The History of the Albany Symphony

The Albany Symphony was founded in 1930 by Roman Professor John F. Carabella. Carabella was born in 1885 and was known to be a favorite pupil of Pietro Mascagni, the composer of Cavalleria Rusticana. In 1915, Carabella moved to America to become organist and choirmaster at St. Bernard’s Church in Cohoes and 15 years later founded the “People’s Orchestra of Albany.” Founded during the Great Depression, Carabella, along with the help of 24 brave musicians, formed the ongoing values of our symphony: to provide solace and hope during difficult times.

Over the years, several notable music directors have led the Albany Symphony, including Rudolf Thomas, Ole Windingstad, Edgar Curtis, Julius Hegyi, and Geoffrey Simon. In 1992, David Alan Miller, a former Associate Conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, took the helm as Music Director, ushering in a period of significant growth and success for the ensemble.

The Albany Symphony started having dramatic growth and success after the first decade of the 21st century. In 2011, the Albany Symphony was invited to participate in the inaugural season of Spring for Music, a festival celebrating innovative programming by American orchestras at Carnegie Hall. In 2013, the Albany Symphony was the only orchestra to appear for a second year at the festival. In 2014, the orchestra's recording of John Corigliano's Conjurer won a GRAMMY Award. The Albany Symphony has received more ASCAP Awards for Adventurous Programming than any other orchestra in America, 26 to date, including the John S. Edwards Award for Strongest Commitment to New American Music in 2013 and 2014.

Within the last decade, the Albany Symphony has received 5 Eddies for “Classical Artist/Ensemble of the Year,” and Maestro David Alan Miller was inducted into the Hall of Fame. The Albany Symphony also received another Grammy Award in 2021 for “Best Classical Instrumental Solo” with their recording of Christopher Theofanidis' Concerto for Viola and Chamber Orchestra. Releasing more than 20 CDs since 1980, the Albany Symphony has always made a continuous effort to commission new music, publicize living artists, and explore modern classics. We are beyond excited to see what our symphony can accomplish next!