What is Vanguard?
Vanguard is an all-volunteer organization that has supported the Albany Symphony since 1963 with critical volunteer services and fundraising.
Since 1995, Vanguard has contributed more than $1,500,000 to the operating budget of the Albany Symphony. Throughout each season, Vanguard sponsors fundraisers that make possible a substantial end-of-season gift to the Symphony. Smaller events during the year, which generate revenue for the annual gift, include a luncheon with a fashion show, a holiday party in December, and bus trips to concerts and historic sites. The major fundraising event is Vanguard’s annual Designer Showhouse in May, which began in 1980. To produce the Showhouse Vanguard, obtains temporary possession of an upscale home, recruits area interior designers to furnish and decorate it, and opens it to the public for three weeks.
For up-to-date information on Vanguard events, please visit www.vanguard-aso.org.
What other services does Vanguard provide?
Albany Symphony Scholarship Fund
Overnight accommodations and transportation for orchestra musicians
Refreshments for the orchestra and special guests during rehearsals and intermissions
Ushering services and additional assistance to symphony staff
Programs that enhance the concert experience:
Sunday Symphony and Tiny Tots — Members are actively involved in Albany Symphony programs for children and families. They greet school-age children and their parents who come to Sunday Symphony concerts and provide pre-concert activities that enhance the educational experience. To support Tiny Tots concerts for the younger children, they help publicize the concerts, provide organization when the children arrive with their teachers and parents, and assist with concert registration. To learn more about Sunday Symphony and Tiny Tots concerts, click here.
Pre-Concert Talks and Concert Prevues
Enhance your concert experience and learn more about the music presented at each concert through the Albany Symphony's two main pre-concert events, Vanguard Concert Prevues and Concert Preludes.
Vanguard Concert Prevue: Music Director David Alan Miller conducts lively interactive interviews with guest artists and visiting composers.
Concert Prelude: One hour prior to each weekend subscription concert, David Alan Miller moderates an informal on-stage discussion with the evenings guest artists and visiting composers.
Interested in getting involved with Vanguard?
Anyone who enjoys the Albany Symphony’s concerts is encouraged to join Vanguard and support the Symphony. For more details, please email Vanguard membership chair Julia Smart at jsmart1@nycap.rr.com or call 518-209-6934.