Albany Symphony

The Albany Symphony is a distinguished American orchestra with a rich history and a commitment to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion within its community. Founded in 1930 by Professor John F. Carabella, a pupil of the renowned composer Pietro Mascagni, the orchestra began as the People's Orchestra of Albany during the Great Depression. Despite the economic challenges of the era, Carabella's vision was to provide solace and hope through the power of music, initiating the orchestra with 24 dedicated musicians. Over the years, the Albany Symphony has been under the leadership of several notable music directors, including Rudolf Thomas, Ole Windingstad, Edgar Curtis, Julius Hegyi, and Geoffrey Simon. In 1992, David Alan Miller, a former Associate Conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, took the helm as Music Director, ushering in a period of significant growth and success for the ensemble. The Albany Symphony has earned a reputation for its innovative programming and dedication to contemporary works, particularly those by living American composers. This commitment has been recognized with numerous ASCAP Awards for Adventurous Programming, totaling 26, including the prestigious John S. Edwards Award for Strongest Commitment to New American Music in 2013 and 2014. In recent years, the orchestra has achieved notable milestones, including an invitation to participate in the inaugural season of Spring for Music in 2011, a festival at Carnegie Hall celebrating innovative American orchestras. The Albany Symphony returned to the festival in 2013, marking its second appearance. Additionally, the orchestra's recording of John Corigliano's "Conjurer" won a GRAMMY Award in 2014. The Albany Symphony's dedication to community engagement is evident through its various initiatives, such as the Convergence Initiative, educational programs for children and schools like Symphony Kids, and the fostering of new talent through the Composers Workshop. The orchestra also celebrates cultural heritage, as seen in its recognition of Black History Month. In 2018, the Albany Symphony made its debut at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts as part of the SHIFT Festival, a significant national event co-presented by the Kennedy Center and Washington Performing Arts. The festival showcased the orchestra's theme, "The River Flows Through Us," emphasizing the role of water in connecting communities and its influence on art and culture. The SHIFT project included full orchestra performances, a launch event in Albany, and showcases of educational residency programs. The Albany Symphony continues to thrive under the guidance of its Music Director, a dedicated Board of Directors, and an administrative staff committed to its mission. With a diverse range of concerts, events, and educational outreach programs, the orchestra remains a pillar of the New York Capital Region's cultural landscape, inspiring audiences and nurturing a love for music across generations.