The renowned Beatles show “Classical Mystery Tour: A Tribute to The Beatles” is coming to Schenectady with the Schenectady Saratoga Symphony Orchestra on Feb. 2.
The concert features 24 Beatles songs performed exactly how they were originally recorded. Audience members will experience “Penny Lane” with the fiery trumpet section and “Yesterday” complemented by strings and the acoustic guitar. The band and orchestra meet on the MainStage at Proctors, a historical theater in Schenectady’s downtown area.
Classical Mystery Tour is made up of four band members, Jim Owen on rhythm guitar, piano, and vocals; Tony Kishman on bass guitar, piano, and vocals; Tom Teeley on lead guitar and vocals; and Chris Camilleri on drums and vocals. They are nearly identical to the Beatles. Both their physical appearance and voices match the legendary band.
In over 22 years, the show has traveled to the U.S., Canada, Europe, Asia, and Australia and has performed with over 100 orchestras. Their very first performance was with the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Orange County California in 1996. Now fans in Upstate New York can experience the closest thing to seeing the Beatles live. To buy tickets, you can visit the Proctors box office or go to the Schenectady Saratoga Symphony Orchestra website here.
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.
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.
The Schenectady-Saratoga Symphony Orchestra have announced it is time for “Animaniacs- IN CONCERT.” The show takes place February 24, 8pm, at MainStage at Proctors.
Animaniacs is an iconic, animated, Warner Bros series from the early 90s. The show includes the classic, energetic hits of the show’s soundtrack coupled with the wonderful, majestic talent of the Schenectady-Saratoga Symphony Orchestra.
This tour stop of Animaniacs: In Concert stars the show’s original Emmy-Winning composer, Randy Rogel, on piano and the voice talents of Emmy winner Rob Paulsen.
Fans of all ages will experience “Animaniacs” like never before-especially those who grew up watching the series. The show is for adults and kids alike.
Voice Actor Rob Paulsen
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit AtProctors.org.