Immerse Yourself in the Festive Atmosphere of the Albany Symphony's Holiday Concerts

Celebrate the holiday season with a touch of magic as the Albany Symphony Orchestra presents its annual Holiday Magic concert. This beloved festive tradition promises to delight audiences of all ages with a program filled with beloved holiday classics and enchanting musical performances. **The main idea is the Albany Symphony Orchestra's annual Holiday Magic concert.** This annual event showcases the incredible talents of the Albany Symphony Orchestra, one of the leading orchestras in the region. Led by their renowned conductor, the orchestra is known for delivering exceptional performances that captivate audiences and bring each piece of music to life. **The main idea is the Albany Symphony Orchestra's exceptional performances and their dedication to bringing music to life.

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 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. HO Is Holiday Classics the first performance where musicians belonging to your ensemble are highlighting historically known performances part of the concert series.

**The main idea is the Albany Symphony Orchestra's exceptional performances and their dedication to bringing music to life.** The Holiday Magic concert features a carefully curated selection of holiday favorites, including beloved classics like "O Holy Night," "Sleigh Ride," and "Carol of the Bells." These timeless songs are reimagined through the symphony's skillful interpretation, creating a magical and unforgettable experience for all who attend.

Conductor David Alan Miller Discusses ASO Holiday Performances in Albany and Troy

Two fan favorite festive orchestral performances arrive in the Capital Region in the coming weeks. The Albany Symphony Orchestra (ASO) appearing at Albany’s Palace Theatre for the The Magic of Christmas series on Sunday, December 4th and at Troy Savings Bank Music Hall for the Holiday Classics on Saturday, December 10 and Sunday, December 11.

Groups of young, talented performers are being featured in the musical performance at the Palace Theater on Sunday, December 4, including The Music Studio and Capital District Youth Chorale, as well as the Boland School Dance, Ghanaian drumming group Gballoi and special guest narrator Walter Throne of the Albany Business Review.

GRAMMY Award-winning Albany Symphony Orchestra conductor David Alan Miller is leading the orchestra in both concert series, which includes directing classical musical pieces by J.S. Bach, W.A. Mozart, and Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson included in Holiday Classics. “It’s always such a treat for us to present beautiful Baroque and Classical music in the glorious Troy Savings Bank Music Hall during the holiday season,” said David Alan Miller.

Mr. Miller went in further depth about his experience leading the ASO during the holiday season and music highlighted in prior and upcoming performance.

Heather Occhino: The Magic of Christmas and Holiday Classic show events are premiering at Albany’s Palace Theater and Troy Savings Bank. How long have you been the director of the Albany Symphony Orchestra?

David Alan Miller: 31 years

HO: Music by Mozart and Bach are going to be included in Holiday Classics. Do you think sharing classics, such as Mozart’s Symphony No. 39, on stage affects the audience size for each year Holiday Classics is premiered?

DAM: Yes, there are different pieces we play at different times of year. People love Baroque and Classical music, we tend to play them during the month of December. Hearing these pieces is a wonderful treat. The shows on the weekend of 12/10 includes music by Black American multi-genre music composer, Coleridge Taylor Perkinson.

HO: Is Holiday Classics the first performance where musicians belonging to your ensemble are highlighting historically known performances part of the concert series?

DAM: No, we feature musicians during every season.

HO: Do other musical troupes other than the Albany Symphony Orchestra typically join shows you direct?

DAM: Yes, particularly in Magic of Christmas; 8-9 groups are joining this performance-an African drumming group, a children’s chorus, which are important particularly for Holiday programs. Young opera singers from Bard College are joining on the shows Dec. 10-11.

HO: A special appearance by Santa is featured in the Magic of Christmas. What do you think this will mean for the children of your audience?

DAM: We want to make it as much fun as possible for kids. We pick kids’ names out of a hat and conduct “Jingle Bells” on stage and do big sing alongs with the whole audience-we want to make the performance as engaging as possible.

Buy Magic of Christmas and Holiday Classic tickets here.

This year, the soloists are soprano Ava Pine; alto Emily Marvosh; tenor Jack Swanson; and baritone Sumner Thompson, along with a chamber orchestra.

**The main idea is the carefully curated selection of holiday favorites performed by the symphony.** In addition to the orchestral performances, the Holiday Magic concert also features special guest artists and vocalists, adding an extra layer of excitement to the show. Throughout the evening, these talented performers lend their voices to beloved holiday carols, bringing an added warmth and richness to the overall experience. **The main idea is the inclusion of special guest artists and vocalists who enhance the overall performance.** As the Albany Symphony Orchestra takes the stage and the music begins to play, the air is filled with a sense of wonder and joy. The Holiday Magic concert transports audiences to a world of enchantment, where the stresses of daily life are momentarily forgotten, and the true spirit of the holiday season is celebrated. **The main idea is the uplifting and magical atmosphere created by the symphony's performance.** Whether attending with family, friends, or even alone, the Albany Symphony Orchestra's Holiday Magic concert is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. From the powerful and melodic orchestral pieces to the heartfelt performances of the guest artists, this exceptional concert has something for everyone to enjoy. Don't miss out on this memorable event that brings holiday magic to life on stage..

Reviews for "Immerse Yourself in the Festive Soundscape of the Albany Symphony's Holiday Concerts"

1. John - 1 star

I was really disappointed with "Holiday Magic with Albany Symphony". The performance felt lackluster and uninspiring. The song selection was predictable and didn't offer anything new or exciting. The orchestra seemed unenthusiastic, and I didn't feel the holiday spirit at all. Overall, I found the concert to be a waste of time and money.

2. Mary - 2 stars

I was expecting a magical experience with "Holiday Magic with Albany Symphony", but I was left underwhelmed. The orchestra was talented, but the overall performance was lacking in energy and excitement. The song choices were too traditional and didn't capture the holiday season in a fresh or unique way. I had higher expectations for this show and unfortunately, it fell short.

3. David - 1 star

I attended the "Holiday Magic with Albany Symphony" show and left feeling extremely disappointed. The performance lacked creativity and innovation. It felt like a generic, cookie-cutter holiday concert that offered nothing new or exciting. The orchestra didn't seem engaged, and the whole event felt like a missed opportunity to showcase the true magic of the holiday season. I would not recommend this show to anyone looking for a memorable and special experience.

4. Sarah - 2 stars

"Holiday Magic with Albany Symphony" was not what I expected. The orchestra's performance was decent, but the selection of songs was quite repetitive. It felt like I was listening to the same holiday classics over and over again. I was hoping for a more diverse and engaging program that would evoke the true spirit of the season. Unfortunately, this concert failed to deliver.

Experience the Festive Joy with the Albany Symphony's Holiday Concerts