At a time when The Buffalo News is announcing “A Classical Crisis” and that orchestras across the country are facing their death because of “empty seats...(and)...rising deficits” something quite the contrary is happening in Buffalo’s churches, synagogues and mosques. For over twenty-years on the four Sundays in November, the Ars Nova Musicians Chamber Orchestra performs the music of Vivaldi to overflowing and enthusiastic audiences of all ages in some of Buffalo’s most beautiful houses of worship. But La Maestra in the House is more than the story of a successful chamber orchestra; it is also the story of the woman who founded the orchestra and conducts it -- Mary Louise Nanna. Ms. Nanna has had a long career in all aspects of music making and has received much recognition for her work. Among her distinctions are to have been the first woman to conduct the National Symphony Orchestra of Washington, D.C. She is also a first violinist with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.

With generous support from the New York State Council on the Arts, Niagara Arts Council, Lockport Community Television, The Cameron Baird Foundation, The Patsy Lu Fund and the Open Meadows Foundation.