They’ve been making music for 75 years, and so it’s more than likely, you’ve heard The DeSantis Orchestra play at least once or twice.
A staple of the Central New York music scene, they perform at community events, festivals, village parks, special events, weddings and private functions. A winner of multiple SAMMY Awards, the orchestra has also backed up notable entertainers including Natalie Cole, Bernadette Peters and Mary Wilson of the Supremes.
In celebration of their milestone anniversary, Onondaga County Legislature Chairman James Rowley recently presented the orchestra with a Gold Seal – the County Legislature’s highest honor. Bandleader and vocalist Maria DeSantis accepted it on behalf of all those who have been part of the orchestra over the years and her father, Mario, who founded the band and led it for nearly 70 years before his passing in 2020.
The ceremony was held inside the auditorium at the old Central High School in Syracuse, right next to the stage where the orchestra performed publicly for the first time on May 22, 1947. Back then, the space was called Lincoln Auditorium.
“It’s a very emotional and overwhelming feeling to know he was here 75 years ago” Maria says of her Dad. “I don’t have enough words to describe the emotions I’m feeling right now from sadness to proud to grateful to all of these gentlemen who have really made it possible and have been with us for such a long time.”
Maria recalls her father talking about that very first concert and of him bringing her to classical music concerts in the auditorium when she was just a kid.
“It was so acoustically perfect in the day when there was no great sound system or digital sound or anything that we use today” Maria says. “I remember it pretty vividly, sitting in the audience thinking it was much bigger than it actually is but it’s just incredible and it’s in pretty good shape.”
Like the rest of the former Central High School building, the auditorium will undergo renovations before the building reopens as the new Syracuse STEAM School in 2024.
“I think coming here where it all started was key, certainly for Maria, and I think it was just a much better setting then the Legislative chambers so I’m glad we’re here” says Chairman Rowley.
Maria says being back in this auditorium reminds her of how much time has passed, how much new music has come about in the world, and of how many people have been part of her musical family.
“An orchestra is a team effort” she says. “We are here because of the collaboration and the level of talent that has been part of the orchestra, both musicians and vocalists, over the period of time.”
Maria also credits the team of people who help make the music behind the scenes, including sound crew, stage managers and music arrangers.
“I always say I have the New York Yankees of musicians” Maria jokes. “I have a superstar in every spot.”
