About Chamber Music on the Fox
Chamber Music on the Fox is a world class chamber music series serving the Fox Valley region with engaging, enriching, and immersive live performances. Founded by bass trombonist Mark Fry and cellist Sara Sitzer in 2014, CMotF introduces its audiences to renowned local, national, and international artists in intimate, informal settings where patrons have an opportunity to see and hear the artists up close and personal. Along with the 5-concert subscription series from October through May, CMotF also offers 3 free family concerts each summer in partnership with the Lords Park Zoo, as well as an annual celebration of the arts in partnership with the City of Elgin and Seigle Foundation. A 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, CMotF relies on generous donations from individuals, sponsorships, grants, and ticket sales.
Mission Statement
The mission of Chamber Music on the Fox is to present engaging, enriching, and immersive performances and cultural experiences to Elgin and Fox Valley residents and enhance and enrich the cultural offerings of the area while maintaining the highest caliber of artistic excellence.
Susan Falbo
Managing Director
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Susan (Sue) Falbo is extremely excited to step into the role of Managing Director for Chamber Music on the Fox. Currently she is the Vocal Director for Theatre 121’s production of Suessical the Musical in Woodstock, Illinois. She has previously vocal directed and conducted several productions for TownSquarePlayers in Woodstock and Music on Stage in Palatine. Behind the scenes Susan served on the board as President of Theatre 121 and TownSquare Players. In addition to theatre she was the artistic director of The Palatine Children’s Chorus, an internationally acclaimed Children’s Choir for 17 years. Susan also served as music director of churches throughout the Northwest Suburbs. Her stage credits include the roles of Papagena, and Second Lady in a concert version of The Magic Flute with the Minnesota Orchestra, performed recitals and participated in theatrical productions throughout Iowa, and the Chicagoland area. She received her Bachelor of Music Education from Simpson College, Indianola, IA and continued her studies at The University of Minnesota. Thank you to her husband, Rob, and her family for all the love and support through the years!
Mark Fry
Artistic Director
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Mark Fry is currently the bass trombonist (acting) of Lyric Opera of Chicago, as well as Artistic Director for Chamber Music on the Fox. He is also the bass trombonist of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra and Chicago Philharmonic. Mr. Fry has performed with numerous orchestras in the United States, including the Grant Park Orchestra, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Houston Symphony Orchestra, Joffrey Ballet, Chicago Sinfonietta, Chicago Opera Theater, Colorado Symphony Orchestra, San Antonio Symphony, Charleston Symphony Orchestra, Britt Festival Orchestra (Oregon), Sarasota Opera, and Des Moines Metro Opera. In the summer of 2001, he performed in the orchestra of the Spoleto Festival in Spoleto, Italy. Before moving to Chicago, he was the bass trombonist of the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra in Honolulu. Mr. Fry appears on recordings with Lyric Opera of Chicago, Houston Symphony Orchestra, Mannheim Steamroller, New Black Music Repertory Ensemble and the Spoleto Festival Orchestra.
Samantha D’Adamo
Box Office Manager
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Samantha D’Adamo is an Italian-American Soprano from the Chicagoland area. Ms. D’Adamo has worked with Main Street Opera, Sinfonietta Bel Canto, Chicago Summer Opera, and Up North Vocal Institute. Ms. D’Adamo is currently studying with Alexandra LoBianco. She is currently the Worship Song Leader at St. Peter UCC in Lake Zurich, IL, where she leads Sunday services and directs the adult choir. Ms. D’Adamo is a graduate of the Chicago College of Performing Arts and is a charter member of Sigma Alpha Iota’s Mu Xi chapter. Ms. D’Adamo is a proud member of SAI Oak Park Alumnae, where she has served as VP of Membership, now currently Social Media Coordinator, and has been awarded Sword of Honor for her dedication to outreach and membership. When not performing, Ms. D’Adamo is working in healthcare administration, trying new vegan recipes, and reading her favorite books. Ms. D’Adamo is thrilled to take on the Box Office Manager role at Chamber Music on the Fox and looking forward to assisting the wonderful musicians and patrons alike!
Sara Sitzer
Founder
Sara Sitzer, whose playing has been described as “rich” and “lustrous” by the Chicago Classical Review, is an active and versatile freelance cellist and entrepreneur in Chicago. A member of the Elgin Symphony, Sara also performs regularly with orchestras and ensembles including the Milwaukee Symphony and Chicago Opera Theater, as well as on Broadway in Chicago. Ms. Sitzer was founding Artistic Director of the Gesher Music Festival in St. Louis, MO, and founding Executive Director of Chamber Music on the Fox in Elgin, IL. She spends her summers performing and teaching at the Wintergreen Summer Music Festival in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Sara holds performance degrees from the University of Wisconsin and Boston University, and completed a 3-year fellowship with the New World Symphony in Miami under the direction of Michael Tilson Thomas.
Board of Directors
Tish Calhamer, President
Mark Fry
Patricia Harkin
Elizabeth Niemeier
Martin Nobs
Sara Sitzer
Leslie Wolko
