Symphony Spotlight - 7/16/20

Symphony Spotlight

There's so much happening at the Albany Symphony! Keep reading to see our digital content such as videos of our musicians, Ask David (Almost) Anything, our weekly WMHT radio hour, Trivia Night, and a virtual summer camp!

In this video our wonderful harpist Lynette Wardle performs a piece originally written for harpsichord. Enjoy!

Albany Symphony Hour

This week we'll be revisiting a performance from April of 2016 with a little help from Ravel, Haydn, and Michael Daugherty. Tune in via 89.1 FM Albany, 88.7 FM Poughkeepsie, or online at wmht.org/classical on Friday 7/17 at 6pm!

FREE Virtual Summer Camp

There's still time to register for our free online summer camp! Students will work with writers, artists, and Albany Symphony musicians to explore both past and present social changes in America. This three-week program is absolutely free and will begin on Monday 7/20. See more information below.

Feel free to reach out to Jenae Gayle, Director of Education and Community Engagement with any questions via (518) 465-4755 ext. 151 or jenaeg@albanysymphony.com.

#ICYMI: Ask David (Almost) Anything

Maestro David was live on Facebook yesterday answering your questions! Click the link below to watch!

Watch the most recent episode here

Trivia Night 7/23

Our second-ever Trivia Night is fast-approaching! Brush up on your musical knowledge and join us next Thursday 7/23 for a chance to show off your skills and win a prize! Register below to participate in the Zoom room, or you can watch via Facebook Live and participate in the chat. Prizes will be awarded for whoever answers the most correct questions on Zoom AND on Facebook Live!

"Holst's The Planets has 7 movements, one for each planet. What planet is not included?"

Watch our latest Trivia Night video on Facebook Live to find out the answer!

Interested in Supporting the Symphony?

Click the button below to make a donation to the Albany Symphony, and help make these virtual activities possible!

Don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Symphony Spotlight - 7/9/20

Symphony Spotlight

This week we are featuring our wonderful violinist Eiko Kano, preparing for another exciting night of trivia, and unveiling our very first virtual summer camp for middle school students!

In this video, Assistant Concertmaster Eiko Kano shares an arrangement of Smile from the movie "Modern Times", along with a series of images that make her smile.

Albany Symphony Hour

This Friday, we are rebroadcasting Mozart and Rouse with featured soloists Felicia He and Talise Trevigne!  Tune in via 89.1 FM Albany, 88.7 FM Poughkeepsie, or online at wmht.org/classical on Friday 7/10 at 6pm!

Albany Symphony Presents a Virtual Summer Camp!

We are very excited to announce "Soundtrack to Social Change," a free, three week virtual summer camp for students entering 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th grade. Students will work with Albany Symphony musicians, as well as writers and visual artists to explore the history of social change in America through art and music. If you would like to enroll your child, click here, or use the button below to fill out the registration form. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Jenae Gayle by phone at 518-465-4755 ext. 151 or by email at jenaeg@albanysymphony.com.

Use this button to register for our Virtual Summer Camp!

Ask David (Almost) Anything

Maestro David will be going LIVE on Facebook next Wednesday 7/15 at 6pm to answer your questions! Send us your questions via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or email.

Albany Symphony Trivia Night!

We will be hosting another Albany Symphony Trivia Night on July 23rd from 7PM- 8PM! Register here to participate in the Zoom room, or watch along via Facebook Live. There will be a prize for whomever correctly answers the most questions on Zoom AND Facebook Live! Put your musical knowledge to the test and join us for an exciting evening!

Interested in Supporting the Symphony?

Click the button below to make a donation to the Albany Symphony, and help make these virtual activites possible!

Don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Symphony Spotlight - 7/2/20

Symphony Spotlight

Happy 4th of July from all of us at the Albany Symphony! We hope everyone has an enjoyable, restful, and safe holiday weekend!

ASO violinist Yinbin Qian shares an excerpt from Mozart's Third Violin Concerto.

Albany Symphony Hour

Start your 4th of July weekend with the Albany Symphony and WMHT! Tune in via 89.1 FM Albany, 88.7 FM Poughkeepsie, or online at wmht.org/classical on Friday 7/3 at 6pm!

#ICYMI: Ask David (Almost) Anything

Last night was another episode of Ask David (Almost) Anything! David tells us what he's looking forward to after quarantine, how he chooses whether or not to use a baton, and his funniest Albany Symphony memory.

Trivia Night 7/23

We had so much fun at our last trivia night that we're doing it again! Join us on Thursday 7/23 from 7pm-8pm and test your musical knowledge! Register to be included as a contestant in the Zoom, or watch along on Facebook Live. Click the link below to watch the livestream from our previous Trivia Night.

Nothing says the 4th of July like John Philip Sousa and some fireworks! Enjoy this performance of Stars and Stripes Forever from our Water Music, NY festival in 2017.

Interested in Supporting the Symphony?

Click the button below to make a donation to the Albany Symphony, and help make these virtual activities possible!

Don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Symphony Spotlight - 6/26/20

This week, we're featuring our wonderful violinist Jamecyn Morey, preparing for the first ever Albany Symphony Trivia Night (tonight at 7pm!), and sharing a new episode of David Alan Miller's COSMOS interview series!

In this video, Jamecyn Morey is joined by her husband, Dr. David Bebe, for a violin and cello duet by Rebecca Clarke.

Trivia Tonight!

Join us tonight at 7pm for the Albany Symphony's first-ever Trivia Night! There will be a prize for whomever correctly answers the most questions, so put your musical knowledge to the test!

Albany Symphony Hour

This Friday we're rebroadcasting Brahms and Viet Cuong, with featured soloists Stefan Jackiw and Sandbox Percussion! Tune in via 89.1 FM Albany, 88.7 FM Poughkeepsie, or online at wmht.org/classical on Friday 6/26 at 6pm!

In this edition of COSMOS, Maestro David Alan Miller interviews composer Derek Bermel. Watch the full interview here.

Ask David (Almost) Anything

Maestro David will be going LIVE on Facebook next Wednesday 7/1 at 6pm to answer your questions! Send us your questions via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or email.

Albany Symphony Celebrates Pride Month

As National Pride Month comes to a close, we wanted to reflect on all of the groundbreaking events leading up to the Supreme Court's historic decision last week. Learn more about the case here.

Interested in Supporting the Symphony?

Click the button below to make a donation to the Albany Symphony, and help make these virtual activities possible!

Don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Symphony Spotlight - 6/18/20

Symphony Spotlight

We at the Albany Symphony recognize Juneteenth as a day of restoration, recognition, and celebration. Tomorrow WMHT will be rebroadcasting the full performance of Andre Myers' Studies in Hope: Frederick Douglass. Click here to learn more about Juneteenth.

Grab a snack and cozy up for story time with Albany Symphony musicians, Grace Shryock (oboe), Joey Demko (French horn), Billy Hestand (bassoon), Matt Ross (flute), and Bixby Kennedy (clarinet) as they tell the story of Ferdinand the Bull by Munro Leaf.

Albany Symphony Hour

We're so excited to share the full recording of Andre Myers' Studies in Hope, as well as our Opening Night performance of Pictures at an Exhibition. Tune in via 89.1 FM Albany, 88.7 FM Poughkeepsie, or online at wmht.org/classical on Friday 6/19 at 6pm!

Juneteenth Celebrations in the Capital Region

The African American Cultural Center of the Capital Region will be hosting a celebration on Saturday 6/20 12pm-5pm! There will be music, entertainment, soul-food, and much more! Click here for more information. Additionally, the Hamilton Hill Arts Center will be hosting a virtual celebration with online galleries and workshops on Saturday 6/20 at 1pm. Click here for the link.

Albany Symphony Trivia Night

Do you think you know it all when it comes to orchestral music and the Albany Symphony? Join us for a virtual Trivia night on Thursday 6/25 from 7pm-9pm and test your knowledge! Participate via Zoom or watch along on Facebook Live.

#ICYMI: Ask David (Almost) Anything

In yesterday's episode, David tells us what he's been reading during quarantine, what it's like to work the Dame Evelyn Glennie, and how the Black Lives Matter movement will impact the orchestral world.

New COSMOS Next Week

COSMOS will return next week, with David checking on composer Derek Bermel. Bermel's Migration Series was nominated for a GRAMMY for Best Contemporary Classical Composition.

Interested in Supporting the Symphony?

Click the button below to make a donation to the Albany Symphony, and help make these virtual activites possible!

Don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Symphony Spotlight - 6/11/20

Symphony Spotlight

Albany Symphony cellist Hikaru Tamaki is joined by his wife, Yoko Reikano Kimura, for this beautiful koto/cello duet.

Albany Symphony Hour

Join Albany Symphony and WMHT as we revisit works by Mozart and Michael Torke. Tune in via 89.1 FM Albany, 88.7 FM Poughkeepsie, or online at wmht.org/classical on Friday 6/12 at 6pm!

Longtime ASO violist Hannah Levinson performs Jessica Meyer's "Delta Sunrise" live from her NYC apartment.

Ask David (Almost) Anything

Wednesday 6/17 is the next edition of Ask David (Almost) Anything! Send us your questions via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or email at patronservices@albanysymphony.com, and don't forget to tune in via Facebook Live on 6/17 at 6pm!

Congratulations to Annika Socolofsky!

Annika composed a piece for our 2018-19 season titled Gaze, and it recently won the ASCAP Morton Gould Young Composer Award! Click the link below to listen to the piece.

This Land Sings Review in The Guardian

Michael Daugherty's This Land Sings recently received a wonderful review by Andrew Clements for The Guardian. Click here to read the full review, and click here to listen to the disc.

Interested in Supporting the Symphony?

Click the button below to make a donation to the Albany Symphony, and help make these virtual activities possible!

Don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Symphony Spotlight: Musician Monday - 6/4/20

Symphony Spotlight: Musician Monday

Albany Symphony violinist Funda Cizmecioglu performs Telemann's Fantasia for Solo Violin No. 1, live from her NYC apartment.

Studies in Hope: Frederick Douglass, Mvt. II: Lamp Post
Composed by Andre Myers. Commissioned by Dogs of Desire. This recording is performed by Albany Symphony, Andre Myers, two student soloists, and the Albany High School Chamber Choir (under the direction of Brendan Hoffman). Conducted by David Alan Miller.

We at the Albany Symphony stand in solidarity with communities of color against the systemic racism that has created an everyday reality of intolerance, inequity, and violence for many people across the nation and in our community.  We support the right of individuals and communities to engage in peaceful protest and add our voice to call attention to the horrific death of George Floyd and the pattern of racial injustice that tragically has become all too familiar.

#ICYMI: Ask David (Almost) Anything

In last week's episode of Ask David (Almost) Anything, he speaks candidly about the symphony's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, as well as the efforts of the larger orchestral community. 

Interested in Supporting the Symphony?

Click the button below to make a donation to the Albany Symphony, and help make these virtual activities possible!

Don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Symphony Spotlight - 5/28/20

Symphony Spotlight

Bass trombonist Chuck Morris discusses the different trombones in the orchestra and performs a duet for bass trombones. Waffles, anyone?

We'd like to share a poem with you, written by Paul Lamar. Paul has been providing program notes for us since 1997. 

Paul Lamar lives with his husband, Mark, in Albany, where he teaches, reviews theater for The Daily Gazette, and conducts a chorus. Though he taught high school and college English throughout his career, he was a History of Music major at Yale, so when the opportunity to write program notes came along in 1997, he jumped. Paul says, "It has been a privilege. Thanks to this great orchestra, the staff, and David Alan Miller."

From all of us here at the Albany Symphony, “Thank you, Paul for continuing to share your immense musical knowledge and thoughtful words with the Albany Symphony family.”

Can the Mendelssohn Octet ever be wrong?
Today it was. We sat in short sleeves
And shivered from a mountain breeze along
 
The back of the concert shed. The cellists wheezed.
The two violists scowled and three violins
Looked bored, barely glancing at their yellowed leaves.
 
I shifted on my car keys. My shins
Ached. The man beside me puttered sleepily 
And I thought, This fickle month: fall begins.
 
They sawed away dispiritedly
Except for the fresh-faced first chair, a young man
Who leaned into every note. He
 
Knew that Felix means “happy.”  Allegro,
Always piu mosso. He grinned. He fell back,
Tearing the loose hairs from his bow.
 
Grab hold, attack! he seemed to say .
I looked at the slack faces and smiled:
We were a Mahler lot that day.

Albany Symphony Hour

Tomorrow 5/29 at 6pm tune in to WMHT via 89.1 FM Albany, 88.7 FM Poughkeepsie, or online at wmht.org/classical.

#ICYMI: This Land Sings Launch Party!

Last week we celebrated the release of This Land Sings: Inspired by the Life and Times of Woody Guthrie with our first ever LIVE Zoom party! Click on the links below to hear performances, trivia, discussions of the work, and more!

Check out the winning video from a recent PSA contest held by New York State. Remember, wearing a mask in public helps to stop the spread of COVID-19!

We want your help!

Championing the music of our time is a large part of the Albany Symphony's mission, and we want you to share your favorite new works with us! We're starting a new social media campaign called "New Tune Tuesday", and we want your suggestions! Our "theme" for June is Summer/Solstice, so if you know any fitting pieces of new music, send us an email at patronservices@albanysymphony.com.

Interested in Supporting the Symphony?

Click the button below to make a donation to the Albany Symphony, and help make these virtual activities possible!

Don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Symphony Spotlight - 5/21/20

Symphony Spotlight

We're so excited to celebrate the release of Michael Daugherty's latest disc, This Land Sings: Inspired by the Life and Times of Woody Guthrie! Keep reading to find information about where to listen, our launch party, and other virtual Albany Symphony happenings.

This Land Sings: Inspired by the Life and Times of Woody Guthrie Launch Party Tonight at 7pm!

Grab your harmonicas and Dust Bowl attire and join us tonight at 7pm on Facebook Live for the Albany Symphony's first ever Virtual Launch Party! We're celebrating the release of Michael Daugherty's This Land Sings: Inspired by the Life and Times of Woody Guthrie!

Join David Alan Miller, Michael Daugherty, Annika Socolofsky, musicians from The Dogs of Desire, and other special guests as they perform, discuss the disc, answer questions, and more!

Be sure to download/listen to This Land Sings: Inspired by the Life and Times of Woody Guthrie!

YouTube

Naxos

Spotify

Albany Symphony Hour

Start off your Memorial Day Weekend with the Albany Symphony, WMHT, and Beethoven 5! Tune in via 89.1 FM Albany, 88.7 FM Poughkeepsie, or online at wmht.org/classical on Friday 5/22 at 6pm!

Here is the final COSMOS mini-segment with David Alan Miller and Michael Daugherty. In this segment Michael reveals what makes him such a great composer! Hope you will join us tonight at the virtual launch party where Michael will be there live!

#ICYMI: Ask David (Almost) Anything

In last night's episode of Ask David (Almost) Anything, Maestro discussed how he got started in conducting, how he stays musically sharp during quarantine, and what his dream concert would look like!

Con-GRAD-ulations!

Move over Partridge Family! The Oser-Miller family put together a unique version of Edward Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance No. 1 in honor of the Class of 2020! Click here or click on the image below to listen!

Interested in Supporting the Symphony?

Click the button below to make a donation to the Albany Symphony, and help make these virtual activities possible!

Don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Symphony Spotlight - 5/14/20

Symphony Spotlight

While our live performances are temporarily on hold, our musicians and staff have been working hard to bring you quality musical and educational content. We have many upcoming events you can enjoy in the comfort of your living room! Keep reading to find out more about our record launch, kid-friendly activities, and rebroadcasts of your favorite performances!

Albany Symphony clarinetist, Bixby Kennedy (bixbykennedy.com), shares a Gershwin-inspired piece by Paul Harvey and a work written for Bixby by Will Rowe (soundcloud.com/willrowecomposer).

You're Invited! This Land Sings Virtual Launch Party!

You may have already heard about Michael Daugherty's latest release, This Land Sings: Inspired by the Life and Times of Woody Guthrie, which features David Alan Miller and The Dogs of Desire. But, did you hear about our upcoming Launch Party on Facebook Live?

David Alan Miller, Michael Daugherty, musicians from The Dogs of Desire, and many more will be celebrating the launch on Thursday, 5/21 at 7pm, and you're invited! There will be a virtual happy hour, discussions about the recording, and a few surprises!

This is a highlight of Maestro David Alan MIller's chat with Michael Daugherty. He shares a beautiful story about meeting his brilliant wife, Yopi Prins, in London.

Albany Symphony Hour

This Friday 5/15 at 6pm, tune in to WMHT at 89.1 FM Albany, 88.7 FM Poughkeepsie, or online at wmht.org/classical for another Albany Symphony Radio Hour! This week WMHT will be rebroadcasting the following pieces:

Anton Bruckner: Symphony No. 6
Benjamin Wallace: Chocolate Waltzes

Here is the next highlight of David Alan Miller’s chat with Composer Michael Daugherty. In this segment Michael plays his chosen instrument, the harmonica, and talks about Woody Guthrie.

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International Day of Families

Tomorrow, Friday 5/15 is International Day of Families, and we're throwing a Zoom Party to celebrate! This event is perfect for kids and music lovers to show off their families and what makes them special! Register down below and visit our Facebook event for more information, and join the fun Friday 5/15 at 3pm!

Here is the next highlight of David Alan Miller’s chat with Composer Michael Daugherty. In this segment Michael plays his chosen instrument, the harmonica, and talks about Woody Guthrie.

Don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Symphony Spotlight - 5/7/20

Symphony Spotlight

In honor of Mother’s Day, our executive director, Anna Kuwabara shares one of her favorite poems, Billy Collins’ The Lanyard.

New Release: Daugherty Disc inspired by Woody Guthrie features David Alan Miller and The Dogs of Desire

Tomorrow, May 8th, Naxos will release This Land Sings: Inspired by the Life and Times of Woody Guthrie, the world-premiere recording of multi-GRAMMY® Award-winning composer Michael Daugherty’s musical tribute to the singer-songwriter and political activist Woody Guthrie (1912–1967).

The album features the Albany Symphony’s genre-bending new music ensemble Dogs of Desire led by GRAMMY® Award-winning conductor David Alan Miller, with vocal soloists, soprano Annika Socolofsky and baritone John Daugherty.

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Albany Symphony Hour

This Friday 5/8 at 6pm, the Albany Symphony Hour continues on WMHT! Tune in via 89.1 FM Albany, 88.7 FM Poughkeepsie, or online at https://www.wmht.org/classical/.

Christopher Rouse: Oboe Concerto
Tchaikovsky: Francesca da Rimini

Enjoy this video of Kevin Cole performing a medley of George Gershwin tunes! We can’t wait to welcome Kevin back to the Capital Region for our Roaring ‘20s program to perform the original jazz-band version of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue and  classic Gershwin songs.

Classical Notes: ASO's Principal Oboe Keeps Her Own Time

The Times Union wrote a lovely article about Karen Hosmer, our principal oboe player!

Read the full article here!

#ICYMI: Ask David (Almost) Anything

David went live to answer your questions, and explained what he'd be doing if he wasn't a conductor, how he decides what to wear, and what it means to "scratch frantically!" Click here to watch his most recent video, and stay tuned for another episode of Ask David (Almost) Anything on Wednesday, 5/20.

Don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Symphony Spotlight - 4/30/20

Symphony Spotlight

Yue Sun, a former Albany Symphony violinist who recently won a position with the Colorado Symphony, wrote and composed this piece as her response to the COVID-19 pandemic. From all of us at the Albany Symphony, we hope that this "virtual hug" brings you joy during this time.

"I miss hugging my friends and my family so I made this virtual "hug" to you all. Hope it make you smile in this difficult time," - Yue Sun

Albany Symphony Hour

This week, Rob Brown and WMHT will be rebroadcasting performances from our Clara Schumann Festival in January! The broadcast will feature the world premiere of Loren Loiacono's muse.mute.mate.made, as well as Harmony Zhu's awe-inspiring performance of Robert Schumann's Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op. 54.

Tune in Friday, 5/1 at 6pm on 89.1 FM Albany, 88.7 FM Poughkeepsie, or online at wmht.org/classical.

COSMOS No. 4 is out! Music Director David Alan Miller talks with Jessie Montgomery about teaching improvisation to kids at Giffen and New Scotland Elementary, and about her creative process. Be sure to also check out the full interview here. Jessie's piece, Coincident Dances, will open the Albany Symphony's 20-21 season.

Ask David (Almost) Anything

Have you ever composed any secret masterpieces? If you weren't a conductor, what career would you have?

Ask David (Almost) Anything will return on Wednesday, May 6 at 6pm! Tune in via Facebook Live as David answers your burning questions, and be sure to let us know your questions on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!

April 30th is International Jazz Day

“Jazz washes away the dust of everyday life” - Art Blakey

Check out this Symphony Kids learning activity to teach your little music lovers about America’s most influential musical genre.

Watch the full Symphony Kids video here

Don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Symphony Spotlight - 4/23/20

Symphony Spotlight

In honor of Earth Day, we'd like to share pictures of our staff and musicians safely enjoying the outdoors, as well as a poem by Wendell Berry:

“Breathe with unconditional breath
the unconditioned air.
Shun electric wire.
Communicate slowly. Live
a three-dimensioned life;
stay away from screens.
Stay away from anything
that obscures the place it is in.
There are no unsacred places;
there are only sacred places
and desecrated places.”

Albany Symphony Hour

The Albany Symphony Hour continues this Friday 4/24 at 6pm! Join us as WMHT rebroadcasts Derek Bermel's A Shout, A Whisper & A Trace, as well as Schumann's Symphony No. 4 in D Minor Op. 120. Tune in at 89.1 Albany, 88.7 Poughkeepsie, or in your web browser at wmht.org/classical.

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Symphony Circle Time

Join Miss Jenae and her son EJ as they learn all about the symphony! Symphony Circle Time is perfect for preschoolers 18 months through 5 years. Watch on Facebook Live every Wednesday at 9am!

Facebook.com/AlbanySym/Live

 

Here is the next episode of COSMOS! It features an interview with a fascinating American composer, David Del Tredici. David Alan Miller interviewed him last Spring just before the Albany Symphony's "Sing Out, NY" American Music Festival, celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising. Click here to watch the full interview!

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Ask David (Almost) Anything Returns

Maestro David Alan Miller had such a blast answering your questions on Facebook Live yesterday that we've decided to do AD(A)A again! Our next Live session will be on Wednesday 5/6 at 6pm, so let us know your questions on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!

Symphonic Sturgeon

Join us for an inside look at The Endangered Species Project, a collaborative commission for the Albany Symphony that brings together living composers, biologists from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and students from across the state! Tune in at facebook.com/albanysym/live.

Don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Symphony Spotlight - 4/16/20

Symphony Spotlight

Our current season is all about phenomenal women. This week Albany Symphony highlights two inspirational women in music today: Percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie and American composer Joan Tower.

Craziest mishap on-stage? Favorite non-orchestral instrument?

If you have a question you've always wanted to ask Music Director David Alan Miller, now is your chance to get an answer! The Maestro will be going live on Facebook on Wednesday, April 22 at 6pm to answer YOUR questions!

Post your question on any of our social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter), or simply reply to this email! The possibilities are almost endless!

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It’s the next episode of COSMOS! In this video Maestro David Alan Miller checks in with composer Joan Tower. Watch the highlights above, or click here to watch the full video.

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the albany symphony hour

Tune in to WMHT 89.1 Classical FM on Fridays at 6pm for The Albany Symphony Hour.  David Alan Miller and Rob Brown curate and discuss a selection of Albany Symphony concert and recording highlights. This week features Orion Weiss in Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 2 in F minor, Opus 21, as well as Dame Evelyn Glennie in John Corigliano's Metal.

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Capital Region musicians stay creative during COVID-19

Composer Evan Mack is staying creative during COVID-19 as you can see in this Daily Gazette interview by Geraldine Freedman.  The Albany Symphony gave a concert performance of his opera “Roscoe” and premiered several works by Evan over the years. 

Symphony Spotlight - 4/9/20

Symphony Spotlight

While our concerts and community activities are temporarily on hold, we want to continue sharing glorious orchestral works, new creative voices, and the power and joy of music with you, our community of music lovers. Enjoy!

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The Albany Symphony Goes Digital!

We know that you're missing the Albany Symphony now more than ever, so we decided to bring the symphony to you, with a little help from our friends at WMHT!

This Sunday, April 12 at 6pm, WMHT will be re-broadcasting the Albany Symphony’s January 2019 concert, which includes the GRAMMY® nominated performance of Michael Torke's Sky with violinist Tessa Lark and Beethoven's Symphony No. 7. Tune in to WMHT 89.1 or click here to listen in your browser.

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Albany Symphony Hour

Not only will WMHT be airing Michael Torke's Sky, but starting Friday, 4/17 at 6pm is the pilot edition of WMHT’s Albany Symphony Hour! David Alan Miller and Rob Brown will select some of our favorite performances for rebroadcasting. We hope you'll tune in!

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Speaking of Michael Torke, David Alan Miller had a chance to "Check On" him in his newest series on Youtube! Watch the highlight video above or click here to watch the full interview.

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Symphony Circle Time

Our director of Education and Community Engagement, Miss Jenae and her son EJ will be singing songs and participating in fun activities for preschoolers (18 months through 5 years old!) every Wednesday at 9am. Join in the fun through our Facebook page!

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2020/2021 Season

Our upcoming season is inspired by overcoming adversity, and we couldn't be more excited to share it with you! You can view our season schedule below, but until then stay safe, stay strong, and stay creative!

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Don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

COVID-19 UPDATE: ALBANY SYMPHONY POSTPONES CONCERTS THROUGH MAY 30

COVID-19 is affecting the lives of everyone.  In these days of great uncertainly, all of us at the Albany Symphony want to thank you for your support.

Over the past week, we have reviewed performance options and are pleased to report that all concerts through May 30 have been rescheduled or reprogrammed into the coming 2020-21 season.    

The concert of April 18 at the Palace Theatre has been rescheduled for September 12 and 13 at Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, and will now feature Beethoven’s “Eroica” Symphony.  (This postponement was communicated to you last week, and we repeat it here for your convenience.)

The all-Gershwin concerts with Kevin Cole on May 9 and 10 at Troy Savings Bank Music Hall will now be performed on Saturday, October 10 – a single performance at the Palace Theatre.

“Trailblaze” – the programming for the 2020 American Music Festival in Troy from May 28 through the 30 will be incorporated into the 2021 American Music Festival in Troy June 4 through 6, 2021.  

Despite the challenges of these present times, we are pleased to have found ways to ensure that the music will return beginning this fall – and that you can realize the value of your ticket purchase in several ways.

Many patrons have asked how they can help the Albany Symphony in this challenging time.  Feel free to reach out via phone (518-694-3300) or email (patronservices@albanysymphony.com) to learn more.

COVID-19 UPDATE - APRIL 18 CONCERT POSTPONED TO SEPTEMBER

With New York State’s COVID-19 mandate restricting group gatherings and its ongoing concern for the health and safety of our audience members, performers, and community at large, the Albany Symphony is postponing its April 18 concert to September 12 and 13, 2020.

Originally scheduled at the Palace Theatre, the concert will be performed in September at Troy Savings Bank Music Hall with a revised program:

CHRISTOPHER ROUSE: Heimdall’s Trumpet

STEVEN STUCKY: Radical Light

BEETHOVEN: Symphony No. 3, “Eroica”

The concert will start the Albany Symphony’s celebration of the 250th birthday of Ludwig van Beethoven.  

Ticketholders for the April 18 concert will receive replacement tickets to the September concert.

Those who have any questions about tickets to any Albany Symphony events should contact the Symphony by email (patronservices@albanysymphony.com) or by calling the Box Office (518-694-3300).

Helpful Information about Covid-19

The Albany Symphony is closely monitoring information about the coronavirus and its potential impact with city, state, and hospital officials. We are also working with our partnering venues to help minimize risk.

The Albany Symphony and our partnering venues are:

• Increasing sanitization of all frequently touched areas, tools and equipment.

• Adding new hand sanitizer dispensers throughout the concert hall and office.

• Installing hand washing reminders in all restrooms.

• Providing concession personnel and ushers with gloves.

• Restricting program books to one-time use.

We are asking you to:

• Stay home if you are not feeling well and/or are exhibiting symptoms such as fever, dry cough, or shortness of breath. We have multiple options available for exchanging tickets.

• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

• Wash and/or sanitize your hands regularly.

• Call the Box Office before the performance if a medical professional asks you to limit your attendance at large public events. Our staff is prepared to help you.

If you have questions or concerns, email AlaynaF@AlbanySymphony.com or call 518-694-3300.

REWIND: A Look Back at February's Concert at Proctors

Love was in the air last Friday night at Proctors, as the Albany Symphony gave the audience a musical valentine with selections from Prokofiev's Romeo & Juliet, Roussell's Bacchus et Ariane, Suite No. 2, and Ethel Smyth's Concerto for Violin and French Horn. The historic vaudeville theatre, turned performing arts complex in Downtown Schenectady, was the perfect setting for such a romantic evening.

“I love the orchestra. I’m such a fan of what they do here, how they approach their music-making, which is with passion, involvement, and excellent.”

— JoAnn Falletta, from interview on WAMC Roundtable 02/13/20

JoAnn Falletta, music director of the Buffalo Philharmonic, spent two days with the musicians of the Albany Symphony shaping and arranging each work into a beautiful bouquet. Did you know that Roussel and Prokoviev extracted two suites' worth of music from full-length ballets? Roussel's Bacchus et Arianne Suite No. 2 tells the mythological tale of love between Ariane and Bacchus, the God of Wine and Prokovief's suite musically illustrates the tragic love story of two star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet.

“Roussel’s Suite from his ballet “Bacchus et Ariane” was cute and picturesque and climaxed with a carousel of sound. ”

— Joseph Dalton- Albany Times Union

The centerpiece of the performance was a double concerto composed by English suffragist Dame Ethel Smyth. Albany Symphony Concertmaster Jill Levy and Buffalo Philharmonic Principal Horn Jacek Muzyk, were coupled together to bring this interesting and challenging work to life.

“Smyth’s Concerto for Horn and Violin was an fascinating dialogue between two different species of instruments. The excellent soloists were violinist Jill Levy, the ASO concertmaster, and Jacek Muzyk, principal horn of the Buffalo Philharmonic.”

— Joseph Dalton- Albany Times Union

Who is Dame Ethel Smyth? Born in 1868, in the London Borough of Bexley, Smyth was a woman who went her own way and left her mark as a composer. She defied the will of her father, Major General John Hall Smyth, and studied composition at Leipzig Conservatory. She eventually left the conservatory and began studying privately with Heinrich von Herzogenberg, who introduced her to Clara Schumann and Brahms. In 1910, Ethel Smyth left composing to be on the front lines of the suffragist movement in England. Ethel is credited for writing the suffragists anthem, the March of the Women.

“The Prokofiev, in one semblance or another, has become a repertoire staple that seldom fails to satisfy. There’s youthful music, both gracious and urgent, plus striding themes and surefire drama, all of which spoke clearly. What really drew the ear were some of the more intimate sections that Falletta included. ”

— Joseph Dalton- Albany Times Union

Photo Credit: Eric Berlin and Gary Gold Photography

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DID YOU MISS THE CONCERT? DO YOU WANT TO HEAR IT AGAIN?

Hear the performance on Sunday, March 8, 2020 on WMHT LIVE. Tune in at 6PM on-air at 89.1FM Albany, 88.7FM Poughkeepsie or listen online anywhere at WMHT.org/classical.