The Albany Symphony Magic of Christmas is a spectacular annual musical event that fills the hearts of both young and old with the joy and wonder of the holiday season. This enchanting performance by the Albany Symphony Orchestra brings together the magic of music, the beauty of dance, and the warmth of holiday cheer. The concert features a meticulously crafted program that includes beloved holiday classics, such as "The Nutcracker Suite" by Tchaikovsky and "Sleigh Ride" by Leroy Anderson. The orchestra's talented musicians bring these timeless compositions to life, filling the air with swirling melodies and evocative harmonies that transport the audience to a winter wonderland. One of the highlights of the Albany Symphony Magic of Christmas is the inclusion of captivating dance performances. The dancers gracefully glide across the stage, adding a visual element to the performance that complements the music perfectly.
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Please note The term Palace Theatre Albany and or Albany Symphony Orchestra - Magic Of Christmas as well as all associated graphics, logos, and or other trademarks, tradenames or copyrights are the property of the Palace Theatre Albany and or Albany Symphony Orchestra - Magic Of Christmas and are used herein for factual descriptive purposes only. The Music Company Orchestra is a 60-piece community orchestra conducted by Gerald Lanoue that was founded 40 years ago and whose members come from a wide range of occupations with many now retired.
The dancers gracefully glide across the stage, adding a visual element to the performance that complements the music perfectly. Their choreography and movements are intricately designed to capture the festive spirit of the season, creating an immersive experience for the audience. In addition to the musical and dance performances, the Albany Symphony Magic of Christmas also features guest appearances by renowned soloists.
Holiday concerts pouring in
Dancers from Boland School of Irish Dance perform with the Albany Symphony Orchestra in last year's "Magic of Christmas" show.
Celebrating the holidays starts early this year for many musical organizations. Unfortunately, most of them will have concerts on the same day. So, unless you’re a fan of a specific group, it might be the toss of a coin that decides which concert to attend.
* The Albany Symphony Orchestra has been getting into the business of holiday fare for only a few years, but now its “Magic of Christmas” show has become a tradition that music director David Alan Miller said he loves to perform.
This year, returning guests include the Boland School of Irish Dance, the Capital District Youth Chorale, the World of Dance Tappers and the Music Studio. New this season are the Empire State Youth Orchestra’s percussion ensemble and three ballet dancers from Libertina Dance Company of Glens Falls.
Sunday at 3 p.m., Palace Theatre, Albany. $40, $25, kids 12 and under are half price. 465-4755; www.albanysymphony.com
* Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys under director Woodrow Bynum annually presents Handel’s “Messiah” and always packs in a crowd.
This year, the soloists are soprano Ava Pine; alto Emily Marvosh; tenor Jack Swanson; and baritone Sumner Thompson, along with a chamber orchestra.
Tuesday at 7 p.m. Cathedral of All Saints, 62 South Swan St., Albany. $40-$20; $15, children 12 and under $10. 465-1342; www.thecathedralofallsaints.org
* The Glens Falls Symphony Orchestra under music director Charles Peltz has long favored giving its annual holiday concert a special flavor.
This year, its “New World Christmas” will feature its own Glens Falls Symphony Children’s Chorus in songs that reflect the varied musical traditions of the early American settlers.
Sunday at 4 p.m. Glens Falls High School, 10 Quade St., Glens Falls. $30, $25. 793-1348; www.theglensfallssymphony.org
* For almost 80 years, the Mohawk Valley Chorus has been entertaining local audiences. And, at the holiday season, it has traditionally visited three communities to spread the cheer.
This year, the chorus will sing in Scotia, Johnstown and Amsterdam and will bring the MVC Kids. There will also be a new face at the piano. Bradley Gregg, who sang with MVC years ago and is now a music teacher in the Galway Central School system, succeeds Al Fedak, who resigned after eight years.
Friday at 8 p.m. at Scotia’s Reformed Church; Saturday at 7 p.m. at the Johnstown High School; Sunday at 3 p.m. at United Presbyterian Church in Amsterdam. $12, $9, children 12 and under, free. 885-9231; www.mohawkvalleychorus.org
* The Music Company Orchestra is a 60-piece community orchestra conducted by Gerald Lanoue that was founded 40 years ago and whose members come from a wide range of occupations with many now retired. Their special focus is a light classical and pops repertoire for people in area retirement centers or nursing homes.
But holiday fare, which includes sing-alongs, is just the thing to spread the cheer to everyone. This season, three holiday concerts are scheduled (the first was last Tuesday): Sunday at 4 p.m. at Niskayuna Reformed Church, 3041 Troy-Schenectady Road and Sunday, Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 231 Second St., Scotia. All concerts are free. 381-6391; www.mcomusic.org
* The Thursday Musical Club has given women a reason to get together and sing for 101 years. Under director Julie Panke, the women have gone from singing light classical and pop tunes to a challenging varied repertoire that extends even to the group’s annual holiday concert.
This season, the 40 women will tackle works by Johann Vierdanck, J.S. Bach, Healey Willan, Ola Gjello, Jester Hairston and Irving Berlin. The Thursday Belles, the group’s bell-ringing ensemble, and pianist/organist Elinore Farnum will accompany.
Saturday at 2:30 p.m. First Reformed Church, 8 N. Church St., Schenectady. $15. 370-5434; www.tmcsingers.org.
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These talented singers and instrumentalists bring their own unique flair to the concert, sharing their extraordinary talents with the audience and captivating them with their performances. But the true magic of the Albany Symphony Magic of Christmas lies in the atmosphere it creates. The concert hall is adorned with festive decorations, and the audience is encouraged to participate in sing-alongs and other interactive moments throughout the performance. There is a sense of joy and togetherness that fills the air, as families and friends come together to celebrate the holiday season through the power of music. Each year, the Albany Symphony Magic of Christmas surpasses expectations and leaves a lasting impression on all who attend. It has become a cherished tradition for many in the community, and a source of inspiration and joy for all. In conclusion, the Albany Symphony Magic of Christmas is a truly magical experience that combines the beauty of music, dance, and holiday cheer. It evokes a sense of wonder and nostalgia, bringing people together to celebrate the joy and spirit of the holiday season. It is an event that captivates audiences year after year, reminding us of the magic that lies within the power of music and the joy that can be found in the simple act of coming together to celebrate..
Reviews for "A Holiday Symphony: Albany Symphony's Magical Christmas Journey"
1. John - 2 stars - I attended the Albany Symphony Magic of Christmas concert and I have to say I was quite disappointed. The performance lacked energy and enthusiasm from the musicians, making it feel very lackluster. The song selection was also not very appealing, with a majority of obscure holiday tunes that most people probably haven't heard of. Overall, it just didn't capture the festive and magical spirit of Christmas that I was expecting.
2. Sarah - 1 star - I had high hopes for the Albany Symphony Magic of Christmas show, but it fell flat for me. The orchestra seemed out of sync and there were several mistimed cues throughout the performance. The guest vocalists were also underwhelming, with weak and off-key singing that detracted from the overall experience. The production value was low, with minimal stage decorations and lack of holiday ambiance. It was a disappointing way to kick off the holiday season.
3. Mike - 2 stars - The Albany Symphony Magic of Christmas concert was a letdown. The conductor seemed unenthusiastic and it reflected in the performance. The pacing was off, with some songs dragging on for too long and others feeling rushed. The sound quality was also poor, with muffled and distorted audio throughout the entire show. The lack of attention to detail and overall lackluster performance left me feeling unimpressed and unsatisfied.