NYS Music 2023

Tag: Music News

  • Binghamton Philharmonic Announces New Musicians

    After a lengthy four month blind audition process, the Binghamton Philharmonic has announced the selection of five new musicians.

    Performance by the Binghamton Philharmonic
    The Binghamton Philharmonic

    Joining this prestigious community of musicians are:

    Brianne Lugo, Assistant Principal Viola – Recognizable from her performances at both Carnegie Hall and Saturday Night Live, Ms. Lugo is also a member of Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra and Punta Gorda Symphony.

    Junheng Chen, Assistant Principal Violin II – Well Traveled with performances in Asia and Europe, Ms. Chen will balance Philharmonic duties while pursuing her Doctoral degree at the Eastman School of Music.

    John Shuo Zhang, Section Violin – Hailing from Guangzhou, China, Mr. Zhang has taken his Juilliard education across the United States with the Juilliard String Quartet. When not in the States, he holds an assistant concertmaster position in Hangzhou Philharmonic Orchestra. 

    Yi-Ting (Joy) Kuo, Section Violin – Coming to the Southern Tier from the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra, Ms. Kuo received both her Bachelor and Master of Music degrees at the New England Conservatory and is currently a member of The Orchestra Now.

    Shawn Hutchison, Oboe II / English Horn – A Graduate of the Yale School of Music and recipient of The Presser Foundation Graduate Music Award, Mr. Hutchinson is also a member of The Orchestra Now.

    Cello Section of Binghamton Philharmonic
    Binghamton Philharmonic

    The Binghamton Philharmonic is the Southern Tier’s largest and longest-serving symphony orchestra. Founded in 1955 as the Binghamton Symphony and Choral Society, the Philharmonic has provided the Southern Tier of New York with live, full-scale orchestral works ever since.

    Acting on its mission to build community through the power of live music, the Philharmonic serves over 10,000 people annually through engaging and affordable programming. Music Director Daniel Hege hopes to continue with their goal of connecting professional musicians with audiences to stimulate the economy and expand listenership and education with the 2023 season.

    For more information about the Binghamton Philharmonic, and to see a schedule of events, please visit binghamtonphilharmonic.org

  • French Montana and DJ Drama Add Latest Edition To Coke Boys Mixtape Series

    French Montana returns with the latest edition of his signature mixtape series. Hosted by DJ Drama, Coke Boys 6: Money Heist Edition, is a combined Gangsta Grillz and Coke Boys presentation, featuring a host of up-and-comers and established names. Bronx native — French Montana — debuted the Coke Boys series in 2010 and followed it with his first national tour. At the time, Montana represented everything authentic coming out of the Bronx, bringing a new sound and wave. In like manner, the “Unforgettable” rapper presents the next generation of trendsetters from the Bronx and the rest of New York.

    French Montana’s Coke Boy 6 mixtape features upcoming talent from the Bronx

    DJ Drama & French Montana’s Vision

    The 29-track LP seems to be a mashup of precocious and established artists from the East and South. While French Montana recruited the best from New York, DJ Drama is no stranger to artist discovery himself. The legendary DJ has hosted projects with some of hip hop’s premier acts and has (despite hailing from Philadelphia) established himself as a major figure in the southern rap scene. Together, the duo bring the essence of the Coke Boys and Gangta Grills era, while showcasing rising stars.

    The Grammy-nominated French Montana is one of hip hop’s most recognizable faces

    Coke Boys 6: Money Heist Edition sees up-and-comers the likes of Dthang, Bando Gz, King Combs, Rob 49, EST Gee, get to showcase themselves along with more established stars like A$AP Rocky, Kodak Black and French Montana himself.

    As always, the Moroccan born Montana will look to provide an authentic street presence to the Coke Boys 6 while bringing a fresh idiosyncratic sound to complement them, the same way he made his name over a decade ago.

    I want to accomplish everything off my bucket list. And I’m not talking about like Grammys, because we can’t control that. You can’t control people like you can control the streets. Because, number one, I always wanted to make albums full of all the best music that I love from back in the day.

    – French Montana for GQ Magazine