For fans of classical music and supporters of the arts, the Albany Symphony Orchestra is happy to present the 2025 American Music Festival this summer, commemorating the 200th anniversary of the Erie Canal. The two time Grammy winning orchestra will perform pieces by some of the most famous composers of our time, new and old.
Taking place June 4 to June 8, The festival will be held at locations throughout Troy and Albany, including the EMPAC Concert Hall on the RPI campus. The festival will also be offering free events such as performances and open rehearsals. Challenging the borders of genre, the orchestra will perform not only classical pieces, but pop and alternative covers as well.
This year’s event is especially important, as the national art funding cuts are becoming more and more prevalent. In a show of strength and resilience, The organizers seek to make this year’s festival the greatest one yet, with a breaking record attendance. Supporting
The Albany Symphony Orchestra is renowned in the States for their creative and innovative performances, having received numerous Grammy nominations and ASCAP awards. Founded in 1930 and led by Music Director David Alan Miller, the symphony serves as an ambassador for new music and classical education for youths.
Beginning June 4, the festival kicks off with a free outdoor performance by Third Coast Percussion at Jennings Landing in Albany. June 5 consists of a free open rehearsal, followed by a concert and the Summer Soirees on June 6. The last free event will take place June 7 at St Paul’s Episcopal Church in Troy. Last but not least, the festival will have its grand finale Sunday June 8 held at the Experimental Media & Performance Art Center(EMPAC), beginning at 7:30pm.
The night will begin with “Beyond Anthropocene”, a work by Bobby Ge that discusses the themes of humans working in balance with nature and the necessary steps towards reversing pollution. Following this, is “Play!” a concerto by Clarice Assad that offers a mixed array of emotions through actors, musicians, and athletes. There will also feature a work by Sophia Jani, “What Do Flowers Do At Night?”, inspired by a cactus flower that blooms only one night out of the year. Lastly, “Indigo Heaven” by Christopher Theofanidis enchants the audience with music inspired by Mark Warren’s post civil war era novel by the same title.
The night ends with a post concert performance by vocalists Britt Hewitt and Devony Smith at Evelyn’s Café at EMPAC. The performance will include jazz favorites, contemporary classics, and original compositions.
The American Music Festival is perfect for music lovers in the Albany area, and an excellent way to start off the summer. Join the Albany Symphony Orchestra as they launch their journey along the Eerie Canal For more information on the festival events, visit here. For ticket information, visit here.
American Music Festival 2025 Concerts, Programming and Events
JUNE 4: West Coast Percussion: Jennings Landing, Albany, 5:00PM
JUNE 5: Open Rehearsal: EMPAC Concert Hall, Troy, 7:00PM
JUNE 6: Dogs of Desire + Summer Soiree: EMPAC Theatre, 6:00PM
JUNE 7: More Voices Showcase: St Paul’s Episcopal Church, Troy, 11:00AM
American Music Festival (Season Finale): EMPAC Concert Hall, 7:30PM (Pre-Concert Talk at 6:00PM)
Late Night Lounge: Studio 1, EMPAC, 9:30PM
JUNE 8: First Draughts Reading Session and Beer Tasting, Bush Memorial Hall, Troy, 4:00PM
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