Symphony Spotlight - 2/11/21

Symphony Spotlight

This week we are excited to share with you all our fifth concert titled, Romantic Brahms. We also are thrilled to celebrate a few holidays with you all and inform you all on all the Albany Symphony becoming members of NAAS. We even have a giveaway for the upcoming concert! Be sure to read all about it!

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Albany Symphony Hour

Start off your Valentine's Day Weekend with the Albany Symphony, WMHT, and Jessie Montgomery! Tune in via 89.1 FM Albany, 88.7 FM Poughkeepsie, or online at wmht.org/classical on Friday 2/12 at 6pm!

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The Albany Symphony Is a Member of NAAS!

What Is It?

The National Alliance for Audition Support is an unprecedented national initiative to increase diversity in American orchestras.  Its work includes providing musicians a customized combination of mentoring, audition preparation, financial support and audition previews. The Albany Symphony has been an orchestral partner member of NAAS since its start in 2018 and sends representatives to listen to the Sphinx Orchestral Partner Auditions and to serve on the work groups supporting NAAS's work.  

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Want to learn even more about our upcoming guest composer and narrator? The Times Union just released an article with interviews on both of them! The article looks at Tyson Davis' beginnings as a musician and composer, as well as the intricate work that Lucy Fitz Gibbon has been preparing for this concert. Check out the article here!

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Surprise and Delight Giveaway

Happy Valentine’s Day from the Albany Symphony! We’re trying to spread some love by giving away a $100 gift certificate to Cafe Capriccio! The winner will be announced LIVE during the upcoming Romantic Brahms concert on Saturday, February 13. Like/ follow our Facebook page and comment on our post on post to be eligible to win. Answers must be submitted by 3pm on Saturday, 2/13. There are only two days until the concert, be sure to enter!

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The Lunar New Year

This year the Lunar New Year is celebrated on February 12th and this year is the year of the Metal Ox!  This means this year is to be one of hard work and change, as well as an emphasis on any industries involved with metal (ranging from jewelry to needles).  The holiday, also referred to as the Spring Festival, marks the first new moon of the lunisolar calendar.  Although its usual and exciting festivities cannot ensue as normal, we here at the Albany Symphony would like to wish you all a happy holiday.  May 2021 bring good fortune to you all! 

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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 - 2/4/21

Symphony Spotlight

This week, we are excited to introduce to you immensely gifted composer Tyson Davis, whose work we are commissioning and premiering on February 13.

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Featured Composer: Tyson Davis

Tyson Davis, though still very early in his career, has had many pieces premiered and performed around the world. Distances, his work commissioned by the Albany Symphony for its concert on Saturday, February 13th, delves into the emotional complexity of the human mind. From a very young age, Davis loved to create. His journey began at the piano, those skills cultivating a strong foundation in music theory and composition. About Distances, Davis said, "I had taken a trip to Roosevelt Island, which is just across from Manhattan, where my dorm is at Juilliard. I remember thinking, as I looked across the East River, how close, yet how far Manhattan was from this island. It was poetically metaphorical for what was happening and is still happening in our world." Be sure to join us for this world premiere!

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Albany

Symphony Hour

This week WMHT is rebroadcasting Mozart and David Del Tredici. Tune in via 89.1 FM Albany, 88.7 FM Poughkeepsie, or online at wmht.org/classical on Friday 2/5 at 6pm!

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Interested in Supporting

the Symphony?

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

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Albany Symphony Celebrates Black History Month

Throughout the month of February, the Symphony Spotlight will celebrate and feature black performers and composers in history and of our time.

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Poet Sonia Sanchez:

Haiku [for you]

With Sir William Walton's Facade on the program for the upcoming Romantic Brahms performance, we want to share some poetry with you! Sonia Sanchez is known not only for her poetry work, but for her activism as well. Below is a romantic Haiku in honor of Valentine's Day!

love between us is
speech and breath. loving you is
a long river running.

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Hudson Valley Magazine

The Albany Symphony was recently featured in Hudson Valley Magazine for the upcoming Romantic Brahms performance! The full article includes COVID-safe activities and events around the Capital Region.

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

Symphony Spotlight - 1/28/21

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Symphony Spotlight

This week we share classical covers of pop songs, ensembles like the Imani Winds and their pursuit of racial equity, and information on our Romantic Brahms concert and WMHT Radio Hour.

Netflix's Bridgerton has allowed the Vitamin String Quartet to reimagine today's pop songs into classical covers! Check out this cover of Billie Eilish's song bad guy. Classical FM's Kyle Macdonald explores the creative choice of reimagining today's pop songs into arrangements that fit the time period in this article.

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Albany

Symphony Hour

This week we're rebroadcasting the GRAMMY nominated Migrations recording! Tune in via 89.1 FM Albany, 88.7 FM Poughkeepsie, or online at wmht.org/classical on Friday 1/29 at 6pm!

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Interested in Supporting the Symphony?

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

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Classical Musicians on Racial Equality

Joshua Barone of the New York Times explores the efforts being made by artists, groups, and organizations towards racial equality. He features the Imani Winds, who performed Phenomenal Women during our 2019 Opening Night. He also features the Sphinx Organization, who is constantly working towards diversifying the arts.

Albany High School Alum. Featured in Inauguration

Adolphus Hailstork's piece Fanfare on Amazing Grace was performed during the 2021 Inauguration! Hailstork is an Albany High School alum. Click here to listen to a recording of the piece.

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Romantic Brahms - Saturday, February 13

The fifth subscription concert in our 2020-2021 season is fast approaching! Celebrate Valentine's weekend with the Albany Symphony! Click the link below to become a subscriber.

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

Symphony Spotlight - 1/21/21

Symphony Spotlight

Hello Albany Symphony Friends and Supporters! This week's Symphony Spotlight includes information about the upcoming Romantic Brahms subscription concert, WMHT Radio Hour, Virtual Symphony in Our Schools, and more!

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Romantic Brahms-

Saturday, February 13

Celebrate Valentine's weekend with the Albany Symphony! The 5th subscription concert of the 20-21 Virtual Season is Saturday, February 13, and will feature works by Sir William Walton, Johannes Brahms, and a new commission by composer Tyson Davis. Click the links below to become a subscriber and watch the LIVE presentation, or make a donation to receive access beginning Friday, February 19.

Every year we enjoy going into classrooms to introduce young people to the instruments of the orchestra. Our musicians take pleasure in presenting their instrument in fun and innovative ways. This year we have taken our Symphony in Our Schools program virtual! Check out this video by Eric Berlin. If you are interested in finding out more, sign up for Symphony Kids on our website.

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Albany

Symphony Hour

The Albany Symphony Hour continues with the help of WMHT! Tune in via 89.1 FM Albany, 88.7 FM Poughkeepsie, or online at wmht.org/classical on Friday 1/22 at 6pm!

Interested in Supporting the Symphony?

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

The Hill We Climb by Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman was one of the most stunning moments of yesterday's Presidential Inauguration ceremony. Swept away by the musical as much as the poetical beauty of the reading, we are reminded how art transcends the lines we draw: poem as a written art form; poetry as performance; poetry as music; and poetry set to and/or inspiring music. Poet Laureate Gorman exhorts us to transcend other boundaries -- the lines we draw between ourselves to come together as a nation.

We are striving to forge a union with purpose
To compose a country committed to all cultures, colors, characters and
conditions of man
And so we lift our gazes not to what stands between us
but what stands before us
We close the divide because we know, to put our future first,
we must first put our differences aside

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Tchaikovsky Sereade -

On-Demand Now

In case you missed the live performance of Tchaikovsky Serenade on January 9th, the recorded performance is on-demand until February 8th! Click the link below and enter the password (all CAPS) JESSIE0109 to enjoy this FREE concert.

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

Symphony Spotlight - 1/14/21

Symphony Spotlight

Monday, January 18 is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and we hope you find some time to reflect on his legacy. Keep reading to find a clip from our "Tchaikovsky Serenade" concert, news from Governor Cuomo's State of the State 2021 address, and more.

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday 1/18, we wanted to share this clip of Jessie Montgomery's Banner, performed January 9, 2021 at Universal Preservation Hall. At 1:20, you can hear a theme from Lift Every Voice and Sing (the Black National Anthem) being played by the double basses.

We applaud Governor Cuomo's initiative, New York Arts Revival and are excited to be a participant. Watch this short clip above, or click here to learn more about the project from the State of the State 2021 address.

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Albany Symphony Hour

Start off your 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 1/15 at 6pm!

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Interested in Supporting the Symphony?

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

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GRAMMYS Postponed to March

The Recording Academy has decided to postpone the upcoming GRAMMY awards due to a rise in COVID-19. The new date for the awards ceremony is Sunday, March 14. Be sure to tune in and see if Christopher Theofanidis' Concerto for Viola and Chamber Orchestra takes home the GRAMMY!

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

Symphony Spotlight - 12/31/20

Symphony Spotlight

Happy New Year! Wishing you and your family all the best for a happy, healthy, and music-filled 2021!

Ring in the New Year with this clip of Benjamin Wallace's Chocolate Waltz, recorded in December 2018.

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Tchaikovsky Serenade - Saturday, January 9

Our next concert is fast approaching! Don't miss out on works by Jessie Montgomery, Caroline Shaw, Jean Sibelius, George Walker, and of course, Tchaikovsky! Click the links below for more information on becoming a subscriber, or to make a donation & receive access to the recording on Friday, January 15.

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Interested in Supporting the Symphony?

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

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David Alan Miller Interview with WAMC

Maestro David Alan Miller and composer Christopher Theofanidis had a chance to speak with WAMC's Jesse King about the recent Grammy nomination. Click the link below to listen to the interview and read the full article.

Kwanzaa Continues!

Today is the 5th day of Kwanzaa! The 5th day is about purpose, meaning "We choose a goal and work toward it little by little." Check out our Facebook page for more detailed descriptions of each day and their meaning!

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

Symphony Spotlight - 12/24/20

Symphony Spotlight

Merry Christmas and Happy Kwanzaa! There will be no Albany Symphony Radio Hour this week, however both The Magic of Christmas and Beethoven Birthday Bash performances are on demand, so you can still get your Albany Symphony fix!

Check out this clip of Michael Torke's Ash from our Beethoven Birthday Bash performance, recorded December 12, 2020 at Universal Preservation Hall.

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The Magic of Christmas - Free & On Demand

In case you missed The Magic of Christmas TV special on WNYT-NewsChannel 13, you can now watch the video for free on the Albany Symphony website. Visit the Virtual Concert Hall to watch the full TV special anytime. Forward this link to share beautiful holiday music and cheer with your friends and family!

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Interested in Supporting the Symphony?

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

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New Year's Eve Eve Party!

Join us for an end of the year scavenger hunt and holiday show & tell! The party will be held on Wednesday, December 30 at 2pm over Zoom, click the link below to register.

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Beethoven Birthday Bash On Demand

The Albany Symphony's performance in honor of Beethoven's 250th birthday is on demand now through January 11. This is a great last minute gift (for yourself or for someone else!), click the link below to make your valued gift today and receive access to the performance video. Below is a sneak peek: the Finale of Beethoven's Symphony No. 1 from that concert.

The Finale from Beethoven's Symphony No. 1, recorded December 12, 2020 at Universal Preservation Hall.

Happy Kwanzaa!

Kwanzaa is celebrated starting December 26 through January 1. For each day of Kwanzaa we will be posting descriptions and information on our Facebook page. Check out the graphic below, and be sure to like us on Facebook to stay connected.

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

Symphony Spotlight - 12/17/20

Symphony Spotlight

Happy Hanukkah, and Happy Birthday Beethoven! Our latest performance was Beethoven's Birthday Bash, and you can watch that performance on demand until January 11! Keep reading for more information, as well as information about this weekend's Magic of Christmas broadcast on WNYT NewsChannel 13!

Enjoy this clip of the Albany Symphony's Brass and Percussionists performing Carol of the Bells. Tune in to The Magic of Christmas this weekend!

Tune In This Weekend - The Magic of Christmas

The Albany Symphony and WNYT NewsChannel 13 present The Magic of Christmas 2020, featuring youth performing groups and the Albany Symphony Brass Choir and Symphony Percussionists in a joyous celebration of Christmas and the holidays!

The television special will air on Saturday, December 19 (7:00pm – 8:00pm on WNYT-NewsChannel 13) and Sunday, December 20 (4:00pm – 5:00pm on WNYA-My4).
 

Sponsored by:

 
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Albany Symphony Hour

Celebrate Beethoven's birthday with his Symphony No. 6! Tune in via 89.1 FM Albany, 88.7 FM Poughkeepsie, or online at wmht.org/classical on Friday 12/18 at 6pm!

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Interested in Supporting the Symphony?

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

Listen now: The Albany Symphony performing Beethoven's Overture to The Creatures of Prometheus, recorded December 12, 2020 at Universal Preservation Hall.

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With your gift of $25 or more...
Beethoven @ 250!

Enjoy the music from last Saturday’s Beethoven Birthday Bash between now and January 11! David Alan Miller conducts Beethoven’s youthful First Symphony, plus music from the ballet The Creatures of Prometheus. Also, Michael Torke’s Ash, and the beautiful Extra(ordinary) Fancy of Viet Cuong. 

Streamed directly to your tablet, laptop or television! Available beginning Friday, December 18. Yours with a year-end, tax-deductible gift of $25 or more! 

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Beethoven Birthday Bash Review

Joesph Dugan reviewed the Albany Symphony's most recent performance, Beethoven's Birthday Bash, for NYS Music. Click below to read the full article.

Great Late Gift - Albany Symphony Digital Subscription

If they can't come to Albany, let Albany come to them! The Albany Symphony's Digital Concert Hall - Livestreamed & On-Demand*

Here's a great gift idea for those far from your home - the Albany Symphony streamed into theirs! All the 2021 digital concerts from January through June!

Just $158 per household!

Confirmation and downloadable certificate will be sent to you via email. Share the certificate with those receiving your gift. Remember to share the name & email of your recipient with us so we may send them viewing instructions and login information.

*On-demand for 30 days from concert date.

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

The Magic of Christmas on WNYT-NewsChannel 13!

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The Albany Symphony and WNYT NewsChannel 13 present The Magic of Christmas 2020, featuring youth performing groups and the Albany Symphony Brass Choir and Symphony Percussionists in a joyous celebration of Christmas and the holidays!

The television special will air on Saturday, December 19 (7:00pm – 8:00pm on WNYT-NewsChannel 13) and Sunday, December 20 (4:00pm – 5:00pm on WNYA-My4).

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Co-Hosts
David Alan Miller, music director, Albany Symphony
Benita Zahn, anchor & reporter, NewsChannel13

Thank you to our sponsor:

 
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Help support the Albany Symphony's important work bringing inspiring, accessible programming, like the Magic of Christmas, to our entire community.

Give the gift of music by donating at albanysymphony.com/giving or click the button below!

Symphony Spotlight - 12/10/20

Symphony Spotlight

We can't wait for you to tune in to our two upcoming performances: Beethoven Birthday Bash this Saturday 12/12 at 7:30pm, and The Magic of Christmas next weekend! Keep reading for more information and other Albany Symphony happenings.

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Beethoven Birthday Bash - This Saturday!

You're invited to Beethoven's Birthday Bash, this Saturday December 12 at 7:30pm! We'll be celebrating Beethoven's 250th birthday with works by Michael Torke, Viet Cuong, and of course Beethoven. Click the links below to become a subscriber and watch the livestream, or make a donation & watch the performance starting December 18.

Check out this cover of The Mandalorian theme song by Chuck Morris, our bass trombonist! He has more covers on his YouTube channel.

Albany Symphony Hour

Listen to the broadcast of Mahler & More, the Albany Symphony's November subscription concert! Tune in via 89.1 FM Albany, 88.7 FM Poughkeepsie, or online at wmht.org/classical on Friday 12/11 at 6pm!

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The Magic of Christmas 2020

The Albany Symphony and WNYT NewsChannel 13 present The Magic of Christmas 2020, featuring youth performing groups and the Albany Symphony Brass Choir and Symphony Percussionists (recorded live at the Palace Theatre) in a joyous celebration of Christmas and the holidays.

The television special will air on Saturday, December 19 (7:00pm – 8:00pm on WNYT, Channel 13) and Sunday, December 20 (4:00pm – 5:00pm on WNYA, My4). Click here for more information.

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Interested in Supporting the Symphony?

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

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David Alan Miller Interview

Maestro David Alan Miller was recently interviewed by The Daily Plant Arthur, regarding the upcoming Beethoven performance on December 12 and the recent Grammy nomination for Best Classical Instrumental Solo. Click the link below to watch the full interview.

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NYS Music Article on Grammy Nomination

NYS Music's Joseph Dugan wrote an article on Theofanidis' Concerto for Viola and Orchestra and the recent Grammy nomination it received! Click the link below to read the full article.

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

Symphony Spotlight - 12/3/20

Symphony Spotlight

Our Giving Tuesday campaign was a great success, thanks to the support of our dedicated patrons! Keep reading for information on our upcoming December 12 performance, recent GRAMMY nomination, and more!

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Beethoven Birthday Bash - Saturday, December 12

Beethoven's Birthday Bash is fast approaching! Help the Albany Symphony celebrate Beethoven's 250th birthday by tuning into our December 12 performance! Click the links below to become a subscriber and watch the livestream, or make a donation & watch the performance starting December 18.

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December 3, 2020 – International Day of Persons with Disabilities


Ludwig van Beethoven physically and socially distanced himself to hide his deafness. Fear of being chastised and deemed unfit to create music despite his artistic genius prompted him to isolate emotionally from the world around him. In a rare emotionally raw letter to his brother in 1802, Beethoven revealed how deeply affected he was by his deafness. This month, as we honor Beethoven’s 250th birthday, Albany Symphony expresses a heartfelt thank you to the many artists who overcome physical and neurological differences to produce great art. We honor you and celebrate your work.

Check out this video from Channel 10, where Maestro David Alan Miller and Executive Director Anna Kuwabara discuss our recent GRAMMY nomination, and the hopes and challenges facing the Albany Symphony. Click here to read the full story.

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Albany Symphony Hour

Celebrate the start of Beethoven's birthday month with his seventh symphony! Tune in via 89.1 FM Albany, 88.7 FM Poughkeepsie, or online at wmht.org/classical on Friday 12/4 at 6pm!

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Interested in Supporting the Symphony?

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

We are offering a virtual model of the Symphony in Our Schools program that will be made available to individual families and school districts. Videos and activities are designed for elementary students. Every two weeks we roll out a new instrument demonstrations featuring Albany Symphony musicians. Check out this video about the bass presented by Luke Baker.

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Albany Symphony GRAMMY Nomination

Both the Times Union and CBS 6 covered the recent GRAMMY nomination for Best Classical Instrumental Solo! Click the links below to read/watch the full stories.

Read the full Times Union article here

Read the CBS 6 story here

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

Symphony Spotlight - 11/27/20

Symphony Spotlight

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at the Albany Symphony! Despite the current challenges we're all facing, we have plenty to be thankful for (including a recent Grammy nomination!). 

Listen to this clip of Debussy's Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun from our Mahler & More performance on November 14, 2020.

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Theofanidis Disc Grammy Nomination!

The 2021 Grammy nominees were announced on Tuesday, November 24, and the Albany Symphony's latest release was nominated for Best Classical Instrumental Solo! Read the full list of nominees here, and be sure to tune in on January 31!

No Albany Symphony Hour This Week

There will not be a WMHT Albany Symphony Hour this week, as our friends at WMHT are taking a well deserved break! We'll be back next Friday 12/4 with another broadcast.

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Give the Gift of Music by supporting the Albany Symphony on Giving Tuesday

By making a gift to the Albany Symphony on Giving Tuesday, you help us to continue our mission of providing musical education for children in our community in an uncertain time. 

Exciting news! When you make your gift on Facebook, you double your support through Facebooks matching gift initiative. All gifts made through Facebook will be matched dollar for dollar up to 2 million dollars. For more information, please visit https://www.facebook.com/help/332488213787105 . 

Details will follow on Day of Event: December 1, 2020. 

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Congratulations to David Alan Miller & Kevin Cole!

Howard Reich of the Chicago Tribune wrote a wonderful review of Maetro & Cole's latest collaboration, a recording of Gershwin's Concerto in F. We can't wait to welcome back Kevin Cole for our own Gershwin concert!

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

Symphony Spotlight - 11/19/20

Symphony Spotlight

The Albany Symphony's second performance of the 2020-2021 re-imagined season was a success! Keep reading to watch a clip from the performance, read reviews, and more!

Listen to this clip from Mahler & More, performed and livestreamed on November 14 at Universal Preservation Hall! This is the fourth movement from Mahler's Symphony No. 4, featuring Chelsea Fingal DeSouza. See below for how to watch the whole concert on-demand.

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Albany Symphony Hour

This week WMHT will be rebroadcasting the performance from February of 2017, with guest conductor Karina Canellakis. Tune in via 89.1 FM Albany, 88.7 FM Poughkeepsie, or online at wmht.org/classical on Friday 11/20 at 6pm!

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Interested in Supporting the Symphony?

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

Check out this teaser for Convergence, the Albany Symphony's latest extensive multi-year project meant to transform the orchestra. For more information about Convergence, contact Jenae Gayle, jenaeg@albanysymphony.com.

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Mahler & More Review in The Daily Gazette

Geraldine Freedman wrote a review for The Daily Gazette, touching on the premiere of Andre Myers' Black & Alive, the challenges that the musicians faced leading up to this performance, and more. 

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#ICYMI: Mahler & More On Demand

If you missed the live performance of Debussy's Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun, Mahler's Symphony No. 4, or the world-premiere of Andre Myers' Black & Aliveyou can view the recording on-demand starting tomorrow, November 20. Click the link below to make a donation of $25 or more and receive unlimited access to the recorded performance through December 14.

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

Symphony Spotlight - 11/12/20

Symphony Spotlight

Andre Myers was featured in multiple articles in anticipation of the premiere of his work Black & Alive. Keep reading to find the full articles, as well as information on how to tune in to Mahler & More on Saturday, November 14!

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Mahler & More This Saturday

The Albany Symphony's Mahler and More is this Saturday, November 14! Don't miss Debussy's Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun, Mahler's Symphony No. 4, and the world premiere of Andre Myers' Black & Alive. Click the links below to become a subscriber and watch on 11/14, or make a donation and receive access starting 11/20.

Albany Symphony Hour

We're revisiting This Land Sings for this week's Albany Symphony Hour! Tune in via 89.1 FM Albany, 88.7 FM Poughkeepsie, or online at wmht.org/classical on Friday 11/13 at 6pm!

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#ICYMI: This Land Sings - Re-Imagined Opening Night

There's still time to watch the recorded performance of This Land Sings from our Re-Imagined Opening Night! Click the link below to make a donation and get access through November 30.

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Interested in Supporting the Symphony?

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

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Veterans Day

In honor of Veterans Day, we highlight the West Point Band. Our neighbor down the Hudson River, the Band has a 200-plus year history and attracts top-flight musicians from around the country. Several West Point musicians also perform with the Albany Symphony, notably Sergeant First Class Phillip Helm, our assistant principal bassist, who serves as bass player in the West Point Concert Band and chamber ensembles.

Times Union Looks at Myers History with Albany Symphony

Joseph Dalton of the Times Union spoke with Andre Myers about his history with the Albany Symphony, as well as what's in store for the future. Click on the image below to read the full article. Andre Myers was also featured in articles from Spotlight News and News 10.

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

Symphony Spotlight - 11/5/20

Symphony Spotlight

Our second performance of the 2020-2021 season, Mahler & More, will be on Saturday 11/14 at 7:30pm! Keep reading to find out how to access this performance, and there's still time to access This Land Sings!

Check out this clip of Perpetual Motion Man from our Opening Night - This Land Sings!

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Mahler & More - Saturday November 14

Our second concert of the 2020-2021 season is fast approaching! Click the link below to become subscriber and watch the performance live on Saturday 11/14, or click here to make a donation of $25 or more and get access starting Friday 11/20.

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Albany Symphony Hour

The Albany Symphony Hour continues with Hindemith and John Harbison. Tune in via 89.1 FM Albany, 88.7 FM Poughkeepsie, or online at wmht.org/classical on Friday 11/6 at 6pm!

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Interested in Supporting the Symphony?

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

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This Land Sings Subscriber Setup

Subscribers Joe and Avis recently sent us this photo, showing their setup for our Opening Night performance! What's better than a cocktail, a roaring fire, and the Albany Symphony?

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#ICYMI This Land Sings

If you missed our livestreamed performance of This Land Sings on October 24, there's still time to watch the concert! The video of the performance will be live on our website until 11/30, so you have plenty of time to re-watch it as many times as you'd like!

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

Symphony Spotlight - 10/29/20

Symphony Spotlight

The Albany Symphony's Opening Night was this past Saturday! We're so fortunate to be able to perform live music again, and we're so grateful for the support from all of our patrons. Check out a clip from the performance below, and keep reading for other news and events!

Watch this clip from our Opening Night this past Saturday! This is "Don't Sing Me A Love Song" from This Land Sings: Inspired by the Life and Times of Woody Guthrie.

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Albany Symphony Hour

Tune in via 89.1 FM Albany, 88.7 FM Poughkeepsie, or online at wmht.org/classical on Friday 10/30 at 6pm!

This Saturday - Freeze Dance Party

Sign up to take part in our Halloween Freeze Dance party this Saturday 10/31 at 2:30pm. There will be a scavenger hunt, games, activities, and a dance party!

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Interested in Supporting the Symphony?

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

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Opening Night Review in Spotlight News

Michael Hallisey of Spotlight News wrote a wonderful review of our Opening Night - This Land Sings.
"Albany Symphony’s live-stream experience was near television broadcast quality. The tight camera angles allowed the audience to see each of the players, including the facial expressions of mezzo-soprano Kara Dugan and baritone Michael Maliakel. Abraham’s narration was as entertaining as it was educational."

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Nat Fossner Retirement

David Alan Miller spoke to Spotlight News about Nathaniel Fossner's retirement from the Albany Symphony. Click the link below to read the article.

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Symphony Spotlight - 10/22/20

Symphony Spotlight

This Saturday is the Albany Symphony's 20-21 Opening Night! Keep reading for information on becoming a subscriber, as well as other virtual events and happenings!

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The Albany Symphony's Opening Night Re-Imagined is almost here!

Become a subscriber for full access to the livestream on Saturday 10/24, which includes a pre-concert talk with David Alan Miller and Michael Daugherty, the entirety of This Land Sings: Inspired by the Life and Times of Woody Guthrie, and a post-concert Q&A! 

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Albany Symphony Hour

This week WMHT is rebroadcasting our performance from January 2018 at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall. Tune in via 89.1 FM Albany, 88.7 FM Poughkeepsie, or online at wmht.org/classical on Friday 10/23 at 6pm!

Congratulations and thank you to Nat Fossner!

The Albany Symphony Announces Retirement of Beloved and Passionate Principal English Horn Player, Nathaniel Fossner, who was in the Orchestra for More Than 40 Years

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Interested in Supporting the Symphony?

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

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Maestro David Alan Miller on WRGB

David Alan Miller had a chance to talk to CBS channel 6 about the upcoming Opening Night Re-Imagined! 

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Albany Symphony in Saratoga Today

Saratoga Today recently published an article about our upcoming 2020-2021 season!

Freeze Dance Party

Do you have your costume ready for the All Hallows Eve Freeze Dance Party? The party will be live on Zoom on Saturday, 10/31 at 2:30pm. RSVP by clicking on the image below, and don't miss out on costumes contests, scavenger hunts, games, and a dance party! 

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Symphony Spotlight - 10/15/20

Symphony Spotlight

All 10 commissions for the Dogs of Desire series Hot, w/Mustard are now live! Click on the image below to re-watch your favorites, and keep reading for more information on our Re-Imagined Opening Night, and other virtual events!

Click here to access a Youtube playlist of all 10 Hot, w/Mustard commissions!

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Albany Symphony Hour

The Albany Symphony hour continues this week with guest conductor Gemma New! Tune in via 89.1 FM Albany, 88.7 FM Poughkeepsie, or online at wmht.org/classical on Friday 10/16 at 6pm!

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Interested in Supporting the Symphony?

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

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WAMC Roundtable

Maestro David Alan Miller had a chance to sit down with WAMC's Joe Donahue for a roundtable discussion regarding our 20-21 Re-Imagined season!

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Opening Night Re-Imagined - How to Get Access

The Albany Symphony's first-ever livestreamed concert is fast approaching, on Saturday October 24 at 7:30pm! Call the box office at (518) 694-3300 to become a subscriber and watch this event LIVE, or click on the link below to make a donation for access starting 10/30.

Symphony Kids Halloween Party

Have you signed up for our All Hallows Eve Freeze Dance Party yet? This event will feature costume contests, a virtual scavenger hunt, and, of course, a dance party! Click the image below to RSVP for the party on Saturday, 10/31 at 2:30pm, live on Zoom!

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Symphony Spotlight - 10/8/20

Symphony Spotlight

The tenth and final installment of Hot, w/Mustard is here! Check out Derrick Spiva's From Embers below. Help us spread the word about our recent recordings!

Watch now: Derrick Spiva's From Embers, the tenth and final installment in Hot, w/Mustard!

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Albany Symphony Hour

Start your long-weekend off right with the Albany Symphony & WMHT! Tune in via 89.1 FM Albany, 88.7 FM Poughkeepsie, or online at wmht.org/classical on Friday 10/9 at 6pm!

Want to learn more about Derrick Spiva's From Embers? David Alan Miller had a chance to speak with Derrick about the inspiration behind the piece, check it out here!

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Interested in Supporting the Symphony?

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

For Your GRAMMY Consideration

Help the Albany Symphony spread the word on our GRAMMY-worthy discs!  Share these graphics and links on your social media.

Christopher Theofanidis' Concerto for Violin and Orchestra and Concerto for Viola and Chamber Orchestra: Best Classical Instrumental Solo, Best Contemporary Classical Composition (Viola Concerto Only)

Michael Daugherty's This Land Sings: Inspired by the Life and Times of Woody Guthrie: Best Contemporary Classical Composition, Best Classical Solo Vocal Album, Best Engineered Album (Classical), Producer of the Year (Classical)

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Symphony Kids Halloween Party!

Join us for some Halloween fun on Saturday, October 31 at 2:30pm on Zoom! We are hosting a rocking good time with costume contests, a virtual scavenger hunt, and, of course, a DANCE PARTY! We will hear some All Hallows Eve musical favorites and have the chance to win some sweet prizes! Click the link to RSVP today!

RSVP Link: https://forms.gle/kHePA36JmUWf5vqa6

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Vanguard-Albany Symphony Fundraiser

Vanguard's fundraiser was a success, thanks to patrons like you! Check out the video of the drawing below to see if you won! 

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Food for Thought - Hot, w/Mustard 10/4/20

COVID-19 and my love//hate relationship with cooking

by Susan Debronsky, ASO Principal Cellist

I love to cook.  I have always loved to cook.  From the time I was little, standing on a chair, helping my mom mix the meatloaf with my hands, to baking Hamantaschen to bring to the staff at my Temple, to making ends meet as a new college graduate with a degree in music performance, by cooking and baking in a local gourmet food store. 

Then I had kids.  Four of them.  First one, then another, and then twins.  Life was a whirlwind and cooking was a necessity.  Occasionally I baked something special for a holiday or birthday. 

The kids grew up.  Two declared themselves vegetarian and one became a vegan.  I started learning what those terms really meant, and how to create meals and desserts embracing the new cooking protocols.  I learned to really like a lot of vegetarian dishes and enjoyed hunting for new recipes to try out.  My husband was a good sport about trying all of the new meals. 

My eldest son interested me in gardening a few summers ago.  I have had the same garden plot at the Elm Avenue Park community garden (run by Capital Roots) for three years now.  The first year, Max planted a bed of onions and gave me some starts of other plants.  I watered, I weeded, I watched things grow.  I enjoyed the solitude of being at the garden in the early morning or just before the sun went down.  I harvested, I learned to use what I grew.  The next year, one of my twins gave me zinnia seeds.  I planted them, watched them beautify my garden, and observed the bees enjoying the flowers and pollinating my vegetable plants.  At the end of the season, my son and I planted a bed of garlic, which we harvested this summer.  This past winter, I pored over seed catalogues.  I planted starts, transforming my family room into a plant nursery.  My husband and bonus-son helped me prepare the garden beds in April.  My son warned me not to plant too many viney things, but of course, I didn’t listen.  My delicata squash vines took over much of the garden!   I am hooked on gardening and can’t wait for this winter’s seed catalogs to come out!

When the COVID-19 stay-at-home began, in the middle of March, I started working my two jobs from home.  It was stressful.  I started baking.  I baked cookies and cakes, always having a very willing taster in my husband, and whoever else was in the house (well, it was COVID-time, so there were not a lot of people coming and going!).  I enjoyed experimenting with new recipes and exotic combinations of things to put in my cookies.  I was a new Instagram follower, and people were posting food pictures.  Lots of bread.  I tried no-knead bread, but you needed (no pun intended!) yeast – which was in very short supply.  Then, on Mother’s Day, my son gave me a jar of sourdough starter.  I had always been terrified of sourdough!  He sent me a link to a good YouTube video of a baker he liked, and then created a series of short, step-by-step videos on how to bake bread with the sourdough starter.  I mastered feeding the starter.  I cooked with the videos at my side.  I found new recipes and techniques.  I started getting comfortable with sourdough and baked breads, cinnamon rolls, chocolate cake, granola – all using sourdough starter.  I was learning new skills like nobody’s business! 

In June, Hubz and I went on a COVID-19 road trip.  The Glimmerglass Festival, my normal summer work of 10 weeks, wasn’t happening.  We drove with bleach spray, paper towels, masks and hand sanitizer, through Ohio, Indiana, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and then back home.   The highlights of our trip?  Well, there were MANY.  But one was definitely ice cream.  We sampled different flavors at several Graeter’s Ice Cream stores and Mitchell’s – both in Ohio.

So, when September rolled around, and I saw something on Instagram for a Zoom cooking class on ice cream making by Richard Graeter, I couldn’t resist.  I signed up, but I needed an ice cream maker.  After doing a little research, I bought one.  Zoom day, I was ready.  I had shopped, prepped my ingredients, frozen my ice cream bowl, and was good to go. Hubz “attended” the class with me, and we made vanilla ice cream together.  I only used up half the mixture that day, and my mind was already churning (OMG – again, no pun intended!) with what else I could make.  I turned the rest of the vanilla into Maple Walnut, with maple syrup from a local farm in Cobleskill - Maple Hill Farms.  A couple of days later, I had some strawberries that needed to be used up, so I found a recipe for strawberry ice cream.  Yum.  Then the Jewish Holidays were approaching.  I have always hated Honey Cake – it’s too dry for me.  So I searched on the internet and found a new recipe to try.  I made it, and it was delicious.  A keeper.  But I also made CINNAMON ICE CREAM to go with it.  Yes, that was a really good combination. 

So, back to the Jewish Holidays.  That was last week, which became my turning point of the love / hate relationship with food.  Tuesday, my son and his girlfriend came over for dinner, a rare treat.  I went into Mommy mode (he is 27 years old) and made meatloaf (see how I went full circle here?), and I don’t even remember what else (thought I believe blistered shishito peppers from my garden were on the menu).  I never make meatloaf anymore, and it was delicious.  I made home-made brownies in an 8-way triangular scone pan, and served them with the strawberry, maple and vanilla ice cream.  Friday was the start of the Jewish New Year, and the start of my twins’ birthday weekend.  Rosh Hashanah dinner was a multi-day cooking affair.  We had the requisite apples and honey for a sweet new year, homemade challah, Brisket with Orange-Burgundy sauce, Roasted Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Broccoli/Cauliflower/Carrots, Delicata Squash/Sage biscuits and the aforementioned Honey Cake with Cinnamon Ice Cream for dessert. 

But – the week wasn’t over!  Saturday came, and I started feeling weary, yet I had to keep going.  Sunday was BIRTHDAY BRUNCH.  Before that, however, our family from Seattle was visiting, and we needed to feed them!  Luckily, they enjoyed brisket, mashed potatoes (sound familiar?) and the stalk of Brussel Sprouts that we picked up at a farm stand. 

Finally, Sunday arrived.  I think I can, I think I can…

I had a date with one of the twins at 8 AM to bake Raspberry Lemon Scones.  My neighbors had gone on their own road trip this summer and left us their garden to glean.  I collected enough raspberries to freeze for this special occasion; the request for said scones had already been placed weeks ahead of time.  The scones in the oven, I brought out the leftover dough for the delicata / sage biscuits and started rolling it out.  Once the scones came out of the oven, the biscuits went in.  I created a yummy stir fry to go along with the scrambled eggs that Hubz was going to make:  2 cakes of tempeh, cubed, a couple of portobello mushrooms, a couple of poblano peppers from my neighbors garden, an onion (from my garden), some salt, pepper, turmeric.  Oh, and one serrano pepper.  Finally, the food was laid out, buffet style.  Bonus-son had the fire pit going out in the backyard, the camp chairs spread out around it.  Everyone came in, heaped food on their plates, filled up their coffee cups, and headed out to sit by the fire.  It was great.  So relaxing.  So “Aaahhh.” 

We cleaned up; the kids left.  Then, a little while later, it was, “what’s for dinner tonight?”  “NOOOOOO,” my insides screamed.  I don’t want to….

We had pizza.  From a pizzeria.  It was so good.  I didn’t have to cook it.  And a switch flipped.  I don’t want to cook or bake this week.  No bread.  No cakes or cookies.  No creative dinners.  I feel spent.  I’ll come back, but I need a break. 

However, I have another Zoom cooking class this week, with Alice Waters and her daughter, Fanny Singer.  How exciting!  We’ll be making Cannellini Beans and Broccoli Rabe with Garlic and Hot Peppers.  I’ve already started soaking the beans….