The Albany Symphony has announced Water Music NY: More Voices Festival, a five-day festival and concert series celebrating the bicentennial of the opening of the Erie Canal.
On July 2-6, the Water Music NY: More Voices Festival will bring free concerts, outdoor festivities and cultural variety to five canalside communities.
The concert series will feature the Albany Symphony, who will perform never before heard compositions honoring the unique culture of each of the five canalside communities, which include Medina, Seneca Falls, Utica, Fort Plain and Schuylerville. The compositions will explore various themes, such as nature, food and home. Cultural cornerstones such as the stories of women on the Waterways, Indigenous heritage and the experience of enslaved people who fought for freedom on the Underground Railroad will also be explored through this unique musical experience.
“In anticipation of the Erie Canal’s momentous bicentennial season, we have engaged five brilliant composers who have immersed themselves in five gorgeous canalside communities and have created visionary new works for our orchestra and community collaborators exploring the vibrant history and culture of our great state,” said Albany Symphony Music Director David Alan Miller. “We cannot wait to celebrate with thousands of residents and visitors at free daylong festivals that include delicious food, fun outdoor activities, historical explorations, and family-friendly arts, culminating in fabulous orchestra concerts featuring these dazzling new works.
The first festival will be held in Medina at the Median Canal Basin on July 2, where the Albany Symphony will perform the centerpiece composition that was created in part with world-renowned Brazilian American composer Clarice Assad. This day-long event celebrates the bicentennial of the Erie Canal and honors the waters that have bridged diverse communities through local foods, arts and music. Other festivities featured throughout the day include face painting, wildlife displays and performances from popular local bands.
The next festival event will be held on July 3 at the newly reopened Harbor Point in Utica, the festival will celebrate the contributions of immigrant and refugee communities that have transformed Utica into the warm and friendly city it is today. Puerto-Rican born composer Christian Quiñones will share a commissioned work for orchestra and narrators which details the story of Utica’s diverse communities in a blend of music, food and experiences. A variety of cuisines will be available for all to join, from Bosnian to Lebanese to Dominican.
The Water Music NY: More Voices Festival travels to Canal Harbor Southside at Seneca Falls on July 4. Composer Tanner Porter will perform a new composition that was created in collaboration with the Seneca Falls community. This composition highlights the extraordinary history of the area as a pillar of the Women’s Rights movement in America and explores the stories of women who have lived and worked along the Erie Canalway. Other festivities throughout the day include a jazz hour, artisanal foods and beverages and performances from local talents.
On July 5, the festival will feature composer-cellist Dawn Avery as the centerpiece in Fort Plain at Lock E-15 Fort Plain. As an individual of Mohawk heritage herself, Avery collaborated with prominent Indigenous creators to celebrate and inspire the richness of traditional song, dance and storytelling. The traditional Mohawk Water Song will be performed by the Albany Symphony during the festival as part of the day-long celebration of Indigenous history which also includes a Water Dance Workshop, handmade crafts and jewelry and arts activities.
The Water Music NY: More Voices Festival rounds out on July 6 at Hudson Crossing Park in Schuylerville. The festival will celebrate the multi-layered history of Washington and Saratoga Counties and the experiences of Black Americans. A free orchestra concert will perform the world-premiere composition by Daniel Bernard Roumain, inspired by the life and legacy of Solomon Northup; author of Twelve Years a Slave and prominent abolitionist speaker. This performance is uniquely interactive, encouraging attendees to pick up a violin and join in the symphony. Other highlight activities include bird walks, farm animals and live chainsaw art, with performances from violinists and country fiddlers throughout the day.
For more information on the Water Music NY: More Voices 2025 Festival, visit here.
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