The college and townspeople had a special relationship with the Chicago Symphony and its conductor, Frederick Stock, who brought the orchestra to Cornell annually from 1903 until his death in 1942. The orchestra continued to tour to Iowa until 1967, for a total of 62 years. Capping a century of concerts, the festival will present its 100th annual series May 8-10. The Ames Piano Quartet performs May 8, the Duke Ellington Orchestra on May 9 and Chicago Pro Musica on May 10. As with the first festival in 1899, the concerts will be held in King Chapel.
Admission is free.