This weekend, the Albany Symphony will transform Downtown Troy into a magnet for acclaimed composers and the culturally curious.  The festival schedule is jam packed with thrilling performances in spaces throughout Troy.  You will hear over 30 new works by 18 American composers, including 14 world premieres.   

HERE IS A LIST OF 5 MUST-SEE CONCERTS!

I. VIRTUOSIC PIANO MUSIC | THIS SATURDAY, JUNE 2 AT 9:30AM | TROY SAVINGS BANK MUSIC HALL | 30 2nd Street, Troy, NY - $15 // FREE w/Festival Pass

Start your morning off right with a buzzing and buoyant piano concert, a perfect accompaniment to your Saturday morning routine.  Before the concert, stop by the Troy Riverfront Farmers Market and enjoy a farm fresh breakfast.

The Music:  Three lively and incredibly difficult piano works by American composer, David Del Tredici.  Del Tredici's music is fresh, daring, and simply magical.

The Artist: A Virtuousic pianist,  "energetic...refreshing and alive", Marc Peloquin is a champion of works by David Del Tredici.

II. THREE POWERHOUSE SOPRANOS | THIS SATURDAY, JUNE 2 AT 12:00PM | ST. PAUL'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH | 58 3RD STREET, TROY, NY- $15 // FREE W/ FESTIVAL PASS

Gaze in wonder at the beautiful windows of the Tiffany-adorned St. Paul's Episcopal Church and enjoy a kaleidoscopic afternoon of stunning contemporary vocal music.

The Music: A curated performance that celebrates modern voices in American. Program features works by John Cage, the late Pauline Oliveros, and Albany Symphony favorite, John Harbison.

The Artists: Three powerhouse sopranos- Lucy Dhegrae, curator of Resonant Bodies Festival in NYC,  Lucy Fitz Gibbon and the "enthralling" (Opera News) Nancy Allen Lundy..

III. A SUMMER EVENING WITH YARN/WIRE | THIS SATURDAY, JUNE 2 AT 3:00PM | EMPAC STUDIO | 44 8TH STREET, TROY, NY- $15 // FREE W/FESTIVAL PASS

Grab a bite to eat at one of the 70+ restaurants in Downtown Troy, then make your way up the hill to EMPAC, a state-of-the-art concert hall on the campus of RPI for YARN/WIRE.

The Music: Yarn/Wire returns to EMPAC for the first time since 2014 to perform Music for a Summer Evening by George Crumb and Zosha Di Castri's Tachitipo.

The Artist: Described by The New York Times as "mesmerizing" and "devoted to new repertoire" by The Guardian, Yarn/Wire is a percussion and piano quartet that slips effortlessly between classic repertoire and adventurous modern works.

IV. A BLENDING OF CULTURES | THIS SATURDAY, JUNE 2 AT 7:30PM | EMPAC CONCERT HALL | 44 8TH STREET, TROY, NY- $15-$60 // FREE WITH FESTIVAL PASS

Situated on the campus of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute,  EMPAC overlooks Downtown Troy.  Before the main stage performance, be sure to take in the breathe-taking views of the sunset from the 7th floor. 

The Music: The American Music Festival gives voice to beautiful music that would otherwise never be heard.  The Albany Symphony's main stage program includes three world premieres, including Meri Sakhi ki Avaaz, a Concerto for Hindustani vocalist and orchestra by Reena Esmail.

The Artists: 2018 Kennedy Center Citizen Artist Reena Esmail, composes music that connects the great musical traditions of India and the West.  Reena and Hindustani vocalist Saili Oak have been working together to create beautiful music that bridges Hindustani classical music to the 21st century orchestra.

V. A FANFARE TO JOAN TOWER | THIS SUNDAY, JUNE 3 AT 1PM | TROY SAVINGS BANK MUSIC HALL | 30 2ND ST, TROY, NY- $15 // FREE W/FESTIVAL PASS

#TroyDoesSundayBetter! Brunch with friends in  Downtown Troy or take a peaceful stroll along the Hudson River. Then, celebrate Joan Tower's 80th Birthday at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall. 

The music:  The American Music Festival celebrates the extraordinary music of GRAMMY® award-winning composer Joan Tower.  Program features favorite works by  Joan Tower, including a new arrangement of "Fanfare for the Uncommon Women No. 6,"  "DNA" for percussion Quintet, and two world premiere performances by students of Joan Tower.

The Artists: The festival fanfare includes the acclaimed Jasper Quartet, Carol Wincenc, pianist Blair McMillen, and the Empire State Youth Orchestra Percussion Ensemble.

Thank you to the following festival sponsors for their generous support.