NYS Music 2024

Category: Classical

  • The Brentano Quartet to Perform at the Geneva Music Festival

    The acclaimed Brentano Quartet is scheduled to perform at the Geneva Music Festival on May 30. The string quartet will play a number of classical pieces in the festival’s intimate performance space.

    The Brentano Quartet

    Violinist Geoffrey Herd founded the Geneva Music Festival in 2011, to spread appreciation of classical music in his hometown. Originally intended to be a weekend of chamber performances, it soon evolved into a four-week long event, drawing artists from around the world. The festival has expanded to include jazz, bluegrass, and other contemporary musicians on top of classical performances. The festival is an all-ages event, spreading music engagement everywhere from Geneva’s schools to senior living facilities

    2024 has been a busy season for the Geneva Music Festival, already hosting spectacular performances, with more scheduled for the near future. The season kicked off with a sold-out musical mixology night at the Linden Social Club. This night was followed by two “Love and Loathing” concerts, which illustrated the intimacy and passion the festival is known for.

    The Brentano Quartet will kick off week two of the festival. The quartet began at the Juilliard School in 1992, and have been legends of modern classical performance since. They have traveled across 5 continents on tours, most recently holding a residency at the Yale School of Music. Despite these travels, this performance marks the quartet’s first visit to Geneva. Violinist Serena Canin was especially excited, stating “Being in nature centers us, connects us to the Earth, and opens our spirits. The way we connect to our music and to each other changes.  I can’t wait to be near the lakes, the breeze, the trees and the open sky and see what happens.”

    The Brentano Quartet will play three classical pieces at the festival. The quartet will begin with Haydn’s “String Quartet in G Major, Op. 33, No. 5.” They will follow this performance with Shostakovich’s “String Quartet No. 8 in C Minor, Op. 110,” which is a new addition to the quartet’s repertoire. Following an intermission, the quartet will close their set with Mendelssohn’s “String Quartet in D Major, Op. 44, No. 1.”

    Hobart and William Smith Colleges’ Gearan Center

    The Brentano Quartet is only one of many performance during the festival’s second week. On May 31st and June 1st, there will be a performance of “War and Peace,” featuring works by Beethoven, Shostakovich, and Antoine. This is followed by a June 2nd performance by the Kate McGarry and Keith Ganz Ensemble. This show by Grammy-nominated jazz virtuosos is sure to enchant audiences.

    The Brentano Quartet will perform Thursday, May 30th, at 7:30pm. The concert will take place at the Gearan Center on the Hobart and William Smith campus. General admission tickets for the concert are $60. Children under 18 enter free, and college students with Valid ID have reduced ticket prices. Tickets are on sale now at the link here.

  • The Sembrich Announces 100th Anniversary Season

    The Sembrich in Bolton Landing, NY has opened its lakeside museum and grounds for its 100th anniversary season. On top of exhibitions, tours, and information talks, the museum will host a number of musical performances throughout the Summer.

    Marcella Sembrich
    Marcella Sembrich (1858-1935)

    The Marcella Sembrich Memorial Association seeks to spread appreciation of opera and classical music through performance and education. The association was formed in honor of Polish soprano Marcella Sembrich (1858-1935), who conquered opera stages across Europe and the US.

    As part of the Metropolitan Opera, Sembrich sang 466 performances, singing alongside legends like Enrico Caruso, and performing for Europe’s monarchs. When not performing, Sembrich lent her voice to some of the earliest commercial records for the Victor Talking Machine Company. Following her retirement, she founded the Juilliard and Curtis Institute vocal programs. The Sembrich maintains her manor and studio on the shores of Lake George, where she would hold lessons and benefit concerts in the summer.

    Following Sembrich’s death in 1935, the manor was converted into a public museum of arts and music. The Spanish revival mansion and its 4.5 acre grounds are open to the public, and host an array of performances and exhibitions.

    The Sembrich Studio Museum

    The estate hosts Sembrich’s original collection of letters, artworks, and awards from her career. On top of this, there is a summer exhibit regarding Sembrich’s role as a fashion icon. This exhibition features gilded age fashion accessories, such as Sembrich’s gloves, and custom pieces by Louis Vuitton. On top of display, there will be information regarding the trends that spawned these items, and the controversies caused by them. The museum will also hold the special exhibition “Mastering Mozart,” celebrating the Mozart operas that launched Sembrich to stardom. The centerpiece of the exhibition is Sembrich’s couture Queen of the Night costume from The Magic Flute.

    The museum will also host the “Century of Sembrich” Summer festival, celebrating Sembrich’s legacy in Lake George. The Summer concert series will feature renowned concert artists and ensembles, beginning on June 5, with a performance by the Opera Saratoga in the studio museum. Performances of note include the cutting-edge wind quintet WindSync, and Polish violin virtuoso Kinga Augustyn.

    On top of classical performances, the festival will also feature film screenings, and talks. Especially of note are Anthony Davis, the composer of the opera X, who will give a special Juneteenth talk. Additionally Vincent Caruso, host of Sirius XM’s Symphony Hall, will give a studio talk on June 15th. With this variety, the Summer festival offers plenty of chances for the community to get involved and educated with classical and operatic music. The schedule for the 2024 Summer Festival is listed below.

    WindSync

    2024 Summer Festival Schedule 

    6/5, 7:00 PM – Festival Artists from Opera Saratoga 
    6/9, 2:00 PM – 2024 Young Performers Showcase 
    6/15, 2:00 PM – An Afternoon with Vincent Caruso (Studio Talk) 
    6/19, 7:00 PM – A Juneteenth Celebration with Anthony Davis (Studio Talk) 
    6/24, 7:30 PM – FILM: The Magic Flute (1975) 
    6/26, 2:00 PM – Seagle Festival Season Preview 

    7/6, 7:00 PM – Classical Splendor 
    7/8, 7:30 PM – FILM: The Opera House (2017) 
    7/11, 7:00 PM – A Night at the Museum 
    7/13, 7:00 PM – Chopin… and all that Jazz 
    7/17, 2:00 PM – Harmonia Ensemble 
    7/25, 11:00 AM – Peter and the Wolf by WindSync 
    7/27, 7:00 PM – WindSync Woodwind Quintet 
    7/28, 7:30 PM – FILM: Fitzcarraldo (1983) 

    8/1, 10:00 AM – Seagle Festival: Dragon’s Breath (Children’s Opera) 
    8/2, 7:00 PM – From Steam Launch to Stucco: The Story of The Sembrich Studio (Studio Talk) 
    8/4, 7:00 PM – Composers Sembrich Knew  
    8/7, 2:00 PM – Jomion and The Uklos 
    8/12, 7:30 PM – FILM: Veselka (2024)  
    8/17, 7:00 PM – Violinist Kinga Augustyn 
    8/21, 7:00 PM – ArcoStrum  
    8/24, 7:00 PM – At That Hour, Act One (World Premiere) 
    8/25, 2:00 PM – At That Hour, Act One (Encore Matinee) 
    8/26, 7:30 PM – FILM: Falling for Figaro (2021) 
    8/28, 2:00 PM – Cantrip 
    8/31, 6:00 PM – Chopin by Candlelight 

    The Sembrich museum and grounds are open daily from May 24-October 14. Tickers for the “Century of Sembrich” Summer Festival are on sale now. For more information on the Sembrich and its summer events, visit the link here.

  • Albany Symphony Announces 2024 American Music Festival 

    Experience live new works from world-renowned composers of today debuting at the Albany Symphony’s 2024 American Music Festival, “Water Music NY: More Voices.”

    The event will take place between June 7-9 at the EMPAC concert hall on the RPI campus and locations throughout Troy, NY. “This is the beginning of a three-year project in which we will celebrate and explore the history of New York through the lens of people whose stories have not been told,” writes Music Director David Alan Miller.

    Performances will kick off with Dogs of Desire on Friday, June 7. The festival will also celebrate 30 years of the innovative ensemble by Dai Wei, del Pino, Sohn, Bansal and JURAKHAN. 

    Taking place on June 8 is FLOW, a “Water Music NY: New Voices” commission by Clarice Assad. The suite for piano and orchestra is a musical journey through the symbolic currents of emotions, exploring themes of change, resilience, and the passage of time through the idea of water. All the movements connect seamlessly, each representing a different dynamic ebb and flow of emotions and experiences. Its lively and improvisational character is a celebration of endurance, affirming the idea that even in the face of challenges, the capacity to adapt and emerge stronger exists. The festival will host some of its favorite composers and performers, including Joan Tower, Christopher Theofanidis, and Brandon Patrick George. It will also feature wonderful creators who are new to its stage. 

    Performances include Jack Frerer’s covers of hits by NY-born songwriters, from Cab Calloway to Grace Jones and Lana Del Rey, not to mention an audience. Following the concert, there will be a late-night lounge event where listeners can enjoy the sultry Brazilian rhythms of father-daughter duo Sérgio and Clarice Assad. Sergio Assad is one of the world’s greatest living classical guitarists. Clarice is a major Brazilian-American composer, much loved by the Albany Symphony audience and community. 

    The Last of James Fenimore Cooper on Sunday, June 9 is set to close the event at The Sanctuary for Independent Media. Native American composer Brent Michael Davids has composed a witty, satirical quartet about James Fenimore Cooper. Davids. He embraces indigenous themes and subjects in his music, considering Cooper’s ignorance of native culture in “The Last of the Mohicans” in this work for string quartet, featuring members of the Albany Symphony. This event is featured as part of the Sanctuary for Independent Media’s Freedom Festival in collaboration with the American Music Festival.

    Additional Information here.

    AMF Concerts, Programming and Events: 

    June 7: 

    DOGS OF DESIRE: EMPAC, 7:30pm

    LATE NIGHT LOUNGE: CLARICE & SÉRGIO ASSAD following Dogs of Desire

    June 8: 

    “FIRST DRAUGHTS” READING SESSION & BEER TASTING: Bush Hall, 10:30 am

    GREAT AMERICAN SONG!: Bush Hall, 3:00pm

    AMERICAN MUSIC FESTIVAL: EMPAC, 7:30pm, Pre-Concert Talk, 6:30pm

    LATE NIGHT LOUNGE: BROADWAY & AMERICAN SONGBOOK CABARET: Following American Music Festival Concert

    More American song –Broadway and beyond– long and late into the night.

    JUNE 9: 

    LAST OF JAMES FENIMORE COOPER: Sanctuary for Independent Media, 4:00pm

    Albany Symphony American Music Festival

  • Cayuga Chamber Orchestra Announces New Music Director

    On May 19, the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra, located in Ithaca, announced its next Music Director: Guillaume Pirard.

    The news of Pirard’s selection was revealed at the CCO’s Passing the Baton concert. Pirard will begin his endeavor as Music Director by conducting the first concert of the 2024-2025 season.

    Cayuga Chamber Orchestra
    Photo Credit: Sarah Blodgett – 1

    Guillaume Pirard was born in Belgium and studied at the Brussels Conservatory of Music and Den Haag. While attending, he studied classical, Baroque, and romantic styles. He continued his studies at Julliard and the New School, where he earned his master’s in Orchestral Conducting. During his studies, he played in various period ensembles and chamber music series in Europe and the United States. These include the Helicon Foundation, the Smithsonian Chamber Players, the Chamber Music Society of Central Virginia, the Staunton Festival, Les Muffatti and the Context series at Rice University.

    As the co-concertmaster and founding member of The Knights, Pirard has performed on tours all over North America and Europe. These performances include festivals in Tanglewood, Ravinia, Caramoor, the Festival-de-Paques in Aix-en-Provence, the Salzburg Festpiele, the Tonhalle in Zurich, the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg, and the Muziverein in Vienna.

    In addition to his European tours, Pirard has conducted all over the United States. These include The New York University and Cornell University Orchestras, the Orlando Philharmonic, and the Mannes Orchestra and School of Opera at the New School. Aside from conducting, Pirard has served on multiple university faculties across the United States. While working for the New York University ensembles, he also served on the violin and chamber music faculty. He has presented guest master classes at Cornell University and the University of California at Santa Barbara. Furthermore, he has served as a panelist for several arts organizations. This includes the Pew Center for Arts & Heritage, the New York Youth Symphony, and the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University. 

    Formed in 1976, the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra is designated as “Ithaca’s orchestra.” Over the years, they have performed hundreds of concerts through a variety of programs. During the season, these performances include the Orchestral Series, Chamber Music Series, holiday concerts, and free Family Concerts. However, most notable is the Willard Daetsch Youth Outreach Program, which provides school students around Tompkins County with instruments and instructors.

    Further information regarding the 2024-2025 season and Subscription options will be available in June. For more information, fans can visit CCOithaca.org, contact the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra Box Office at 607-273-8981 or info@CCOithaca.org.

  • The Town Hall Announces the Peoples’ Symphony Concerts

    The Town Hall, located in the Theater District in Manhattan, announced the 125th season of Peoples’ Symphony Concerts, including performances by the Juilliard String Quartet, The Knights, Paul Lewis, among others. Additionally, Allison Loggins-Hull and David Lang will premiere new works.

    On Sunday, May 19, Frank Salomon will be presented with the Friend of the Arts Award in recognition of his contributions to New York Arts. Salomon served as director of Alexander Schneider’s New School Concert Series for fifty years. His love for classical music began in childhood, when his family subscribed to the Chamber Music series at the Town Hall.

    As an adult, Salomon worked as the manager of the Peoples’ Symphony Concerts for over 50 years. Richard Goode, a performer with PSC, said of Salomon, “his feeling for the human values inherent in great art, continue to find an ideal environment in the warmth and surprising intimacy of The Town Hall”.

    The Peoples’ Symphony concerts have offered New Yorkers affordable access to classical music since 1900. The Symphony offers exposure to established masters and promising young artists. At under $60 per concert season ($10 per concert), Peoples’ Symphony Concerts are an excellent option for affordable live music. Peoples’ Symphony also offers concerts in the Washington Irving Campus one block from Union Square.

    The Salomon Series will showcase the beauty of chamber music while paying tribute to Frank Salomon. Performances will take place from October 2024 to March 2025. Paul Lewis will perform the Complete Schubert Piano Sonata on October 27. The Knights Orchestra will be performing Mozart, along with a new composition by Allison Loggins-Hull on December 8. The Town Hall will ring in 2025 with the performance of a mystery pianist on January 26. February 2, Raphaël Feuillâtre will make his NYC debut with performances of Bach and his contemporaries. Baritone Benjamin Appl and pianist Shai Wosner will pay tribute to Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau on February 16. Finally, on March 30, the Juilliard String Quartet will make their PSC debut.

    Tickets are available at the following link.

  • The Bridge Street Theatre Brings Indie Productions to the Hudson

    In the heart of the Hudson Valley, just 30 minutes south of Albany lies Catskill’s Bridge Street Theatre. The theater is a non-profit seeking to enhance the cultural life of Greene County through the independent production of musical and theater performances. 

    Exterior of the Bridge Street Theatre

    Greene County’s seat of Catskill is home to the Bridge Street Theatre opened in 2014. Since its founding, the theater has sought to set itself apart from the region’s other performing arts centers, with a focus on accessibility. The theater’s board focuses on highlighting overlooked musical and theater artists, even commissioning new works for the stage. They also strive to keep ticket prices low to make sure their performances can reach the widest possible audiences.

    Since 2014, the Bridge Street Theatre has been a haven for cutting edge performance art. The theater has hosted over 62 musical performances, 84 plays, and 33 dance performances. It has staged productions of Monty Python’s Spamalot, Frankenstein and the Epic of Gilgamesh. Amongst these productions was The Shaggs’ Philosophy of the World, a stage retelling of The Shaggs’ legendary outsider music career. Additionally, the theater has also hosted a decade’s worth of musical performances ranging from classical to bluegrass. These concerts include San Francisco’s award winning Zelos Saxophone Quartet, and Capital Region folk band Ramblin Jug Stompers. 

    Downtown Catskill, NY

    The theater’s story begins with its founder John Sowle. Following decades of acting and theater production in both San Francisco and Manhattan, Sowle relocated to Catskill in 2008. Following the move, Sowle focused his attention on finding a permanent home for his nomadic theater production company Kaliyuga Arts. 

    This plan came to fruition in 2013, when Sowle purchased a derelict air curtain factory just outside of downtown Catskill. After a year of renovations, the abandoned factory was transformed into a state of the art 12,000 square foot center for performing arts. 

    The Curtron factory that became home to the Bridge Street Theatre
    The derelict air curtain factory on the site of the theater, 2009

    The theater’s premises house many venues for performing arts. At the center of the theater, is the Charles and Priscilla Patterson Mainstage. This auditorium has seating for 84 people, making it a perfect setting for the theater’s major productions. 

    There is additionally a smaller cabaret-style concert space, known as “The Speakeasy.” This area also currently serves as the theater’s lobby, but can be quickly converted into a performance space, with a small raised stage allowing for intimate shows. The venue also houses “The Big Room,” a space to host sculpture and art exhibitions. The theater values the comfort of its performers, housing dressing rooms, a lounge and living spaces for visiting artists.

    The theater prides itself in collaboration with Catskill’s local youth. As it is located next to Catskill High School, the theater provides opportunities for local students to get involved in theater production and performance, getting a new generation involved in music and the arts. 

    The Bridge Street Theatre has a busy upcoming Summer season, with a host of performances set for the near future. On June 1, the theater will welcome world-renowned sitarist Ustad Shafaat Khan. Khan is famous for his simultaneous vocals, sitar, and tabla playing, which has spread appreciation for Indian classical music across the world. His performances have taken him around the globe, playing with legends like Stevie Wonder and Ray Charles.

    On June 8, the theater will be hosting the local magician Thomas Baker for an all-ages journey through the history of magic. The Saugerties-based illusionist puts a modern twist on classic magic tricks, all while sharing fun stories from throughout his life. 

    Finally, on June 22, the theater will host the 7th Bridge Street Belly Dance event. This event will weave together dance,  music, and poetry  to tell a story of how pain and beauty go together in life. Featuring dance from multi-disciplinary artist Jesse Sykes, and the poetry of Alysia Quinn, the event will tell a story of innovation and personal growth.

    For more information, visit the Bridge Street Theatre website here.

  • Troy Chromatic Concerts Announces Lineup For Its 127th Season 

    Troy Chromatic Concerts will return for its 127th season at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall this fall. Performances for 2024-2025 feature numerous talents from across the globe, including the Australian Chamber Orchestra with Richard Tognetti. The venue, now a National Historic Landmark in Renneslaer, has been an establishment of New York classical music since 1874 and has hosted performances by world-renowned artists, from Dizzy Gillespie, Ella Fitzgerald, Isaac Stern, Yo-Yo Ma, and Vladimir Horowitz, to the best on today’s music scene, including Boz Scaggs, India Arie, Lake Street Dive, Trey Anastasio, and many more.

    Frank Vignola an Tessa Lark

    The upcoming lineup includes the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra from Riverside, NY. They will be joined by violin virtuoso Maxim Vengerov playing selections from Mozart’s “Violin Concerto.” Following this, 24-year-old violin prodigy Randall Goosby, will perform Mendelssohn and Janáček in his repertoire. Lastly, the acclaimed Steven Isserlis CBE to close out the season with a cello recital set to play Beethoven’s “Cello Sonata No. 2.”

    The music hall is offering new subscribers a one-time special price for the season, adding that early subscription commitments go a long way toward supporting the enduring tradition of presenting classical music performances from 1894. Subscription renewals received by June 14, 2024 will guarantee preferred seats from the last season. First-time subscribers enjoy a 32% and can now lock in their favorite seats the entire season for $150. More information on the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall and upcoming programs is available at www.troymusichall.org. 

    Troy Chromatic Concerts 2024-2025 Concert Schedule 

    October 22nd: Australian Chamber Orchestra 

    To perform “The Ottoman Four Seasons” with violinist Richard Tognetti directing their high octane and brave interpretive style.

    November 3rd: Orpheus Chamber Orchestra

    Joined by violin virtuoso Maxim Vengerov performing selections from Mozart’s “Violin Concerto.”

    November 23rd: Randall Goosby 

    24-year-old violin prodigy performs Mendelssohn, Janáček among other pieces, paired with

    a string quartet.

    February 4th: Steven Isserlis

    Acclaimed British cellist will close out the 127th season with a cello recital featuring Canadian pianist Connie Shih performing several cello favorites, including Beethoven’s “Cello Sonata No. 2.”

    Troy Chromatic Concerts 127th Season

  • SSSO Announces 91st Concert Season to start August 10th

    The Schenectady-Saratoga Symphony Orchestra has announced its 91st Concert Season, consisting of nine concerts. This new concert season will feature a host of shows in both Schenectady and Saratoga Springs.

    The series will begin at Schenectady’s Central Park, and feature shows at Schenectady’s Proctors Theatre. For its Saratoga dates, shows will be held at Skidmore University’s Zankel Music Center and the Universal Preservation Hall. 

    SSSO

    Since its founding in 1935, the SSSO has prided itself in community involvement. Throughout its history, the SSSO has employed not only professional musicians, but also highlighted local amateur musicians. The orchestra has been a platform for local musicians, dance troupes and school choruses, helping to launch musical careers throughout the Schenectady-Saratoga region. Through its concerts and musical mentoring, the SSSO has become one of the greatest musical assets of the Capital Region.

    This concert season will continue the SSSO’s history of involvement by hosting a series of guest musicians and incorporating new visual elements to enhance concerts. Soloists like trumpeter Robert Sullivan, and Lisa Leonard will join the SSSO for orchestral classics and new works. This season will feature a new visual elements and projections to enhance the concert experience. SSSO’s artistic director Glen Cortese says the “Visuals and projections will accompany many of our concerts to add another layer to the audience’s live music experience.” With this new aspect to their live shows, audiences will have their eyes, as well as ears stimulated at this year’s concerts.

    SSSO Schedule

    Free Pops Concert (not on subscription) 

    7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10 at Music Haven Stage in Schenectady’s Central Park 

    A tribute to the great composer John Williams. 

    “Realize” 

    7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19 at the Zankel Music Center 

    3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20 at the MainStage at Proctors 

    Featuring soloist Lisa Leonard in Prokofiev’s “Piano Concerto #3,” Adamo’s “Overture to Lysistrata” and Respighi’s “Fontana di Roma” and “Pini di Roma.” 

    Poinsettia Pops (not on subscription, add-on) 

    7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 at the Great Hall at UPH 

    3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8 at the Great Hall at UPH 

    Featuring guest soloists Jeanine Ouderkirk, Mowgli Giannitti and Elizabeth Sterling. 

    “Reminisce” 

    7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025 at the Great Hall at UPH 

    3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025 at the MainStage at Proctors 

    Featuring Trumpeter Robert Sullivan in Glen Cortese’s “Concerto for Trumpet and Orchestra (Gabriel’s Signal),” Snider’s “Eye of Mnemosyne” and Mendelssohn’s “Symphony #4.” 

    “Reach” 

    3 p.m. Sunday, March 2, 2025 at the Great Hall at UPH 

    The program features John Musto performing his “Litany” and “Piano Concerto #2,” Debussy’s “Children’s Corner” and guest vocalist Ann Marie Adamick with Mahler’s “Songs of the Wayfarer.” 

    “Remember” 

    3 p.m. Sunday, April 13, 2025 at the MainStage at Proctors 

    The Octavo Singers and surprise special guests join SSSO for Verdi’s great “Requiem.” 

    Season Tickets are currently on sale for $65. Individual tickets are $17-24, with children under 18 getting free entrance with a ticketed adult. For more ticketing and concert information visit the SSSO website here.

  • Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra Season Finale was Out of This World!

    On Saturday, May 4, the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra presented “Other Worlds,” its grand finale of the 2023-2024 season. Maestro Daniel Hege led the orchestra in an evening of music from the superhero, fantasy, and sci-fi genres, enlivening a program of beloved classics with crisp, expressive musicianship and bringing delight to a large, all-ages audience.  

    The concert was dedicated to first responders. Members of local police, fire, and rescue departments received complimentary tickets, and at the start of the concert the entire audience rose to sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” along with the orchestra in honor of these true superheroes of the community.

    Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra Season Finale
    Cher and Ben Douglas

    The musicians of the Philharmonic demonstrated tight, committed ensemble playing in an uplifting program of genre favorites, including themes from Black Panther, Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and many more. The orchestra delivered a big, enveloping sound, highlighted by showy contributions from Principal Trumpet Frank Campos. Outstanding solos were also provided throughout the program by Assistant Principal Cellist Michael Newman. And the percussion section was elevated not only by the spectacular playing of Principal Percussionist Sam Lazzara, but also by the introduction of a new bass drum expressly designed for the Philharmonic by ErgoSonic Percussion. Lazzara and ErgoSonic President Ken Turner demonstrated this beautifully resonant instrument to the audience before the start of the show.

    Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra Season Finale

    Maestro Hege was an engaging presence throughout, providing a feeling of warmth and welcome to the audience as he introduced each piece. Hege called the Binghamton Philharmonic “a true gem of the community,” and it was clear from the standing ovation and many curtain calls the orchestra received that the audience agreed. In all, “Other Worlds” was a bright and spirited finale to an invigorating season.

  • Bryant Park Picnic Performances Feature Extensive Lineup of Latin Music this Summer

    Bryant Park has an exciting season of free, live Latin Picnic Performances lined up for the summer of 2024. From June 7 to September 13, you can expect paramount talent of Latin performers from around the globe.

    Bryant Park Picnic Performances

    Many of this season’s performances will livestream for free on Bryant Park’s social media channels and website, reaching national and international audiences. Food and drink are available for purchase from a curated lineup of local vendors near the lawn. At all performances, attendees can discover new dishes and celebrate classics from the five boroughs. A rotating line-up of artisanal vendors by Hester Street Fair welcomes all hungry fest-goers. Stout NYC offers light bites as well as a selection of beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages for purchase.

    All shows are free to the public and designed to be enjoyed casually. There are more than 700 picnic blankets for audience members to borrow and ample chairs available. A total of 22 Latin performances are set to hit Bryant Park this summer. Genres range from jazz to classical to funk and much more. This series of shows are free for the public and should not be missed.

    Bryant Park Picnic Performances

    Bryant Park Latin Picnic Performances 2024

    June

    June 07: Contemporary Dance – David Dorfman Dance, Soles of Duende, Joffrey Concert Group

    June 14: Contemporary Dance – Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE, Robin Dunn and Friends, Kevin Wynn Tribute

    June 21: Jazzmobile – Sarah Vaughan Centennial Featuring Charenée Wade

    June 28: Emerging Music Festival Day 1 – Artists TBA

    June 29: Emerging Music Festival Day 2 – Artists TBA

    July

    July 05: Carnegie Hall Citywide – Tania León and The Harlem Chamber Players

    July 12: Carnegie Hall Citywide – Thandiswa Mazwai

    July 19: Carnegie Hall Citywide – Louis Cato

    July 26: Carnegie Hall Citywide – Michael Olatuja & Lagos Pepper Soup

    August

    August 02: Carnegie Hall Citywide – La Excelencia

    August 09: Joe’s Pub – Broadway en Spanglish: Florencia Cuenca and Jaime Lozano

    August 10: New Victory Theater – Ephrat Asherie Dance + Barkin/Selissen Project

    August 16: World Music Institute – Gyedu-Blay Ambolley, Artists TBA

    August 17: Jalopy Theatre – Artists TBA

    August 23: New York City Opera – Tosca

    August 24: New York City Opera – Tosca

    August 30: Asian American Arts Alliance – Vijay Iyer Trio

    August 31: Contemporary Dance – Mark Morris Dance Group, Blacks in Ballet, Reed Luplau

    September

    September 05: Accordions Around the World – Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers, Afro Dominicano, Artist TBA

    September 06: American Symphony Orchestra – Beyond the Hall

    September 12: Harlem Stage – Artist TBA

    September 13: The Town Hall + Belongó – The Man with The Golden Horn

    For more information on the upcoming Bryant Park Picnic Performances, visit Bryant Park’s website or click here.