NYS Music 202​1

Author: danielle modica

  • The American Classical Orchestra Announces 2021-2022 Season

    New York City’s American Classical Orchestra (ACO) has announced its 2021-2022 season of all-live performances, beginning with a full orchestra Reunion program of Baroque music in Damrosch Park on September 22.

    American Classical Orchestra season

    Founded in 1984 as the Orchestra of the Old Fairfield Academy, the ensemble was renamed American Classical Orchestra in 1999. ACO settled in New York City as a permanent home in 2005. It is now the city’s only full-scale orchestra dedicated solely to performing 17th, 18th, and 19th-century music on true-to-period instruments.

    Reunion is the title of the 2021 season’s opening event, marking the joyous reunion of the ACO’s musicians, audience, and patrons after over 17 months without concerts. The program presents a selection of popular Baroque music at the newly renovated bandshell of Lincoln Center’s Damrosch Park. The rest of the season’s concerts follow suit with meaningful titles, “Restore,” “Revisit,” “Remember” and “Renew” to commemorate the challenges of the past two years as life returns to normalcy.

    Our reuniting onstage should reveal artists who have further honed their craft and intensified their passion for music. We chose timeless masterpieces as a way to celebrate our return to live performance through much-loved works that continue to comfort even after difficult times, to showcase our talented members and soloists, and also to underscore the soothing balm that great music provides to musicians and audiences alike.

    Thomas Crawford (ACO’s Artistic Director and Founder)

    This season also includes the Orchestra’s new collaboration with public media producer WNET, featuring a filmed performance of Prokofiev’s symphonic children’s tale, Peter and the Wolf. As a part of ACO’s “Classical Music for Kids” program, the film aims to enrich the cultural life of children by introducing them to classical music history at a young age. American Classical Orchestra’s performance of Peter and the Wolf will be available to watch for free on the PBS LearningMedia platform beginning this fall.

    American Classical Orchestra season
    Peter and the Wolf (Art Credit: James Mayhew)

    American Classical Orchestra offers subscription packages for their upcoming season that are on sale now. Tickets for individual performances will go on sale later this summer. For more information, visit aconyc.org. Visit lincolncenter.org for ACO programs hosted by Lincoln Center.

    Read the full 2021-2022 American Classical Orchestra schedule below:

    Reunion – Wednesday, September 22 at 7 pm, Damrosch Park at Lincoln Center:

    Rachell Ellen Wong, violin

    Part of the Restart Stages at Lincoln Center

    Vivaldi: Violin Concerto in G Minor, Op. 8, No. 2, RV 315, “L’Estate” (Summer from The Four Seasons)

    Handel: Music for the Royal Fireworks and excerpts from Water Music

    Restore – Tuesday, December 14 at 8 pm, Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center:

    All-Mozart Program:       

        Symphony No. 29 in A Major, K. 201

     Concerto for Flute, Harp, and Orchestra in C Major, K. 299

        Sinfonia Concertante for Violin and Viola in E-flat Major, K. 364 (320d)

    Revisit – Thursday, February 3 at 7 pm, Harlem Parish, 258 W 118th St.:

    Karen Dekker and Chloe Fedor, Baroque violin

    Maureen Murchie, viola

    Arnie Tanimoto, viola da gamba and cello

    Charles Weaver, theorbo and Baroque guitar

    Guadalupe Peraza, mezzo soprano

    Thomas Crawford, harpsichord

    Juan Arañés: Chacona a la vida bona       

    Nicola Francesco Haym: Ciaccona in E Major

    Barbara Strozzi: L’Eraclito amoroso

    Marin Marais: Chaconne in A Major, from Pièces de Viole, Book 4

    Santiago de Murcia: Marionas

    Arcangelo Corelli: Trio Sonata, Op. 2, No. 12        

    Johann Sebastian Bach: Chaconne from Partita for Solo Violin, BWV 1004

    François Couperin: La Favorite    

    Claudio Monteverdi: Lamento della Ninfa

    Henry Purcell: Chaconne from King Arthur

    Remember – Saturday, February 26 at 8 pm, Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center:

    Mozart: Requiem in D Minor, K. 626

    Crawford: Elegy for Strings (World Premiere) In Memoriam Judson Griffin

    Renew – Tuesday, April 5 at 8 pm, Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center :

    All J.S. Bach Program

        Easter Oratorio, BWV 249

        Mass in G Minor, BWV 235

        Overture to Orchestral Suite No. 4 in D Major, BWV 1069

    Digital Production of Peter and the Wolf on PBS LearningMedia (Planned for Fall 2021)

  • “Never Forget Concert” to Commemorate and Honor Victims of 9/11

    The “Never Forget Concert,” a night of live music to honor and commemorate the 20th anniversary of 9/11, will be held at the Northwell Health Center at Jones Beach Theater on Saturday, August 21 at 7 p.m.

    Never Forget Concert
    (Credit: Beth A. Keiser / AP)

    Hosted by the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, proceeds from the “Never Forget Concert” will help provide mortgage-free homes to catastrophically injured veterans and first responders, Gold Star and Fallen First Responder families with young children. 

    The concert will feature performances by Journey, The Chainsmokers, and the Steve Miller Band with special guests Jesse Colin Young, John Fogerty, Ann Wilson of Heart, Lee Brice, Wyclef Jean, Gavin DeGraw, We McDonald, Flo Rida, Danny Rodriguez, and Jax. Guitarist G.E. Smith is serving as musical director.

    Never Forget Concert
    New York, NY, September 13, 2001 — Clean up of the wreckage at the World Trade Center continues. (Credit: Andrea Booher/ FEMA News Photo)

    The “Never Forget Concert” will also include special appearances by Q104.3’s Ken Dashow, Jim Kerr and Shelli Sonstein, host of the 9/11 Stories Podcast.

    We are grateful to the artists and our partners who support our mission and have made this special tribute possible.

    Frank Siller (Chairman and CEO of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation)

    Tunnel to Towers Foundation will donate tickets to first responders, military personnel, and Gold Star families. Additional tickets will be made available on Friday, July 9 at 10 a.m. at LiveNation.com. Ticket presale begins Tuesday, July 6 through Citi Bank Entertainment. For complete presale details, visit the Citi Entertainment website.

  • Doom Flamingo Releases New EP, Announces Summer Tour

    Synthwave band Doom Flamingo has released their newest EP album, Flamingo, on June 30. The band has also announced a slew of tour dates for this summer, including a stop at the Capitol Theater.

    Doom Flamingo
     (Photo Credit: Paul Chelmis)

    Based in South Carolina, Doom Flamingo is a self-described “synthwave beast with a Jekyll and Hyde element to their songwriting.” Similar to the contrasting words in their name, Doom Flamingo creates a musical breed of both heavy electronica and dance-floor-ready pop.

    The group features bassist Ryan Stasik, of the jam band Umphrey’s McGee, alongside a cast of musicians including dynamic vocalist Kanika Moore, guitarist Thomas Kenney, drummer Stu White, saxophonist Mike Quinn, and keyboardist Ross Bogan.

    Flamingo serves as an upbeat alter ego to their 2020 Doom EP, a darker inspired collection. Full of ’80s-style keyboard beats, positive lyrics and an infectious groove, the new EP has a nostalgic summer beach-trip vibe.

    This project makes me want to lace up a pair of roller skates and head on down to the boardwalk.

    Ryan Stasik (bassist of Umphrey’s McGee and Doom Flamingo)
    Doom Flamingo

    Despite this fun-loving and beachy attitude, the group stays vigilant in their belief in justice and equity. Songs like “Untraditional” and “Somebody” help spread the message that people deserve to live confidently in their truth, even if they’re outside expected societal values.

    Doom Flamingo takes inspiration from a wide array of artists, from electronica pioneers Daft Punk to pop-icon Tina Turner (listen to their rendition of Turner’s “The Best”). Interestingly enough, one of the chief inspirations for Flamingo is former First Lady Michelle Obama. The band even wrote track 4, “Michelle,” in her honor.

    ‘Michelle’ is a song dedicated to the women that exhibit love, intelligence, and charisma because it feels good to deposit positive energy and be fed with the same. I’m inspired by Michelle Obama.

    Kanika Moore (lead singer of Doom Flamingo)
    Doom Flamingo
    Doom Flamingo in North Charleston, 2020

    Flamingo can be streamed on all major platforms starting June 30. The band will also be bringing their new EP to a handful of select cities in the coming months, as part of their 2021 Summer Tour. For ticket information, check out their website.

    Check out the full tour schedule below:

    DOOM FLAMINGO Summer Tour 2021

    July 1 – Isle of Palms, SC – Windjammer
    July 3 – Scranton, PA – Peach Festival
    August 19-21 – Chillicothe, IL – Summer Camp
    September 9 – Austin, TX – Antone’s
    September 10 – Houston, TX – Bronze Peacock
    September 11 – Dallas, TX – Deep Ellum
    September 16 – Masontown, WV – Resonance Marvin’s Mountaintop
    September 18 – Indianapolis, IN – The Vogue
    October 9 – Port Chester, NY – Garcia’s @ The Capitol Theater
    December 4-8 – Puerto Morelos, Mexico – Holidaze

  • Tupper Lake Hosts Summer Sunset Concert Series

    Tupper Lake Village, a few miles west of Lake Placid, has announced this year’s Summer Sunset Concert Series. Guests can enjoy weekly live musical entertainment and scenic sunset vistas at the Tupper Lake Bandshell, located in Flanders Park.

    Tupper Lake Summer Concert
    Flanders Park Bandshell

    Tupper Lake is a village in Franklin County, located within the Adirondack Park. Tupper Lake makes up the Tri-Lakes region along with nearby Saranac Lake and Lake Placid. Settled during the town’s lumber production period in 1844, the village was the top lumber producer in New York State.

    After the area’s Great Fire of 1899, which burned more than 150 structures in the town, a modern Tupper Lake village grew out of the destruction. Having its own department store and sprawling railway yards, Tupper Lake became a hub for the surrounding Adirondack communities.

    Tupper Lake Summer Concert
    Views from the Flanders Municipal Park

    The Tupper Lake Municipal Park is located on Demars Boulevard off Route 3. This park is the center of the Tupper Lake community. The park is home to the best sunset views, a waterfront walkway, picnic table area, two covered fishing overlooks, public boat slips, playground, sports fields, skateboard park, and much more.

    The live music offerings are held weekly on Monday nights from 7 PM at Tupper Lake Municipal Park. All events are free and open to the public, but bring your own lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks. Local Tupper Lake restaurants will be hosting dinner specials during the events as well.

    Tupper Lake Summer Concert
    Tupper Lake

    Tupper Lake’s Summer Sunset Music Series lineup

    Sunday, July 4: Spring Street Band, Fireworks with patriotic music (9 PM)

    Monday, July 12: Blind Owl Band

    Monday, July 19: Geo Beat

    Monday, July 26: Hammerlok

    Monday, August 2: Shakespeare in the Parks – Twelfth Night – a Radio Play, part of the Adirondack Lakes Summer Theatre Festival

    Monday, August 9: Martin and Kelly

    Monday, August 16: Phil Henry & the News Feed

    Monday, August 23: High Peaks Opera

    Monday, August 30: Annie & the Hedonists

  • Watch Live Music and Fireworks at the Empire State Plaza on the Fourth of July

    Albany’s Empire State Plaza Independence Day celebration returns for its 45th annual fireworks display this year. The festivities will include musical performances from local favorites, as well as food and drink vendors on Sunday, July 4.

    Empire State Plaza

    The night begins with a pop up COVID-19 vaccination site, while supplies last, from 5:30 to 8 PM at the Empire State Plaza. Later, attendees can enjoy food and drink vendors from 6-10 PM while watching the sunset around Albany’s cityscape. Alcohol will be served from 6 to 9:15 PM by vendors to adults with proper identification.

    The Fourth of July festivities will also feature two Capital Region bands throughout the night. Classic rock band Graham Tichy and the New Lowdown will take the stage at 6:30 PM, followed by the Powerhouse Funk Band at 8 PM after an official July Fourth Ceremony.

    Powerhouse Funk Band at the Empire State Plaza’s 2019 Fourth of July Celebration

    The official ceremony will begin at 7:45 with a color guard and singing of the national anthem by Air National Guard Master Sargeant Samantha Marquette. Fireworks will close out the night, beginning at 9:15 PM.

    Free parking begins at 5:30 PM in the Visitor, “P” Lot, Grand Street, and Elk Street Lots. No tickets are required, entrance to the event as well as firework viewing is free. For a list of ground rules, visit the New York State website.

    For more information about the event, including a list of vendors, see the event webpage or keep up with updates on the Empire State Plaza Facebook page.

    Empire State Plaza’s July Fourth Schedule:

    5:30 PM: Empire State Plaza parking lots open and registration begins at pop-up vaccination site.
    6:00 PM: Start of event and vaccination site opens
    6:30 PM: Performance by Graham Tichy and the New Lowdown
    7:45 PM: Official July 4 ceremony with color guard, national anthem, and remarks.
    8:00 PM: Performance by Powerhouse Funk Band
    9:15 PM: Fireworks
    10:00 PM: Event Ends

    Empire State Plaza
    2018 Empire State Plaza Festivities

  • The Forms Release “Southern Ocean” – First Single After Ten Year Hiatus

    Queens-based band The Forms released their first new new song “Southern Ocean” on June 21. This single marks The Forms’ return to music after a ten year hiatus.

    The Forms

    The New York duo, made up of musicians Alex Tween and Matt Walsh, have two full-length albums to date, debuting Icarus in 2003 and critically acclaimed, self-titled, The Forms in 2007. 

    The last taste of new music from the group prior to ‘Southern Ocean’ was 2011 EP Derealization, that featured The National’s Matt Berninger and Shudder To Think’s Craig Wedren. Over the course of these releases, The Forms were invited to share the stage with a large collection of artists including St. Vincent, Nick Cave, The National, Dizzee Rascal, The Hold Steady, Kurt Vile, Jose Gonzales, Deerhunter and Bat For Lashes.

    It might have taken a decade for The Forms, but “Southern Ocean” is worth the wait. The song provides a first hint of what is to come from The Forms’ upcoming third album.

    The Forms Southern Ocean

    The Forms’ style is a great representation of early 2000’s alternative, reminiscent of bands like Modest Mouse and Arcade Fire. This idea is most prevalent in their cover of Billy Joel‘s “We Didn’t Start The Fire.” The grungy electronic pop is iconic for the decade, and their current sound seems to be a more “grown up” version of the same intensity.

    “Southern Ocean” is super upbeat and beachy, a similar vibe that electronic duo The Chainsmokers have. Fun-loving, yet reflective with lyrics like “Just another phase I’m in – Just another road I’m on – Doesn’t make a difference what I do.” This single definitely has potential to be on a pop-radio summer playlist.

    The single arrives with a visualizer made up of a series of stunning shots of the Southern Ocean, the waters that inspired the name of the new track. Previously considered a part of the Pacific Ocean, the swift current off the coast of Antarctica is now being considered “too distinct” by National Geographic cartographers and is worthy of its own name.

    “Southern Ocean” is available to stream on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music, Deezer and will be pressed on vinyl. 

  • Cooperstown Music Festival Returns with Series of Summer Concerts

    The Cooperstown Summer Music Festival returns for its 23rd season with five live chamber concerts throughout August and September. The shows will be held in venues across Cooperstown, including the Fenimore Art Museum, Louis C. Jones Center and the grand Otesaga Hotel ballroom.

    Cooperstown Music Festival

    Founded by flutist Linda Chesis, the Cooperstown Summer Music Festival has been bringing world-class music performances to the Cooperstown area since 1999. In previous years, the festival has featured performances by the Tokyo String Quartet, the American String Quartet, the St. Lawrence (Canadian) String Quartet, Simone Dinnerstein, the Sonia Olla Flamenco Dance Company, John Pizzarelli, and many more. 

    CSMF is thrilled to be partnering with the Caroga Arts Ensemble for our return to the stage… We wanted our first concert to be a gift to the community so that everyone can experience the joy of live music after such a difficult year. 

    Linda Chesis (Festival Founder and Artistic Director)

    The fest will open on Tuesday, August 10 at 7 pm with the CSMF Musical Kaleidoscope, a free outdoor performance at the Fenimore Art Museum Amphitheater. The Caroga Arts Ensemble, led by cellist Kyle Price, will perform a dynamic program ranging from bluegrass and classical to jazz and pop. The outdoor concert is free, but ticket reservations are required.

    Cooperstown Music Festival
    Caroga Arts Ensemble in 2018

    On Sunday, August 15, Imani Winds will perform a program of music for wind quintets. Cooperstown audiences can expect a concert filled with their signature fresh energy and technical expertise.
     
    The Verona Quartet returns to the Festival on Sunday, August 22. This multi-award-winning quartet and veterans of the Festival will perform a program of works by Shostakovich and Dvorak’s “American” Quartet.
     
    Brazilian jazz supergroup, Trio da Paz, will take the Otesaga Ballroom stage on Monday, August 30.

    Trio da Paz in 2018

    The festival will conclude with a duo performance by the violinist Danbi Um and guitarist Jiji on Sunday, September 19. These young virtuosos will join forces for a genre-spanning program including works by Corelli, Paganini, Piazzolla and Ella Fitzgerald.

    Chesis says that this season’s artists are all eager to be returning to the stage and are looking forward to bringing their craft to Cooperstown.

    After such a long period of isolation, we can’t wait to safely bring the community together to once again connect through music.

    Linda Chesis

    For all events, venues will be at limited capacity and masking and social distancing protocols will be in place.

    Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for students and children. Tickets for all events must be purchased in advance on the festival website.

    The CSMF Chamber Orchestra at the Otesaga Ballroom in 2019

    Check out the complete concert schedule below:
     
    CSMF Musical Kaleidoscope: A Gift to the Cooperstown Community, Featuring the Caroga Arts Ensemble – Tuesday, August 10, 2021, 7-9 pm (Rain date: August 17)

    Fenimore Art Museum Lawn

    A concert for the Cooperstown Community. Tickets are free and can be reserved online at cooperstownmusicfest.org. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door, but all patrons are strongly encouraged to purchase tickets online.
     
    Imani Winds – Sunday, August 15, 2021, 7-9 pm

    Otesaga Resort Hotel Ballroom

    An evening of chamber music with this Grammy-nominated wind quintet.

    Verona String Quartet – Sunday, August 22, 2021, 4-6 pm,

    Louis C. Jones Center at The Farmers’ Museum

    The multi-award-winning quartet performs a program of Shostakovich and Dvorak.
     
    Brazillian Jazz Legends: Trio da Paz – Monday, August 30, 2021, 7-9 pm

    Otesaga Resort Hotel Ballroom

    A night of jazz with this Brazillian supergroup.

    Danbi Um (violin) and Jiji (guitar) – Sunday, September 19, 2021, 4-6 pm

    Otesaga Resort Hotel

    A duo performance by two young virtuosos including works by Corelli, Paganini, Piazzolla and more.

  • Aubrey Haddard Shares New Single “National Tragedy”

    Hudson-Valley native and indie-pop singer-songwriter, Aubrey Haddard, shared her new single “National Tragedy” on June 23, along with a music video. “National Tragedy” is the latest of four singles released by Haddard over the course of the last year.

    Aubrey Haddard

    Inspired by singer-guitarist Susan Tedeschi, Haddard forged her own path in music with a confident spirit and bold art style. She released her debut album Blue Part in July 2018 to wide critical acclaim. The success of Blue Part resulted in seven nominations and several wins at the 2018 Boston Music Awards, including Vocalist of the Year and Singer/Songwriter of the Year.

    Following her debut, Haddard has made a name for herself at festivals across the country, including Firefly, Mountain Jam, and Waking Windows.

    This year, Haddard has released one other single besides “National Tragedy,” called “Red Portuguese.” In 2020, she released “Thin Line” and “Sweeter Than Honey,” that show the beginning of her shift to a more smoother, retro style.

    Aubrey Haddard

    Like reliving a childhood memory of witnessing something scary on the television, it was remembering Diana Spencer, Princess of Wales’ passing that inspired the song. “National Tragedy” provides a soundtrack to Haddard’s memory of the unwavering presence of the news in her childhood home, to the confusion of watching her mother crying on the couch, and the sorrow played out on TV.  

    One of my earliest memories is my mother watching Princess Di’s funeral on our old screened-in porch, the feelings of uncertainty and sadness. Throughout my life, each time tragedy struck and the world stopped to watch, the reality would sink into me a little deeper, but in September ‘97, my inability to understand was the perfect escape. “National Tragedy” is part memory, part sweet escape and an all too familiar feeling.

    Aubrey Haddard on “National Tragedy”

    Haddard takes on a different, more somber style for this release. Usually a passionate rocker similar to Tedeschi, “National Tragedy” has a tinge of 70s easy-listening. The guitar riffs are repetitive and the drums are simple, which complement Haddard’s controlled, yet strong voice. The instrumental break in the middle of the song can be best compared to late-60s experimental art-rock like Bowie’s “Space Oddity.”

    According to Haddard, “National Tragedy” needed a music video to match the song’s “lighthearted, imaginative twist.” The result is an animated clip art utilizing ethereal scrapbook-like collages by collaborator Kaya Blaze Kelley.

    Narrating her own experiences in life and love, she holds space for dialogues of hardships as well as times of joy. Her goal is to encourage others by singing her truth, and her relatable topics and catchy lyrics are a great way to connect to listeners.

    Haddard will also be performing live at the Levitate Music Festival in Massachusetts on July 9, 2021.

    “National Tragedy” is now available for streaming on Youtube, Bandcamp, Spotify and Soundcloud. For more information on Aubrey Haddard, check out her website.

  • Bardavon Announces 2021-22 Hudson Valley Philharmonic Season

    Poughkeepsie’s Bardavon Opera House presents the schedule for its 2021-2022 Season with the Hudson Valley Philharmonic, consisting of six guest conductors as well as 20 diverse soloists and composers, including multiple New York and world premieres.

    Bardavon Presents recently announced their August reopening after 14 months of closure with four new shows, and have now released the 61st Hudson Valley Philharmonic season. This season also represents the HVP’s 22nd year under Bardavon management. 

    Hudson Valley Philharmonic

    Single tickets to all Hudson Valley Philharmonic concerts are $20-$58 based on location. All seats for Christophe Landon are $100.

    Hudson Valley Philharmonic Subscribers save on season tickets and receive guaranteed seat location. A five-concert (does not include Messiah) subscription starts at $125. HVP Premium Subscribers are listed in all playbills, and new subscribers receive a further 30% discount the first year for the five-concert series.

    Subscriptions are on sale now. Single tickets go on sale July 13 at 11 AM. For more information on tickets and subscription, log on to Bardavon Presents website.

    Check out the full 2021-2022 season schedule below:

    2021-22 HVP SEASON

    All events are at the Bardavon, except Christophe Landon at Revel 32

    October 2, 2021: Reflection

    Guest Conductor- Kyle Ritenauer

    Remembering our beloved Maestro Randy, as we look back on his legacy and a year of upheaval, loss and renewal.

    Johann Sebastian Bach – Dona Nobis Pacem from Mass in B Minor w/Cappella Festiva

    Johann Sebastian Bach – Air on the G String (Suite No. 3, BWV 1068)

    Jessie Montgomery- Banner

    Valerie Coleman- Seven O’Clock Shout- NYS Premiere

    George Walker- Lyric for Strings

    Chevalier de Saint-Georges– Violin Concerto no.9, op.8 – w/ Hannah White, violin

    Yumi Oshima- Fanfare for Brass

    Beethoven- Symphony no. 5, op.67, C Minor

    Kyle Ritenauer and Hannah White

    October 30, 2021: The Exile’s Journey

    Guest Conductor Tong Chen

    Inspired by the Poughkeepsie Library’s Big Read: Thi Bui’s graphic novel The Best We Could Do, this programfeatures music from Europe, Vietnam and America

    Viet Cuong– Thu Diếu (Autumn) World Premierew/ Punyanuch “Mind” Pornsakulpaisal, soprano

    Felix Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto, op. 64, E minor w/ 2019 HVP String Competition winner Ashley Jeehyun Park, violin

    Ton-Thât Tiêt – Incarnations Structurales

    Leonard Bernstein – Symphony no. 1 (Jeremiah) w/Mezzo Soprano Teresa Buchholz

    Tong Chen and Ashley Jeehyun Park

    November 7, 2021 at Revel 32, Cannon Street, Poughkeepsie:

    Christophe Landon: Mysteries of the Great Instruments to benefit the Hudson Valley Philharmonic

    An extraordinary opportunity to experience an intimate presentation by Christophe Landon, one of the world’s leading luthiers, featuring his collection of multi-million dollar violins, violas and cellos, with demonstrations on each by members of the Hudson Valley Philharmonic.

    December 18, 2021: Handel’s Messiah:

    Guest Conductor Christine Howlett

    For the 6th year, a celebration of Handel’s master work, featuring soloists TBA and Cappella Festiva.

    Bardavon Marquee

    March 5-19, 2022: Underground Figures

    Guest Conductor Jeri Lynne Johnson

    A program celebrating women, featuring all female composers, soloists, visual artists and conductor and culminating in the HVP premiere of Florence Price’s Symphony #1.

    Julia Wolfe-Flowers- w/ Cappella Festiva and projected images of flowers by Georgia O Keefe, Imogen Cunningham, Margaret Bourke-White and others

    Nkeiru Okoye-Songs of Harriet Tubman- 4 arias w/ Kishna Fowler

    Florence Price– Symphony No.1in E Minor

    April 23, 2022: Virtuosos

    Guest Conductor  Kelly Corcoran

    An HVP String Competition winner and the HVP’s principal pianist perform works by two masters of the form.

    Sarah Kirkland Snider –“Something for the Dark”

    Max Bruch– Scottish Fantasy, op.46 w/ 2018 HVP String Competition winner Max Tan, violin         

    Ludwig van Beethoven– Concerto , piano no 4, op.58, G major w/ Yalin Chi, piano

    Members of the Hudson Valley Philharmonic perform “Tuxedo”

    May 14, 2022: Themes & Variations

    Guest Conductor – André Raphel–

    A New York premiere of a concerto by Israel’s preeminent composer in a program that features Judaic composers from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries.

    Erich Wolfgang Korngold– Theme and Variations, op. 42

    Richard Danielpour– Adagietto for String Orchestra 

    Avner Dorman– Nigumin- Violin Concerto no. 2 NYS Premiere w/ Lara St John, violin

    Felix Mendelssohn– Symphony no. 4 in A major, op.90 (Italian)

    Audience members are invited to a pre-concert talk with the conductor and soloists and/or members of the orchestra one hour prior to each performance.

  • Albany Punk Band Senior Living Releases Debut LP Album

    When you search the words “Senior Living,” the very last thing you’d expect is a bunch of 20-somethings moshing in a damp basement. New Yorkers Zac Geddies, Gino Lopez and Brendan Snell intend to change that. The Albany-native band has announced that their debut LP album, Anniversaries, will be available starting June 25.

    Formed in 2016, Senior Living was a passion project for Zackery Geddies (guitar/vocals) and Jeremy “Gino” Lopez (drums). Geddies and Lopez began booking local tours during semester breaks from college, making a name for themselves across the Northeast DIY music circuit. Brendan Snell (bassist) is a recent addition to the band and assisted on recording Anniversaries.

    Senior Living’s music is best served cranked up loud, with a side of even louder. They have been described as a band that weaves together genres from ethereal shoegaze to punk with a tinge of modern dream-pop. The band’s chemistry, stage antics, and not to mention the blasting Roland Jazz Chorus amp, is guaranteed to fill the room with an immense pool of sound. They have a budding reputation as Albany’s loudest band, so be sure to bring earplugs!

    senior living
    Anniversaries album cover

    Anniversaries, the bands debut full-length, tells the story of Geddies’s upbringing and how he experienced maneuvering through childhood with anxiety. The album explores the manic side of depression, the crippling feelings of stress, self-loathing, experiences in interracial relationships, and growing up a person of color in America.

    It’s kind of a challenge to pinpoint exactly what led me down a path to music. I’d like to say that the music I’ve made is just my own attempt at coping with my mental health and the societal issues that affect me and the ones I love. Whatever it was that led me to the point where I want to pursue music, I’m glad I’ve found it, and I won’t be ready to give it up anytime soon.

    Zac Geddies, founding member and guitarist

    Geddies’s raw vocals tackles the serious themes with pure emotion. Two of the tracks are only about a minute long, just enough time for a short poetry excerpt. The LP has an eerie closer with back to back songs “Sourir” and “Everybody Dreams About Dying,” adding an element of the feelings of depression. Except, at the very end, Senior Living picks it back up with a guitar riff – a cliffhanger.

    It seems Anniversaries is meant to be listened to in order, showing the progressions of emotion from elation, to self-doubt, to sadness, and back again.

    Senior Living

    Senior Living previously released “Dominick,” track seven on Anniversaries, as a demo on Bandcamp in March 2020. All proceeds from the single were donated to United Way COVID-19 relief and Meals on Wheels. As a teaser for the album drop, the band shared opening track “Carousel” with an accompanying video on June 21.

    According to the band, all nine tracks were recorded in one day at a secret studio location in Oneonta. Each single is unique and can’t be contained under one genre, some songs are hardcore rebellion garage rock while others have a grungy get-in-your-feels type vibe. Though the tracklist is diverse, the album meshes really well.

    Prior to Anniversaries, the band has dropped two short albums, two songs on The Paintbox Lace and three on 35mm.

    The experience of writing and recording a whole album with close friends and collaborators in the studio led to a concentrated and compact album, and that chemistry can be felt throughout the tracklisting.

    Zac Geddies

    Anniversaries will be available to stream on Apple Music, Bandcamp, and Spotify on June 25. Keep up with all things Senior Living on their social media.