Empire State Youth Orchestra (ESYO) is set to present an inspiring lineup of performances this March, showcasing the power of collaboration, artistic exchange, and the exceptional musicianship of its young performers.
From the beloved Playathon at Crossgates Mall to a jazz exchange concert with the Worcester Youth Jazz Orchestra and side-by-side symphonic concerts with RPI‘s Rensselaer Orchestra, ESYO is fostering opportunities for young musicians to learn, grow, and create together.
A throughline of these events is the season theme of FLOW, highlighting the seamless exchange of ideas, the dynamic energy of live performance, and the way music connects performers and audiences alike.
Playathon Fundraiser at Crossgates Mall – March 15
ESYO’s annual Playathon returns to Crossgates Mall on Saturday, March 15, from 10:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. This free, day-long fundraising event showcases all ESYO ensembles, providing the community with a unique opportunity to experience the passion and dedication of its young musicians. Audiences can enjoy performances spanning classical, jazz, and percussion while stepping on the conductor’s podium for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Funds will support musician scholarships and enrichment opportunities.
The event will also feature an instrument “petting zoo” hosted by John Keal Music, where attendees can explore various instruments, guided by members of ESYO’s Young Leaders Program.
Youth Jazz Orchestra Exchange Concert – March 22
On Saturday, March 22, at 7:00 p.m. at Proctors GE Theatre, ESYO’s Youth Jazz Orchestra, conducted by Peter Bellino, will host the Worcester Youth Jazz Orchestra, directed by Dan Gabel, for a thrilling jazz exchange concert. This partnership follows ESYO’s visit to Mechanics Hall in Worcester, MA, this past November, where Worcester hosted ESYO’s musicians. Now, ESYO is honored to welcome Worcester’s jazz musicians to share the stage once again in a high-energy evening of side-by-side performances.
“Music has the unique power to connect, inspire, and elevate young musicians. Collaborations like these give our students the opportunity to not only grow as musicians but also to experience firsthand how music transcends geographic and cultural boundaries.”
– Rebecca Calos, ESYO Executive Director
Fluid Realities – Side-by-Side Concerts with Rensselaer Orchestra – March 30 and April 5
ESYO’s Symphony Orchestra and RPI’s Rensselaer Orchestra will join forces for their second annual side-by-side concerts, titled Fluid Realities. This powerful collaboration will feature a performance of Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique, bringing together student musicians from both institutions for an extraordinary symphonic experience. Additionally, the combined orchestra will perform Samy Moussa’s Elysium, a work that hovers between stillness and motion, structure and transcendence. Its resonant sound world embodies Fluid Realities, blurring the line between the earthly and the ethereal, reshaping perception and time.
The March 30 concert will also feature ESYO’s 2025 Lois Lyman Concerto Competition winner, Abi Norsworthy, performing Schumann’s Cello Concerto in A Minor.
These concerts not only highlight the incredible dedication of ESYO’s young musicians but also demonstrate the power of collaboration in shaping the next generation of artists.
For more information on these events, click here.
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