Renowned conductor Maestro Daniel Hege has renewed his contract as Music Director of The Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra.
Hege first took the position in 2018 and with this renewal he will continue his role for another five years. He is a seasoned director as he was the music director of the Syracuse Symphony for 11 years and in 2009 he became the director of Wichita Symphony. Right before his current position he was named Principal Guest Conductor of the Tulsa Symphony of the 2015/16 season.
Hege comes from a line of musical talent as his grandfather, Boyd Eagle Piatote was a Jazz Musician and composer. Although he currently works in New York, he is a Nez Perce Colorado Native and a member of the Colville Confederated Tribes. He is also one of the only Indigenous orchestra directors in America.
In 1978, he graduated from Bethel College, Kansas where he studied music and history. He then received a Master of Music degree in orchestral conducting from the University of Utah. During his time in Utah, he founded the University Chamber Orchestra, and served as both the Assistant Conductor of the University Orchestra and Music Director of the Utah Singers.
Notably, in 2015, Daniel Hege conducted Bartok’s Bluebeard’s Castle, with operatic bass, Samuel Ramey.
In this upcoming season he plans to do more community outreach by participating in the Kilmer Lectures and adding a series of public chats at the Broome County Arts Council.
Central New York boasts a vibrant music scene with a diverse array of venues, offering everything from intimate live performances to large-scale concerts. These venues contribute to the region’s rich cultural tapestry, providing platforms for both local and national acts.
Glimmerglass Festival is found at Alice Busch Opera Theater as a professional non-profit summer opera company dedicated to producing new productions each season. The company continues its tradition of four new fully staged productions, now including three operas and one work of American musical theater, performed with full orchestra, large cast and no sound amplification. These four productions are supplemented by special performances, cabarets, concerts, lectures and symposiums throughout the season.
A 112-year-old orchard located just south of Syracuse in Lafayette, Beak and Skiff offers a tasting room, distillery and general store, plus a summer concert series that garnered great attention during the social distancing of 2020 and has continued to bring a strong number of artists to a scenic location in southern Onondaga County.
Black Oak Tavern has been a staple for the Central New York social scene for almost 50 years, priding itself on great drinks, a friendly atmosphere, and fantastic live events.
Crouse Hinds Theater – Mulroy Civic Center At Oncenter(Syracuse)
The Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater contains one of the largest stages in Upstate New York. Symphoria performs concerts on its Masterworks and Pops series at this theater.
Cortland Beer Company has been a part of the scene in Historic Downtown Cortland for over a decade, serving as a popular music venue with indoor and outdoor stages.
Deep Diveâs mission is to provide a safe and inclusive space for artists, patrons, and staff, a neighborhood joint for all walks of people, showcasing a calendar of top-class, unique, and inspiring musicians and performers
This state-of-the-art facility comfortably seats up to 17,500 avid music lovers. The venue, managed by ASM Global and promoted by Live Nation, opened its gates on September 3rd, 2015.
The Folkus Project brings high-quality live acoustic music to Central New York audiences and nurtures the experience of community that live music creates.
Address: May Memorial UU Society, 3800 E. Genesee St., Syracuse 13214
The Hangar Theatre is a non-profit, regional theatre. Its mainstage season and children’s shows occur during the summer, but the Hangar, and other organizations, utilize the space year-round for special events.
The Homer Center for the Arts is known for hosting national music concerts, feature film screenings, a community theater program (Center Players) and showcase artwork by regional, national, and international visual artists in the art gallery. The Center also hosts classes, workshops and programs throughout the year, and adds to the economic vitality of Central New York.
Founded in 1976 by Greg Italiano, The Lost Horizon is one of the longest operational club-sized concert venues in Central New York, playing host to hardcore, hip-hop and variety acts on an irregular basis.
McGirks Irish Pub is a great restaurant for lunch, dinner, take-out, catering, with specials on beer, wine, spirits, and live music on Thursday, Friday, Saturday.
The Other Side is a Utica-based, not-for-profit organization committed to providing space for community initiatives. In addition to sponsoring its own musical, cultural, and social events, The Other Side is available to members of the community who wish to utilize it for yoga classes, musical gatherings, craft fairs, used-record sales, meditation groups, reading groups, and the like.
During the summer months, Saranac Brewery welcomes bands to perform on their outdoor stage, offering live music in the heart of downtown Utica. F.X. Matt Brewing Company is the fourth oldest family-owned brewery in the United States and serves up tasty beers during the shows, with an array of food options for each show.
Seven Of Jazz Lounge opened its doors on Jan. 5, 2023 with the goal of offering a ârelaxing environmentâ for those who want to listen to live music or even just hang out with friends. It is currently under renovations.
Having opened in 1969 as a small corner bar, Shifty’s has maintained its presence in the Lincoln Hill section of Syracuse, offering live music five nights a week, along with award winning wings and veteran staff.
Amid evergreens that create a cozy campground and the backdrop for incredible music, the home of Sterling Stage music festivals and other concerts since 1995, are offered on two unique stages. Welcoming families and kids of all ages, dogs, grills and coolers are permitted at Sterling Stage, with overnight camping included with all tickets.
The State Theatre of Ithaca is a historic, 1600-seat theatre located at Ithaca in Tompkins County, New York that hosts various events from bands, to plays, to comedy acts, to silent films, and more. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1996
Located in the Southern Tier and close to the Pennsylvania border, this diamond in the rough serves a desert of live music, with rock and country acts performing each summer at Tag’s Summer Stage.
A 1920s speakeasy-style bar that is located in the cellar of Oh My Darling restaurant in Downtown Syracuse, The Fitz offers a variety of music to pair with craft cocktails in a unique space, located close to the Landmark Theatre for pre and post show music and libations.
A classic hunting lodge, now offering weddings and event space, The “G” Lodge welcomes events hosted by Hey Dude After Hours, who bring community-driven and family friendly music events, as well as summer and fall music festivals.
Upstate Medical University Arena at Onondaga County War Memorial (Syracuse)
The Upstate Medical University Arena at The Oncenter War Memorial is a multi-functional 7,000 seat venue with event space available on three levels, and home to the Syracuse Crunch, hosting concerts around the year.
The Westcott Theater is a 700-person multi-purpose concert venue in Syracuse’s Westcott neighborhood. Known for its cinema-style setting, the venue accommodates various genres but has particularly expanded its electronic music acts in recent years.
Wonderland Forest is more than just a forest: it has hiking trails, campgrounds, a wedding venue, and more recently, an outdoor music venue with various bands, food vendors, and other activities from across the United States. They have played host to the 50th anniversary of Summer Jam, Biscoland, Trey Anastasio, and many more concerts on tap for 2024.
Built on the site of Dopps Run, Dave Woods started Woods Valley in 1964, and Woods Valley Ski Area has been teaching families to ski for 60 years. Plenty of music can be found year round in the lodge, with performances by touring and regional bands peppering the calendar and warming up the nights after skiing the slopes at Woods Valley.
Pride month is upon us once again, and New York has no shortage of inclusive pride events. From live music events to festivals, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Below you’ll find a complete guide to New York State’s pride events this coming June, from Long Island to Rochester.
Albany
May 31, 5:00 PM: Start Pride on the right foot with the Waterworks Pub’s Pride Kick-Off block party and BBQ. Admission is free!
June 1, 9:00 PM: Pay homage to queer art with ICONS: A Pride Variety Show and Party at Lark Hall. The celebration begins with a pre-show party from 9-11, where there will be giveaways and teaser performances. The main show, ICONS- The Variety Show, will feature drag queens Brita Filter, Lagoona Bloo, Amanda Blair, and many more. The fun does not stop after the show. An after party with DJ Synes will begin at midnight and continue until 2 AM. Tickets are available here.
June 9, 11:30 AM: Capital Pride Parade & Festival will take place in Washington Park. Registration can be found at the following link, and proceeds go to the Pride Center of the Capital Region’s programming advocating for the LGBTQ+ community.
Troy
June 15, 2:00-6:00 PM: Join Collar City Pride for their picnic in Troy’s Prospect Park. The barbecue will feature vegan and non-vegan options, snacks, and beverages. There is a suggested donation on a sliding scale, and everyone is invited to bring lawn games, speakers, and frisbees.
July 14: The pride celebration continues into July, with performances by Typhoid Mary and DJ Lovely Candela. More queer artists and drag performers are to be announced. Good Karma Studios will also be performing an acrobatic act. There will be a family section with balloon animals and a drag story hour. There will also be over 40 vendors, most of whom are from Rensselaer County and LGBTQ+ owned and operated. The festival will be held in Riverfront Park, further details can be found on the facebook page linked here.
Schenectady
June 1, 10:00 AM: The Dynasty will introduce their first ever wrestling event for this year’s pride celebration. “Sounds Gay, I’m In” will be held at Gateway Park. The festival will begin at 10:00 AM, and the wrestling will begin at 6:00 PM. All ages are welcome, and more information is available at the following link.
Saratoga Springs
May 30, 2:45: Join the Ballston Spa High School in the raising of the pride flag.
June 27, 6:00 PM: LGBTQ parents and children are invited to Saratoga Arts’ “POP” Gathering (parents of pride). The event will feature arts, crafts, and community building activities for the whole family. More information can be found here. Saratoga Arts hosts the event monthly, so dates will be available all year!
July 11, 6:30 PM: Join Saratoga Pride members for their Cornhole League. The informal, weekly drop-in league costs $15 a ticket, which offers guests a 20% discount on all food and drinks. Tournaments will be held at Saratoga Winery, and guests are encouraged to support the local restaurant. There will be more sessions every Thursday throughout the summer, with the tournament finals on August 29.
June 23, 2:00 PM: Saratoga’s Pride festival will return to High Rock Park this year, with an after party to follow. The family friendly event will feature live music, family activities, and community groups. Food and ice cream will also be available for purchase on site.
Lake George
Lake George Pride Festival, ages 16+ (under 16 admitted with parent/guardian only), featuring DJs from the community representing, vendor village, disc golf, frisbee golf, lawn games, walking trails, photo areas, cash bar and more! $20 to enter, brought to you in partnership by Warren County and The Lake George Area and powered by Rocavaka and Goldstein Auto Group.
Binghamton
June 20, 6:00 PM: Binghamton Pride Coalition will host a clothing swap from June 3-10. Participants are asked to donate gently used, clean clothes and accessories at Butterfields. On June 20, the clothes will be organized and displayed for people to choose. There is a suggested donation of $10, which will be donated to Identity LGBTQ+ Youth Center in Binghamton. The invitation is available at the following link.
June 8, 12:00 PM: Pride Palooza will return this year to Otsiningo Park. Guests are invited to bring their own picnic blankets and lunches to enjoy live music and entertainment. Local food vendors will be available, and admission is free! The flyer is available at the following link. There will also be a firework show in Martin Luther King Jr. Park & Promenade.
June 21, 5:00 PM: Join Southern Tier Aids Program (STAP) in celebrating their 40 year anniversary. STAP will hold a gala at the Binghamton DoubleTree, and admission costs $50. Tickets are available at the following link. STAP will honor the dedication of Drew and Gertrude Noden, whose support of their AIDS Ride for Life fundraiser has been instrumental. STAP also thanks JPMorgan & Chase for their generosity and allyship. A cash bar will be available, and there are menu options for vegetarian and vegan guests.
Otsego County
June 1, 2:00 PM: Otsego Pride Alliance will host their annual Pridefest. The festival will be held on Main Street in Oneonta. Parade line up begins at 1:00 PM, and the route will begin at 27 Market St to Elm St. Guests are asked to bring a chair, water, cash to tip performers and flags. The full schedule can be found below, and the event is open to the public.
June 13, 7:00 PM: Otsego Pride Alliance will host a Baseball Pride Night at Damaschke Field. Admission is $5, with discounts available to seniors and students.
June 1: Winners of the “Pets for Pride” event will be announced at the OPA’s Pridefest. Voting is open to decide on the winner, cast your ballot at the following link.
Hudson Valley
May 30, 6:00-10:00 PM: Dutchess County Pride Center is throwing Poughkeepsie’s Kick off Party for pride month. The Factory at Sloop Brewing will host the party, with appetizers and drinks available. There will be special programing to commemorate the 100 year mark of the modern pride movement, and guests will be offered a sneak peek of the Annual Pride Auction items before they’re released to the public. Tickets are available at the following link.
June 1, 8:00 AM- 1:00 PM: Habitat Newburgh will host a Pride Build, bringing together members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies to help those in need. Attendees will help build affordable homes for local families, and celebrate pride while making a difference. Volunteers can register here.
June 1, 12:00-5:00 PM: New Paltz Pride Coalition and Hudson Valley LGBTQ Community Center will host their annual Pride March & Festival in Hasbrouck Park. Voting for local Pride Marshall is also open, cast your ballot at the following link. More information about the festival and parade is available here.
June 1, 12:00-4:00 PM: Join Opus 40 and Queer Conspiracy for a family-friendly celebration of pride in the Hudson Valley. The picnic will be held at Opus 40 in Saugerties, and carpool tickets are available here. The event will feature a drag story hour, live music, a kids dance party, and local vendors.
June 1, 4:00-7:00 PM: Join DJ Trevor for an afternoon tea party in Pine Plains. More info about the dance celebration is available here.
June 1, 7:00: Join Hudson Valley Improv for their celebration of PrideProv! Doors open at 6:45 and the show starts at 7:00. The show will be held at Boughton Place in Highland. Tickets are only available online at the following link. A portion of ticket proceeds will be donated to GLSEN, a non-profit dedicated to ending discrimination against LGBTQ+ people.
June 2, 9:00-10:15 AM: Inspired by Holi and powered by pride, Pound Ridge Partnership and the Human Rights Advisory Committee have come together to host the 3rd annual Pound Ridge Color Run. The 5K race will begin at Pound Ridge Elementary School, and runners of all ages and abilities are welcome. Registration is available at the following link. Highlights from the 2022 race are available below.
June 2, 11:30 AM: Watch the White Plains raising of the Pride Flag outside the Michaelian Office Building. More information is available on The Loft LGBTQ’s instagram here.
Didn’t find an event in your town? A full list of Hudson Valley Pride Events is available here.
Catskills
June 15, 5:30: Catskills Pride will host an Awards Gala to honor champions of the LGBTQ+ community. The awards ceremony and following reception will be held at The Eldred Preserve. Tickets are available at the following link.
June 8, 1:00 PM: Woodstock Public Library will host a drag story hour and sparkle party with Katrina Mirage, who will read a book about peace, acceptance, and love. More information is available here.
Syracuse
June 13, 5:00 PM: Join the Syracuse Mets in their pride celebration. Enjoy a tailgate party with giveaways, a DJ, $1 hot dogs, and $2 beers. Everyone is welcome, tickets are available here.
June 22, 11:00 AM: Central New York Pride will host a Pride Parade and Festival in Progress Park. The parade will begin at 11:00 AM, and the festival will go from 12:00 to 5:00 PM. More information is available at the following link.
Watertown
June 2, 12:00 PM: Watertown NY Pride, Lewis County Pride, and Planned Parenthood of the North Country New York, Inc., have joined together to host their annual Pride Picnic.
June 14, 11:00 AM: Join Watertown NY Pride for their pickleball activity. Foster community while picking up a new hobby at the downtown YMCA. The event is open to beginners, and no sign up is necessary. 30 spots are available, the announcement is available at the following link.
Rochester
July 20, 11:00 AM: Celebrate pride at the Rochester Pride Festival at Highland Park. The festival will feature food, wine, beer, games, vendor tables, and live music and performances. Tickets are available for purchase at the following link.
July 14, 11:00 AM: Join the Rochester Rainbow Riders in this year’s Pride Ride. The race is 18+, and registration is available at the following link.
July 14, 12:00 PM: Celebrate pride at the annual Rochester Pride Picnic. There will be food trucks, DJs and dancing, a piano bar, a gift raffle, and community information tables. Check this link for ticket information, which is TBD.
Finger Lakes
June 7, 4:00 PM: Join Southern Finger Lakes Pride for their “Twas the Night Before Pride” event. There will be an official raising of the pride flag at 6:00 PM, and several activities throughout the evening. Art installations, drag bingo, and tarot readings are among the exciting activities SoFLX has scheduled for the event; find the full schedule here.
June 7: Southern Finger Lakes Pride will also host a 21+ dance party, featuring performances 5 DJs. There is a suggested donation of $5 for entry, which supports SoFLX and local breweries and restaurants. More information is available here.
June 8, 11:00 AM-5:00 PM: Southern Finger Lakes Pride will welcome back its Pride fest for the fifth year, with an exciting lineup of performers and a weekend of celebration. More details are available at the following link.
Ithaca
June 5, 8:30 PM: Ithaca Pride Alliance hosts weekly support meetings for LGBTQ+ youth. This is the first meeting of pride month, but the meetings take place every Wednesday. More information is available here.
June 8: The evening of June 8th will mark the beginning of the celebration, with speeches from Ithaca Pride Alliance and notable LGBTQ+ leaders in the community. The ceremony will take place on the Bernie Milton Pavillion at 6 PM, more details are available at the following link.
June 9, 2:00 PM: Pride in the Park will celebrate Ithaca’s LGBTQ+ community with food vendors, arts and crafts, and a resource fair. Performances will be held on the Pride Stage, including local bands, dance groups, and drag performances. More information is available here.
Buffalo
June 2, 202411:00 AM: Show off your pride at the Buffalo Pride Parade. The march is free and open to the public, though registration has ended. The parade will march along Elmwood Avenue, and volunteering positions are available at this link.
June 15, 11:00 AM-3:00 PM: Oliver Street Merchants’ Association presents the 4th annual Pride Fest at Heritage Park. Admission is free, and over 70 vendors will be there. All are welcome, more information is available here.
New York City PRIDE
Manhattan
June 28, 7:30 PM: City Winery at Pier 57 will host a documentary concert exploring the history of the Stonewall Uprising. Proceeds from ticket sales go to The Stonewall Community Foundation, which works towards liberation for all LGBTQ+ people. Enjoy the musical performances and oral history that make up the story of the Stonewall Uprising and the vibrant community culture it stemmed from. Tickets are on sale at the following link.
June 29, 12:00 PM: The South Street Seaport will host a Youth Pride event, celebrating LGBTQ+ teens and youth. The event is free, and a wide range of activities will be available, including carnival activities, free food and snacks, DJs, and musical performances. More information is available at the following link.
June 30, 11:00 AM: Join New York City’s 30th annual Pride March. The march began in 1970, on year after the Stonewall Uprising, and has continued the legacy of civil rights and awareness. The march will form on 25th St and 6th Ave, and move down to Christopher Street, passing the Stonewall Inn. Footage of the 2023 Pride Parade is available below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGl2QbxsjrI&t=51s
Brooklyn
June 7, 7:30 PM: In New York, enjoy Brooklyn Pride’s Movie Night for a screening of Sekiya Dorsett’s inspiring short film Caribbean Queen. RSVP here for a free ticket.
June 15, 12:00 PM: Join the Brooklyn LGBTQ+ community for a youth festival. Intended for kids and teens age 13-21, there will be arts and crafts, food, music, and giveaways. RSVP to attend at this link.
June 8, 12:00 PM: Brooklyn Pride’s Main Stage offers an exciting lineup this year, with a wide range of genres and performances. Find the full lineup of up and coming artists here.
Queens
June 2, 12:00 PM: Celebrate your Pride at the 32nd Queens New York Pride Parade. The parade will start in Jackson Heights, and the multicultural festival will memorialize Jackson Heights resident Julio Rivera, whose murder sparked community activism. Learn more about Julio Rivera here, and find more details about the parade at the following link.
June 28, 7:00 PM: Join the New York Mets in celebrating pride at Citi Field. The first 15,000 fans to arrive will receive an exclusive Mets hat. Festivities will include a DJ, in-game entertainment, Mets merchandise, and themed cocktails. Tickets are available here.
The Bronx
June 18,7:00 PM: Join the New York Yankees in celebrating Pride Night. A portion of every ticket sold will go to The Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative. Purchase of a special event ticket includes a special edition hat, a hot dog, and your first drink of the game. More information is available here.
July 20, 11:00 AM: The 13th Annual Bronx Pride Fair will be held at the Crotona Park Amphitheater.
Staten Island
June 1, 12:00 PM: Celebrate pride with the Pride Center of Staten Island at the Snug Harbor Cultural Center. The event will feature live music, art, activities, food, and performers. More information is available here.
Long Island
June 9, 12:00-5:00 PM: Huntington Village will host the 34th Annual Pride Parade and Festival. The parade will end with a concert and festival. More information is available here.
July 1-July 7: Commemorate the Fire Island Invasion of 1976 by recreating the event with the New York LGBT community. A longtime landmark in LGBTQ+ history, Fire Island has served as a safe haven for members of the community to express themselves freely. In 1976, after a restaurant in Fire Island Pines denied entry to a visitor in drag, the visitor and their friends stormed into the Pines dressed in drag. More information about this year’s recreation is available here.
The Second Annual NYS Cannabis Festival will be held June 22, in Whitney Point’s Broome County Fairgrounds. The festival will offer visitors cannabis and craft beer vendors, camping space, and live music. On top of entertainment, the festival also serves as an educational event on the stigmatization of cannabis. This year’s event will place a focus on women in the cannabis, craft beer, and music industries.
This year’s NYS Cannabis Festival was spearheaded by both cannabis and craft beer connoisseurs. The festival features representatives from New York’s cannabis industry to educate guests on different strains. The festival, however, is a bring your own cannabis event, with no cannabis products being for sale. Despite this, guests can share and sample cannabis under 3 oz at the festival’s “Taster’s Row.”
In addition to cannabis, the festival will feature representation from New York’s craft beer industry. The Drink Like a Girl beer tent will offer guests local IPA tasting. Additionally, Drink Like a Girl and Beer Tree Brew will collaborate to make an exclusive festival brew for the event. The event will also feature a host of local craft vendors and food trucks for festival-goers to enjoy.
In addition to these vendors, the event will feature many opportunities for entertainment. Throughout the day, a number of local female musicians will play live sets on the festival’s main stage. Additionally, live DJ sets will take place throughout the festival. The 2023 edition featured local artists, including folk-pop artist Amanda Rogers, singer-songwriter Emily Angell, and soul group Caviar & Grits. Artists for the 2024 festival are still TBA. Entertainment goes beyond just music, with painting, glass blowing, yoga, and meditation activities taking place at the festival.
This year’s festival places a focus on public education, especially the destigmatization of cannabis. The festival will host eight “Bud Talks” by female experts in the field. Talks will discuss edible making, the relationship with the craft beer industry, medical cannabis and more.
The event will begin at 2:30 PM, June 22, and will last until 10 PM. While the event officially ends at 10, guests can stay the night at nearby campgrounds to keep the fun going. The festival’s organizers encourage camping nearby to accommodate safe consumption. In addition to affordable camping options, there will also be a limited number of glamping sites. The Cannabis festival is a 21+ event, with tickets required ahead of time. Tickets are currently on sale, starting at $39.
For more informations on ticketing and directions, visit the festival website here.
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.
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.
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.
The Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra will perform “Other Worlds”, featuring superheroes, fantasy, and Sci-Fi soundtracks, at the Broome County Forum Theatre in Binghamton on May 4.
The dazzling display of film and TV soundtracks from the best in fantasy and sci-fi, along with special musical appearances from the Marvel and DC cinematic universes will be led by Maestro Daniel Hege. Daniel is a Philharmonic who will play the scores of genre favorites like Game of Thrones, Lord of the Rings, and Avatar, as well as contemporary classics such as Wonder Woman and Black Panther.
The concert will be preceded by the unveiling of the Philharmonic’s new bass drum, which was designed by ErgoSonic Percussion. ErgoSonic President Ken Turner and Principal Percussionist Sam Lazzara will present this special drum, which is acoustically constructed to match the requirements of the orchestra, at 6:30 p.m. on the Forum stage. They will also dedicate it to the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra and the City of Binghamton.
The Philharmonic will be honoring first responders, as the Sponsored Nonprofit for the performance. With the kind assistance of IBM, the Philharmonic’s Community Engagement and Education Sponsor, will offer free tickets to members of the local police, fire, ambulance, and emergency medical technician departments as well as their families.
Tickets are $25 to $65. Kids 17 and under attend free. For more information, Fans can contact the Binghamton Philharmonic Box Office at 607-723-3931 or visit www.binghamtonphilharmonic.org.
The Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra, under the direction of Maestro Daniel Hege, is pleased to announce its 2024-2025 Season.
The season runs from September 2024 through May 2025 and includes the M&T Bank Symphonic Series, the Visions Federal Credit Union Pops Series, and the Garufi Law P.C. Phelps Mansion Museum Series.
Annie Jacobs-Perkins
The Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra is located in Broome County, Binghamton. It is the Southern Tier’s largest and longest-serving symphony orchestra, as well as Broome County’s only professional symphony orchestra. The organization is known for its extraordinary talents, and captivating shows that have kept the community in awe for decades.
The Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra is returning its series of anticipated, performances beginning in September. The season sees various acts and renditions from composers like Beethoven, Strauss, Mendelssohn, Mozart and more. Classical music is not the only genre included in the upcoming season. The events see the performances of hits from ABBA, Duke Ellington, Capathia Jenkins and others.
Capathia Jenkins
The M&T Bank Symphonic Series
September 28 at 7:30pm: “Restless Oceans,” featuring living composer Anna Clyne’s piece Restless Oceans; Richard Strauss’s Horn Concerto No. 1, with Binghamton Philharmonic Principal French Horn soloist Alex Shuhan; and Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6, the “Pastoral.”
November 16 at 7:30pm: “Thresholds,” a celebration of the 200th anniversary of Anton Bruckner’s birth with Bruckner’s Symphony No. 6, Felix Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture, and Threshold by living composer Hilary Purrington.
February 1 at 3:30pm: “Little Symphonies,” a program of Béla Bartók’s Roumanian Folk Dances; Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante, with Philharmonic Concertmaster Uli Speth and Principal Violist Victoria Miskolczy as soloists; living composer Quinn Mason’s Petite Symphonie; and Franz Schubert’s Symphony No. 5.
March 29 at 7pm: “In the Beginning,” will explore Einojuhani Rautavaara’s “In the Beginning,” Jan Sibelius’s Symphony No. 3, and Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3 with Binghamton Philharmonic favorite, pianist Andrew Russo as soloist.
The Visions Federal Credit Union Pops Series
October 26 at 7:30p: “Dancing Queen: The Music of ABBA,” a concert of ABBA’s greatest hits with orchestra, rock band, and vocalists.
December 7 at 3:30 pm: “Winter Wonderland,” featuring holiday favorites, along with the music of Mannheim Steamroller and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
March 1 at 7:30pm: “Pops at the Forum: A Tribute to the American Spirit,” celebrating the genius of American music with works by Duke Ellington, Florence Price, and John Phillip Sousa, along with excerpts from Richard Rogers’s South Pacific, and much more.
May 3 at 7:30pm: “She’s Got Soul,” bringing Broadway vocal powerhouse Capathia Jenkins to the Forum with the greatest hits of classic soul and R&B.
The Garufi Law P.C. Phelps Mansion Museum Series
November 24 at 3pm. Juilliard-based ensemble the Dolphins String Quartet, a Binghamton favorite, returns with an intimate Sunday afternoon concert.
January 12 at 3pm. The Intermezzo Trio gives a program of works for oboe, cello, and piano.
March 9 at 3pm: Acclaimed cellist Annie Jacobs-Perkins returns to Binghamton, with pianist Katelyn Vahala.
April 13 at 3pm. The Family Shuhan, a flute, French horn, and piano trio featuring Binghamton Philharmonic Principal French Horn Alex Shuhan and family.
For more information on the Binghamton Philharmonic’s upcoming season and to purchase tickets, click here.
On Saturday, April 6, the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra closed its 2023-2024 Symphonic Series with “Roman Holiday,” a thrilling program of music both from and about the sunny lands of the Mediterranean.
Carlos Perez, Ajen Lewis, Cassie Lee, Charlie Sobel, Joe Sobel
The evening opened with “Fandangos,” a piece by Cornell University-based composer Roberto Sierra that evoked Spanish dance forms of the eighteenth century, replete with bold, Andalusian-style trumpets and assertive percussion. Aided by the committed conducting of Maestro Daniel Hege, Sierra took the orchestra to extremes of speed, volume, and emotional impact. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s dazzling showpiece “Capriccio Italien” followed, with a martial chorus of brass and a seductive medley of folk tunes, played by the orchestra with shimmering lyricism.
The high point of the “Roman Holiday” concert, though, was Ottorino Respighi’s stunning “Pines of Rome,” an orchestral experience of the Eternal City and its iconic pine trees.
The Philharmonic was expanded to its largest size for this piece, with 75 musicians onstage and six more in the theater boxes overlooking the audience – trumpets and trombones that Respighi meant to invoke Roman legions marching on the Appian Way. As always with this ensemble, the woodwinds shone, with stand-out solos from flutist Karen Bogardus, clarinetist Paul Wongjin Cho, oboist John Lathwell, and bassoonist Melissa Kritzer; hornist Alex Shuhan and trumpeter Frank Campos also provided dazzling moments.
Mikhail Shlyuger, Margaret Heath, Nina Heath-Shlyuger
Maestro Hege led the orchestra with his trademark elegance and expressiveness, infusing Respighi’s astonishing work with lyrically shaped phrases and passionate crescendos that stirred the soul.
A standing ovation and many bows for Hege and the orchestra were proof of the power of this music and of the great skill of the Binghamton Philharmonic.
Just eleven days after the release of their fifth studio album, Hoist, Phish arrived in Binghamton for a show at Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena, just down the road from the Broome County Forum. The show quickly became known among fans for a funk-filled soundcheck, as well as creative placement of “Little Drummer Boy” throughout the second set.
Students from colleges across the state – Cornell, Syracuse, Albany and Binghamton among them – headed down to Binghamton on this evening, making for a lively lot scene. The marquee reportedly read “Reba McEntire” with “Phish – Sold Out” below it, perhaps the muse for “Reba” showing up in the second set this evening.
The soundcheck of “Makisupa Policeman” was indeed funky, although a full recording has yet to surface. All that we have so far is the clip below.
A reported “really difficult ticket,” Binghamton is no stranger to great Phish shows, with an early show at Campus Pub in 1988 and two shows at Broome County Forum in 1992. This 1994 show would unknowingly be the band’s penultimate show in The Parlor City, with only the notable December 14, 1995 show following, leaving Binghamton Phish-less for nearly 30 years – aside from two Trey Anastasio Band shows in 1999 and 2014.
A venue upgrade, this would be Phish’s first show at Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena, a minor league hockey arena, just down the road from the Forum. Opening up with “Magilla” for the first time, the GA show would hold a few songs that are ‘jamcharts‘ worthy, as well as some fun with “Little Drummer Boy” during the second set.
A pre-chant version of “Wilson” would follow this horns-less “Magilla,” a unique listen now after nearly three decades of fans chanting “Willllll-son” with each intro guitar riff. “Rift” would be met with great cheers in a typical early Set 1 slot, doubling as the title of the band’s prior album to Hoist.
“Bathtub Gin” would feature notable improv, giving way to “Nellie Kane” and the first track of the night off Hoist, a ripping “Julius,” also the first track on Hoist. “Fee” featured a piano outro from Page McConnell that bridged the way into the now ultra rare “All Things Reconsidered,” last played in 1997 and deserving of a return to the Phish rotation. The “Stash” that would follow is not one to sleep on, featuring ‘a gnarly and heavy-duty power rocking jam’ that paved the way for “The Squirming Coil” and set break.
Set two would open with another Hoist track, “Sample in a Jar,” to a brief crowd reaction. A hefty “Reba” that is well executed gives way to the Frank Zappa composition “Peaches en Regalia,” pairing Zappa-esque with a true Zappa tune, with an ending that featured a tease of “Little Drummer Boy” before shifting into the now-retired “Big Ball Jam.”
The debut of “Demand” would follow, and while a “Split Open and Melt” jam akin to the Hoist version was not paired with the short song, it did serve as a perfect bridge to “Mike’s Song.” This version of “Mike’s” finds Trey Anastasio using his pedals to create other-worldly sounds that are at times menacing and metallic, accented by LD Chris Kuroda’s strobes flashing through on-stage fog. A breather would be needed in the “I am Hydrogen” that followed, particularly because “Weekapaug Groove” would be chock full of teases – “Little Drummer Boy,” a latter portion of “Divided Sky” and even “Dave’s Energy Guide.”
Closing out this fun filled set were a calming “Tela,” “Slave to the Traffic Light” which featured a serene build and an outstanding peak, capped off by a well placed “Cavern.” For an encore, the band would start without microphones for an acapella rendition of “Amazing Grace,” followed by “Highway to Hell” – likely not exactly what the fans in the front row were looking for when they were chanting for “AC/DC Bag,” but a heck of a cover to drop on fans just as the show was coming to a close.
Listen to the show from Binghamton here (second set SBD). Phish would head west the next night to perform at Alumni Arena at SUNY Buffalo – stream that show here.
Set 1: Magilla, Wilson > Rift, Bathtub Gin > Nellie Kane > Julius, Fee -> All Things Reconsidered, Stash, The Squirming Coil Set 2: Sample in a Jar, Reba, Peaches en Regalia > Big Ball Jam, Demand[1] > Mike’s Song > I Am Hydrogen > Weekapaug Groove[2], Tela > Slave to the Traffic Light, Cavern Encore: Amazing Grace, Highway to Hell [1] Debut [2] Vocal jam
The Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra has announced a “Roman Holiday” concert at the Broome County Forum Theatre in Binghamton on April 6.
On Saturday, April 6, 2024 at 7:30pm, the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra will presents the final concert of its 2023-2024 M&T Symphonic Series with “Roman Holiday,” a crowd-pleasing program exploring musical depictions of the countries of the Mediterranean.
Led by Maestro Daniel Hege, the Philharmonic will perform Tchaikovsky’s brilliant showpiece Capriccio Italien; “Fandangos,” by living Puerto Rican composer and Cornell professor Roberto Sierra, bringing a distinctly Latin-American twist to 18th-century Spanish dances; and Ottorino Respighi’s uplifting and atmospheric The Pines of Rome, a symphonic tone poem that takes audiences on a sonic tour of the Eternal City.
In addition, the orchestra will also be presenting two free community events in conjunction with “Roman Holiday”. On April 4, Forum Theatre will host a Family Symphony Session, “Fandango!” a free family-friendly chat about how European, African, and Indigenous traditions joined to create Caribbean music. And on April 6, the Forum Theatre will host a Pre-concert chat, “Music and Politics: The Case of Ottorino Respighi,” with Dr. Julia Grella O’Connell, Director of Education and Community Engagement.
The Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra was established in 1955 at the Binghamton Symphony and Choral Society by Fritz and Marianne Wallenberg. It later merged with the B.C. Pops, an orchestra established by Russell Hawkes and David Agard, and now hosts an annual series of chamber, classical, and pop music concerts in Downtown Binghamton and throughout Broome County. The Philharmonic’s professional musicians are from the Southern Tier, New York City, and the surrounding states. They are represented by Local 380 of the American Federation of Musicians. In 2018, Maestro Daniel Hege was named their Music Director.
Tickets are $25 to $65, while kids 17 and under attend free. For more information, fans can contact the Binghamton Philharmonic Box Office at 607-723-3931 or visit www.binghamtonphilharmonic.org.
