NYS Music 202​2

Category: Binghamton

  • Binghamton Philharmonic Visits a Winter Wonderland

    On Saturday, December 10 at the Broome County Forum Theatre, Maestro Daniel Hege led the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra in “Winter Wonderland,” a holiday pops concert with a host of special guests.

    Along with the big man himself (Santa Claus), the orchestra was joined by 11 year-old treble soloist Luca Thomas and a quartet of resident artists from Binghamton’s Tri-Cities Opera (Gina Moscato, soprano; Janine Dworin, mezzo-soprano; Felix Aguilar Tomlinson, tenor; Bernardo Medeiros, baritone). Nancy Wildoner’s charming pre-concert holiday bonbons, played on the Theatre’s 1922 Robert-Morton Pipe Organ, set the stage.

    Winter Wonderland might have been a typical holiday pops concert, except that much of the program was focused on holiday film music. John Williams’ Home Alone II (with “Merry Christmas” sung by the opera guests), Alan Silvestri’s The Polar Express, and Danny Elfman’s Nightmare Before Christmas (a strange mashup of Klezmer music and Dies irae from the Requiem Mass) all led up to the afternoon’s highlight: Howard Blake’s The Snowman, complete with film screening and a stunning “Walking in the Air” by Luca Thomas.

    The joyful concert concluded with some audience participation: a clapalong Radetzky March and a singalong set of Christmas carols.

    The Binghamton Philharmonic’s season continues on January 28 with “Wallenberg Festival,” a concert celebrating Binghamton’s three orchestras: the Binghamton Youth Symphony, the Binghamton Community Orchestra, and the Binghamton Philharmonic. For more information, visit binghamtonphilharmonic.org.

    winter wonderland
    winter wonderland
    winter wonderland

  • The Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra Presents “Winter Wonderland”

    The Binghamton Philharmonic holiday concert “Winter Wonderland,” will be held on Dec. 10 at 3 p.m. at the Broome County Forum Theatre.

    The Binghamton Philharmonic
    Karen Bogardus – Binghamton Philharmonic “Green Places”

    The Binghamton Philharmonic is Broome County’s only professional symphony orchestra. It was founded by Fritz and Marianne Wallenberg in 1955 at the Binghamton Symphony and Choral Society and later merged with the B.C. Pops, an orchestra founded by David Agard and Russell Hawkes. The Philharmonic Orchestra presents an annual series of classical, pops, and chamber music concerts in Downtown Binghamton and throughout the county.

    The Binghamton Philharmonic will kick off its “Winter Wonderland” celebration, including music from The Polar Express, Home Alone II, and The Nightmare Before Christmas. The program will feature a visit from Santa, a holiday sing-along with a quartet from the Tri-Cities Opera, and the viewing of the classic British animated film, The Snowman, with music performed by a live orchestra and treble soloist Luca Thomas.

    Thomas is an 11-year-old from NYC, who started singing before he could even speak. At the age of 4, he was a featured singer on two Laurie Berkner tracks and is now a member of a professional children’s choir. He recently toured Ireland over the summer and is excited to have a solo at the “Winter Wonderland” show.

    the Binghamton philharmonic
    Luca Thomas

    All children 17 and under get in for free to the “Winter Wonderland” show on Dec. 10, held at the Broome County Forum Theatre. To purchase tickets for the event, go here.

  • Can’t Miss Holiday Events in Utica, Cortland, and Endicott This December

    Throughout the winter season, historic venues across Central New York present holiday show offerings to keep up with the Christmas festivities. The most popular event being Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker; it wasn’t until the 1960s that performances of this ballet really took off as an annual Christmas tradition. This year, there will be many popular holiday events preformed in places such as Utica, Cortland, and Endicott this December.  

    Holiday Events in Utica, Cortland, and Endicott This December

    EPAC Nutcracker with the FUSE Dance Center of Binghamton

    Established in 1998, The Endicott Performing Arts Center provides a high quality performing arts venue to local, regional, and touring artists. Thus, enabling their students to present, develop, and improve their artistic efforts. This season, EPAC presents four performances of “The Nutcracker” December 9th, 10th, and 11th. With the amazing dancers from The FUSE Dance Center of Binghamton, teaming up with the EPAC Repertory Company, ‘The Nutcracker’ has become a holiday tradition that you don’t want to miss. 

    Four performances are held on Friday December 9 at 7pm, Saturday, December 10 at 2pm and 7pm, and Sunday, December 11 at 2pm.

    Tickets are $20 Adults / $18 Seniors and Children.

    For more information, reserve seating, and to purchase tickets, click the link here.

    Holiday Events in Utica, Cortland, and Endicott This December
    Photo credit to Matt Ossowski

    Upcoming Concerts and Events at The Stanley Theatre 

    This holiday season, there will be many upcoming shows you won’t want to miss at The Stanley Theatre. The most popular being The Nutcracker which the Board of Directors and Artistic Director, Melissa Larish, have endeavored to make the production unique, through major investments in sets, costumes, choreography, lighting and guest artists. Other shows like Mannheim Steamroller Christmas, Home Alone, and A Charlie Brown Christmas will all be held throughout December.  

    The Nutcracker 

    December 2nd | 7:00 p.m. 

    December 3rd | 7:00 p.m. 

    December 4th | 2:00 p.m. 

    Mannheim Steamroller Christmas 

    December 7th | 7:30 p.m. 

    Home Alone (1990) 

    December 8th | 6:30 p.m. 

    A Charlie Brown Christmas 

    December 20th | 7:00 p.m. 

    Cortland Rep Downtown Holiday Events

    Cortland Repertory Theatre Downtown, located at 24 Port Watson Street in Cortland, offers an exciting and festive December of holiday shows and events. For the first time since 2019, CRT is offering a weekend of photos with Santa, on Saturday, December 3rd from 10:00am-12:00pm and 2:00pm-4:00pm, and on Sunday, December 4th from 1:00pm–3:00pm. Along with this, they will also be offering a Holiday Broadway Brunch on December 10th, a performance by The Rave-On’s December 11th, Third Thursday Trivia on December 15th, and more to come. 

    Holiday Broadway Brunch  

    December 10th at 11:00am 

    The Rave-Ons 

    December 10th at 7:30pm and December 11th at 2:00pm 

    Third Thursday Trivia  

    December 15 at 7:00pm 

    The Story of Ebenezer Scrooge by The Traveling Lantern Children’s Theatre Company 

    December 17th at 11:00am 

    Dancin’ Thru the Decades New Year’s Eve Community Dance  

    December 31st at 9:00pm 

    For more information or to purchase tickets to any of these events, please visit the link here.

  • In Focus: Binghamton Philharmonic Explores Green Places

    On Saturday, November 12 at the Broome County Forum Theatre, Maestro Daniel Hege led the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra in “Green Places,” a program named for a featured concerto by American composer Gary Schocker. The concert began with an unscripted reading of the National Anthem, sung heartily by the audience, followed with the brief fourth Novelette by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, a work for strings and percussion. 

    binghamton philharmonic green Places
    Karen Bogardus – Binghamton Philharmonic “Green Places”

    “Green Places,” a three movement concerto for flute, featured principal flutist Karen Bogardus, whose stunning green gown helped set the tone for the fanciful piece. Bogardus’ virtuoso playing was fluid and flexible as she led the orchestra in playful calls and responses. Concertmaster Uli Speth concluded the first half of the program with Ralph Vaughan Williams’ “The Lark Ascending.” Speth, dressed in an open vest and bowtie suitable for the English moors, held the audience in rapt attention as his soloistic lines soared over the muted strings.

    The Philharmonic rose to the many challenges of Beethoven’s Fourth Symphony, one of the least known but most technically difficult of the nine. Highlights were the tight string sections, spot-on winds, and remarkably fine timpani playing.

    The next event for the Binghamton Philharmonic is Winter Wonderland on December 10, featuring performances of music from Home Alone 2 (John Williams), The Polar Express (Alan Silvestri), Nightmare Before Christmas (Danny Elfman), The Snowman (Howard Blake) and many more.

    binghamton philharmonic green Places
    binghamton philharmonic green Places
    Akshatha Ganesh and Ashwyn Muthukumaraswami
    binghamton philharmonic green Places
    Amanda Green and Mark Green
    Ami Titus and Barbara Reardon
    Kimburlee Stewart and Kevin Oriol
    Pokey Crocker and Ann Scala 2
    Reenie Wilson, Ann Machlin, and Kathie Winckler

  • Soweto Gospel Choir to Perform “Hope – It’s Been a Long Time Coming” at Binghamton University on November 20

    Binghamton University’s Anderson Center for the Performing Arts will host “HOPE – It’s Been a Long Time Coming,” an all new concert by three-time Grammy-winners Soweto Gospel Choir, commemorating South Africa’s Freedom Movement and the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. The performance will be held on November 20 at 3 p.m. at the Osterhout Concert Theater.

    Soweto Gospel Choir

    Bringing joy to all, “HOPE” opens with a rousing program of South African freedom songs that inspired the Rainbow Nation. The choir’s uplifting performance then moves to the United States, with beautiful renditions of the music of the Civil Rights Movement, including works by legendary artists Billie Holiday, James Brown, Otis Redding, Curtis Mayfield and the one and only Aretha Franklin.

    Hailing from Soweto (South West Township), a township outside of Johannesburg and home of Nelson Mandela and South Africa’s democratic movement, Soweto Gospel Choir continues to inspire audiences around the world with their powerful blend of African gospel, freedom songs and international classics.

    Comprising a line-up of some of South Africa’s best vocalists, these uplifting performers have shared the stage and collaborated with the biggest names in contemporary music including Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Beyonce, U2, Diana Ross, Peter Gabriel, Chris Martin, John Legend, Pharrell Williams, Jimmy Cliff, Ben Harper, Angelique Kidjo, Robert Plant, Celine Dion, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Hugh Masekela and Josh Groban.

    Soweto Gospel Choir was formed in 2003 at the end of the apartheid era and during South Africa’s inspiring return to Democracy. Taking part in some of the major historical events in the new democratic South Africa, Soweto Gospel Choir are proud to have performed on many occasions for the Father of their Nation, former President Nelson Mandela, as well as at his State Funeral in South Africa and at the subsequent commemorative service at Westminster Abbey in London. They were similarly invited to perform at the funeral service for the late President’s first wife, Winnie Mandela. The Choir act as Ambassadors for the Nelson Mandela Foundation. 

    Tickets are available here.

  • Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra to Perform Nature-Themed Concert “Green Places”

    The Binghamton Philharmonic will continue their 2022-23 season on Saturday, November 12 with “Green Places” a production focused on the musical themes of nature. Taking place at the Broome County Theatre, the show will begin at 7:30.

    With direction from Maestro Daniel Hege, the night will feature one of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s Novelettes, Gary Schocker’s eponymous Green Places featuring principal flutist Karen Bogardus, Ralph Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending featuring German violinst and Binghamton Philharmonic concertmaster Uli Speth, and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 4.

    Karen Bogardus.

    Bogardus is also the principal flutist for the Binghamton Philharmonic, Berkshire Opera Festival, Martina Arroyo Foundation Opera and Phoenicia Voice Festival, and has performed with dozens of other NY and northeast-based orchestras.

    November 12th’s nature-themed show is far from Uli Speth’s first gig with the Binghamton Philharmonic.

    Speth, having been concertmaster with the Binghamton Philharmonic since 2005, also holds the same position with the Chappaqua Orchestra and Fenimore Chamber Orchestra. He’s also performed with New York City Opera, American Symphony Orchestra, and the Florida Orchestra, and has played under the direction of conductors such as James Levine, Kurt Masur, Gerard Schwarz, JoAnn Falletta, and Marin Alsop.

    The Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra, founded in 1955 by Fritz and Marianne Wallenberg and later merging with the BC Pops Orchestra, presents an annual series of classical, pops, and chamber music across Downtown Binghamton and Broome County.

    All children 17 and under can attend the concert for free, information regarding tickets and more can be found here.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQ0NgPiu72c

  • Twilight Zone Episode “Walking Distance” to be Performed by Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra on October 22

    The Binghamton Philharmonic will continue its season on Saturday, October 22 at 7:30pm at the Helen Foley Theatre at Binghamton High School with “Walking Distance.” The performance will celebrate notable Binghamtonian Rod Serling and the evocative incidential music of Bernard Herrmann for the Twilight Zone episode “Walking Distance.” 

    Conductor Michael McGehee, the Los Angeles-based conductor of the Hollywood Studio Orchestra, will lead the Binghamton Philharmonic. Southern Tier Actors Read, under the direction of Judy McMahon, will read Serling’s screenplay as the orchestra plays the incidental music.

    “Walking Distance” Conductor Michael McGehee

    The performance, permitted through a special rights agreement with CBS Broadcasting, will even include a mechanical carousel organ, courtesy of the Endicott Rotary Foundation.

    Binghamton Philharmonic Walking Distance
    “Walking Distance” director Judy McMahon

    Paul Cienniwa, Executive Director of The Binghamton Philharmonic, shares insight into the unique, one time performance, and what awaits the audience.

    Many associate Binghamton with the “Twilight Zone” television show and its creator, former Bennett Avenue resident Rod Serling. Those even more in the know are keenly aware that Serling’s autobiographical Twilight Zone screenplay, “Walking Distance,” was based on his Binghamton and our own Recreation Park. But did you know that the music for “Walking Distance” was created by one of the greatest film and television composers of all time? 

    Bernard Herrmann is probably most famous for his music for Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho.” His score for “Walking Distance” is anything but psychotic! Featuring 18 strings and harp, Herrmann evokes the nostalgia of Rod Serling’s Binghamton through several techniques, including: muted strings (a practice that creates a hazy, impressionist effect); “divisi” (at times, we are hearing nearly 18 separate lines in a lush texture); and, at the climax of the story, a repeated “circle of fifths” (an harmonic pattern that is both recognizable and endearing). 

    On October 22, conductor Michael McGehee, the Los Angeles-based conductor of the Hollywood Studio Orchestra, will lead the Binghamton Philharmonic. First, we’ll hear the incidental music by itself, arranged as a concert suite by McGee. Next, Southern Tier Actors Read, under the direction of Judy McMahon, will read Serling’s screenplay as the orchestra plays the incidental music in context. This is a perfect marriage of spoken word and music in the perfect setting: the Helen Foley Theatre at Binghamton High School, named for Serling’s drama teacher. 

    As many of you know, the Rec Park carousel plays a big role in “Walking Distance.” To bring our own performance to life, the Endicott Rotary Foundation will be providing a mechanical carousel organ. In addition, Two Rivers Photography Club will display a pre-concert slideshow of area carousels, using photos from their members. 

    Binghamton Philharmonic Walking Distance

    “Walking Distance” will be performed by the Binghamton Philharmonic on Saturday, October 22 at 7:30pm at Helen Foley Theatre at Binghamton High School, located at 31 Main Street, Binghamton. Pre-concert refreshments will be served from from 5:30pm-7:00pm at the Bundy Museum. For tickets and more information, contact the Binghamton Philharmonic box office at 607-723-3931 or visit binghamtonphilharmonic.org

    Southern Tier Actors (S.T.A.R.) Cast for “Walking Distance”

    Serling: James Michalec 
    Narrator: Nick De Lucia 
    Martin: Andy Horowitz 
    Soda Jerk I (Charlie): Jake Donlin 
    Boy With Marbles: Cameron Little 
    Woman At Park: Katherine Boczar 
    Young Martin: Jack Wolf 
    Mr. Sloan: Joe Bardales 
    Mrs. Sloan: Kathleen Cook 
    Old Man Wilson: Nick De Lucia 
    Teenage with Car: Jake Donlin 
    Soda Jerk II: Jake Donlin    

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knInuzVtAxU

  • The Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra Presents American Journey, Opening September 24

    On Saturday, September 24 at 7:30pm, the Broome County Forum Theatre will once again host the kick off of the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra’s 2022-2023 Season with “American Journey,” a concert exploring classical music of the Americas.

    Binghamton Philharmonic

    Under the direction of Maestro Daniel Hege, the program will include: Seven O’Clock Shout, a 2020 tribute to healthcare workers by contemporary composer Valerie Coleman; George Gershwin’s renowned Piano Concerto in F performed with soloist Andrew Russo; Aaron Copland’s Four Dance Episodes from Rodeo; and Arturo Márquez’s playful Danzón No. 2.

    Binghamton Philharmonic
    Maestro Daniel Hege

    Enjoy a pre-concert dinner at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Binghamton for $35 per person, with 5:00pm, 5:30pm and 6:00pm seating times. Call 607-722-7575 ext. 1610 (ask for Patty) to make a reservation. Enjoy dinner and park for free while you enjoy the show.

    There will be a pre-concert chat at 6:30pm in the Recital Hall from Professor Sarah Gerk, PhD (Binghamton University) titled “I, Too, Sing America”: The Glorious, Messy, Difficult History of Composing American Music, and Why It Matters

    All children 17 and under get free admission, courtesy of M&T Bank, the Classical Series Sponsor for the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra.

    For tickets to “American Journey” and more information, contact the Binghamton Philharmonic box office at 607-723-3931 or visit binghamtonphilharmonic.org.

  • Binghamton Philharmonic Begins Summer Chamber Music Series

    Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra began its 2nd annual Summer Chamber Music series on Saturday, June 11, featuring music from popular TV shows and talented composers. On June 18 at 7:30 pm, Binghamton Philharmonic Percussion Trio will have a diverse performance at St. Patrick’s Church as part of the series.

    Parlor City Celli performs as part of Binghamton Philharmonic Summer Music series

    Parlor City Celli opened up the two-weekend event on Saturday, June 11, performing music from Game of Thrones, Succession, and Power of the Dog among others. Parlor City Celli includes the talents of Cellists Ruth Berry, Laura Cricco-Lizza, Michael Newman, and Hakan Tayga.

    As the second performance of the series, Binghamton Philharmonic Percussion Trio will perform pieces such as “Memories of Alhambra” by Francisco Tárrega, “The Last Game” by Daiki Kato, and “Variations on a Ghanian Theme” by Daniel Levitan. The Percussionists in the trio include Daniel Fabricius, Steve Mathiesen, and Joel Smales.

    Binghamton Philharmonic Percussion Trio members

    Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra currently serves over 10,000 people annually. Originally founded in 1955 by musicians Fritz and Marrianne Wallenberg, the organization aims to provide the Southern Tier with full orchestra performances. 

    Since 2018, Maestro Daniel Hege has led the Orchestra as Music Director. With multiple concerts, events, and even summer camps, Binghamton Philharmonic continues to connect professional musicians with engaging audiences. The organization’s mission is to expand music’s reach to a broader regional audience, and the Binghamton Philharmonic Summer Chamber Music series does just that.

    The tickets for the June 18 concert are $25, but children 17 or younger are free, courtesy of Visions Federal Credit Union. For tickets and for more information, click here.

  • The Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra Announces 2022-2023 Season

    Broome County‘s only professional symphony orchestra, The Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra has announced its 2022-2023 Concert Season which will run from September 2022 through May 2023. Under the direction of Maestro Daniel Hege, the season includes four Classical and four Pops concerts.

    The Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra Announces its 2022-2023 Season

    The Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra will kick off the 2022-2023 Season with “American Journey,” a concert exploring classical music of the Americas. he show will start on Saturday, September 24 at 7:30pm at the Broome County Forum Theatre. Additionally, the show will include Seven O’Clock Shout, a 2020 tribute to healthcare workers by contemporary composer Valerie Coleman, and more. 

    The symphony continues Saturday, October 22 at 7:30pm with the performance of “Walking Distance.” This unique performance features songs from beloved Binghamton-based Twilight Zone episode. Thus, the show will take place at the Helen Foley Theatre at Binghamton High School.

    The Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra Announces its 2022-2023 Season

    The next show “Green Places” takes place on Saturday, November 12 at 7:30pm at the Broome County Forum Theatre. This show features one of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s airy Novelettes, contemporary composer Gary Schocker’s lighthearted Green Places. Additionally, featuring flute soloist Karen Bogardus, and more.

    The Philharmonic’s holiday concert, “Winter Wonderland,” will be held on Saturday, December 10 at 3pm at the Broome County Forum Theatre. This show includes music from holiday hits including The Polar Express, Home Alone, and The Nightmare Before Christmas. The program will also feature a visit from Santa, a holiday singalong, and the classic British animated film, The Snowman. 

    The Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra Announces its 2022-2023 Season

    Lastly, the Philharmonic will conclude its 67th Season with “May the Fourth Be With You.” The show will take place on Thursday, May 4 at 7:30pm at the Anderson Center for the Performing Arts. This is an exciting program to celebrate the Star Wars saga with John Williams’ legendary symphonic music.

    Ticket Information

    Lastly, subscriptions are on sale now. Subscribers can save 10-15% on tickets, while also avoiding ticketing fees, receiving concierge service, and qualifying for special subscriber benefits. For more information, contact the Binghamton Philharmonic box office at 607-723-3931 or visit the link here.