This summer, the Albany Symphony is celebrating the Erie Canal’s 200th anniversary by taking classical music on the road and into the heart of New York’s canal towns.
From July 2-6, the Water Music NY: More Voices Festival will bring live outdoor performances, local stories, and brand new music to five historic communities, all for free.
The orchestra will perform nightly in Medina, Utica, Seneca Falls, Fort Plain, and Schuylerville. Each stop features a world premiere by a different composer who worked directly with people in the community to bring their voices into the music. The music reflects what makes each town unique.
The project is led by Albany Symphony music director David Alan Miller, who won a Grammy for his work with the orchestra. He said this tour is about more than performing. It is about connection. “We have engaged five brilliant composers who have immersed themselves in five gorgeous canal communities and have created visionary new works for our orchestra and community collaborators exploring the vibrant history and culture of our great state.”
Each day kicks off around one in the afternoon with food trucks, art, family activities, and performances by local artists. The full orchestra takes the stage at eight in the evening, with a different guest composer joining them each night. Get more information at Albany Symphony.
July 2 – Medina: Clarice Assad blends nature and local stories at State Street Park.
July 3 – Utica: Christian Quiñones fuses classical and electronic sounds at FT Proctor Park.
July 4 – Seneca Falls: Tanner Porter leads choirs and students in a women’s rights tribute at People’s Park.
July 5 – Fort Plain: Dawn Avery shares Indigenous songs with Native youth at Wiles Park.
July 6 – Schuylerville: Daniel Bernard Roumain closes with community violinists at Fort Hardy Park.
Learn more about New York’s free summer concerts here at NYS Music.
Catch a quick teaser below to get a sense of what this concert series has to offer:
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