Water Music New york: More Voices

The expansive three-year Water Music NY: More Voices Festival (WMNY:MV) is a multi-arts creative placemaking initiative to commemorate the Bicentennial of the completion of the Erie Canal, in partnership with New York State Canal Corporation. The project fuses arts, cultural heritage, and contemporary issues to re-envision the past, present, and future of people and communities bordering the historic waterway in collaborations with composers, local artists, cultural and educational institutions, and community members. Through WMNY:MV, the Albany Symphony is creating new artistic, recreational, cultural, and economic opportunities for canal communities with the belief that music and art will spark dialogue and expand perspectives to help reimagine the Erie Canal as it begins its third century.

The project also builds upon the success of the Albany Symphony’s original 2017 Water Music NY Festival, and opens a new chapter, exploring underrepresented voices, including those of women, immigrants, people of color, indigenous peoples, and the elusive voice of nature itself, to commemorate the bicentennial of the completion of the Erie Canal.

Please check back for more information regarding the WMNY:MV 2025 and the five exciting festival days that will take place across the canal from July 2-6, 2025.