CIAO! (Community Intergenerational Action Orchestra) is a string orchestra formed by conductor James Bergin in September of 2013, made up of elementary, middle, and high school students as well as adults. CIAO! performs repertoire including Baroque, Classical, and Romantic music, old-time favorites, and ethnic music from various countries. In addition, CIAO! invites contemporary composers to write new music especially for the ensemble. Under the direction of founder and conductor James Bergin, the group rehearses weekly during the school year at St. John’s Episcopal Church.
CIAO!’s mission is to perform in places and situations that encourage and support local people and programs and international relief organizations; no admission is charged, but each concert provides audiences with an opportunity to make freewill donations for a selected cause.
In 2023, CIAO! was recognized for its fundraising work by the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition with a “Neighborlies” Award for Youth Taking the Lead. Programs that have benefited locally include ROOTS (Northern Berkshire Teen Center, North Adams); ROPE (Rites of Passage & Empowerment, Pittsfield), the Berkshire Immigrant Center; the Berkshire Food Pantry; the Friendship Center Food Pantry; and 18 Degrees/Kids 4 Harmony. International outreach has gone to Haiti, Uganda, and Ukraine.
CIAO! is open by audition (a short phone video is fine!)to players of violin, viola, cello, and contrabass who have had at least three years of instruction. All ages from elementary school to senior citizens are welcome.
For further information, email WtownOrchestraWorkshop@gmail.com
FutureCIAO! is a chamber orchestra open to students of violin, viola, violoncello, or contrabass who have had at least one year of instruction on their instrument. Conductor James Bergin founded the group in order to prepare students for participation in CIAO!, which performs more advanced repertoire.
Repertoire for FutureCIAO! has been specially selected and in many cases arranged by James Bergin to provide an introduction to ensemble playing to supplement students' school programs and music lessons, with an emphasis on musicianship and sight-reading skills..
FutureCIAO! performs in CIAO!’s benefit concerts, which support local and international causes and give young musicians the experience of performing regularly before an audience.
FutureCIAO! is open by audition (a short phone video is fine!). All ages from elementary school to senior citizens are welcome.
For further information, email WtownOrchestraWorkshop@gmail.com