr. Terry Durbin was returning for his seventh season as resident conductor of the 60-piece musical ensemble comprised of professional and semi-professional musicians, music professors and teachers, and highly qualified student musicians.
Hometown Holiday attracted overflow audience
More than 730 persons jammed the Morehead Conference Center on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, for the magical sounds of the holiday season presented by the Cave Run Symphony Orchestra and three guest choral music ensembles.
It was the largest attendance at a CRSO concert in five years and the orchestra’s second performance of the 2024-25 season. It was the culminating event of two days of holiday festivities in the Morehead area.
Noel Weaver, visiting assistant professor of choral music at Morehead State University, was guest conductor for the concert featuring the Concert Choir and University Chorus from MSU and the Honor Choir from Montgomery County High School.
“We were pleased to celebrate this special time of the year with our musicians, audience members, area residents, and community sponsors who enjoy orchestral music,” said Dr. Craig Burrows, CRSO board chair. “And we greatly appreciated the efforts of Tony Pence and Downtown Morehead, Inc. in coordinating these holiday events.”
3rd concert was instruments and storytelling
The storytelling impact of live orchestral music was center stage on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025, when the Cave Run Symphony Orchestra presented its third concert of the season, ‘Symphonic Stories,’ in the Morehead Conference Center.
The performance was preceded by a “Meet The Instruments” event to introduce Morehead area school children to the various music-making devices in the orchestra. Assisting were music education students from MSU.
The concert consisted of featured works by Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Gounod and de Meij.
“We are deeply appreciative of the leadership of Dr. Michele Paise, MSU’s music education coordinator, in the planning and execution of the pre-concert event for elementary students,” said Dr. Craig Burrows, CRSO board chair.
Cave Run Symphony was Scottish at April 6 concert
A salute to great music from and about Scotland was featured on Sunday, April 6, when the Cave Run Symphony Orchestra wrapped up its 11th full season with a concert entitled “Great Scot” at 3 p.m. in the Morehead Conference Center.
It was the CRSO’s fourth and final performance of the 2024-25 season and included compositions by Felix Mendelssohn, Charles Villiers Stanford, William Alwyn, Michael Korb, Ulrich Rover, and Leroy Anderson.
“We were pleased to present another great concert and to finish this wonderful season of entertaining local audiences with the beauty and power of orchestral music,” said Dr. Craig Burrows, CRSO board chair.
Mark your calendar for our 2025-26 season!
Themes will be announced this summer for each of the four concerts in our 2025-26 season opening
Sunday, Oct. 26, at 3 p.m. in the Morehead Conference Center.
Other concert dates are Sunday, Dec 7, at 3 p.m.; Sunday, Feb. 22, at 3 p.m. and
Sunday, April 12, at 3 p.m., all at the Morehead Conference Center.
Season tickets will go on sale Sept. 4 with a 30 percent discount for season tickets bought on or before Oct. 26th.
Cave Run Symphony annual members meeting set for Sept. 4.
The governing body of the Cave Run Symphony Orchestra will hold its annual membership meeting on Thursday, Sept. 4, at the Morehead Conference Center at 6 p.m.
Dr. Craig Burrows, chair of the CRSO Board of Directors, said the event is open to those who financially supported the orchestra last season.
“This has become a very important pre-season event for those who enjoy and appreciate orchestral music,” he added. “It gets us ready for the start of another great season of concerts.”
Those eligible to attend and vote at the annual meeting are the individuals, organizations and businesses providing direct financial support to the Orchestra, including personal and corporate gifts, sponsorships, program advertising, and public and private grants.
Dinner will be provided, and a musical ensemble will perform. Those planning to attend are asked to make a reservation by calling 784-9894 by Sept. 1 or by responding via e-mail to caverunsymphony@gmail.com.
He noted that specific agenda items include election of officers for 2025-26, appointment of new and/or returning board members, marketing update, ticket pricing, and announcement of the conductor for the Oct. 26 opening concert.
The first concert of the 2025-26 season will be Sunday, Oct. 26, at 3 p.m. at the Morehead Conference Center with the theme of “Scandinavian Showpieces.” Others will be Sunday, Dec. 7, at 3 p.m., “Hometown Holiday”; Sunday, Feb. 22, at 3 p.m. “Tutu Terrific”; and Sunday, April 12, at 3 p.m., ”From Stage to Screen.”
In keeping with tradition, the Dec. 7 concert is free to all, but audience members will have the opportunity to make voluntary gifts to the Orchestra through the GWYC (Give What You Can) promotion at the door.
Season tickets this year are $50 and individual concert tickets are $18. Both are available for online purchase at caverunsymphony.org or in person at the door or at the Morehead Visitor Center. However, those who buy season tickets on or before Oct. 26 receive a 30 percent discount, dropping the price to $35.
Gift and sponsorship payments to the orchestra also can be submitted online at caverunsymphony.org.
(Media Contact: Keith Kappes, 606-356-0912)
The governing body of the Cave Run Symphony Orchestra will hold its annual membership meeting on Thursday, Sept. 4, at the Morehead Conference Center at 6 p.m.
Dr. Craig Burrows, chair of the CRSO Board of Directors, said the event is open to those who financially supported the orchestra last season.
“This has become a very important pre-season event for those who enjoy and appreciate orchestral music,” he added. “It gets us ready for the start of another great season of concerts.”
Those eligible to attend and vote at the annual meeting are the individuals, organizations and businesses providing direct financial support to the Orchestra, including personal and corporate gifts, sponsorships, program advertising, and public and private grants.
Dinner will be provided, and a musical ensemble will perform. Those planning to attend are asked to make a reservation by calling 784-9894 by Sept. 1 or by responding via e-mail to caverunsymphony@gmail.com.
He noted that specific agenda items include election of officers for 2025-26, appointment of new and/or returning board members, marketing update, ticket pricing, and announcement of the conductor for the Oct. 26 opening concert.
The first concert of the 2025-26 season will be Sunday, Oct. 26, at 3 p.m. at the Morehead Conference Center with the theme of “Scandinavian Showpieces.” Others will be Sunday, Dec. 7, at 3 p.m., “Hometown Holiday”; Sunday, Feb. 22, at 3 p.m. “Tutu Terrific”; and Sunday, April 12, at 3 p.m., ”From Stage to Screen.”
In keeping with tradition, the Dec. 7 concert is free to all, but audience members will have the opportunity to make voluntary gifts to the Orchestra through the GWYC (Give What You Can) promotion at the door.
Season tickets this year are $50 and individual concert tickets are $18. Both are available for online purchase at caverunsymphony.org or in person at the door or at the Morehead Visitor Center. However, those who buy season tickets on or before Oct. 26 receive a 30 percent discount, dropping the price to $35.
Gift and sponsorship payments to the orchestra also can be submitted online at caverunsymphony.org.
(Media Contact: Keith Kappes, 606-356-0912)