Kick off 2021 on a high note! The Capital Region performing arts community is keeping audiences entertained at home with live-streamed concerts, digital shows and a variety of virtual offerings. If you are able, consider donating to these organizations to help the local performing arts community bounce back from these tough and unprecedented times. Scroll on for the details on virtual offerings and where to donate.
Albany Symphony Orchestra
Last Fall, the Albany Symphony unveiled its reimagined 2020-2021 season with a Virtual Concert Hall. With social distancing protocols in place, the concerts are performed by Albany Symphony musicians and conducted by Music Director David Alan Miller on Capital Region stages. Tune into the concerts virtually through a digital stream in the comfort and safety of your own home! Tchaikovsky Serenade, the most recent virtual concert, is available for all to watch for free with the password JESSIE0109 (all caps).
Capital Repertory Theatre
Searching for a family-friendly activity? The Neighbors for Neighbors program at theREP and the Virtual Student Matinee Program at the Proctors Collaborative School of the Performing Arts has a six-episode virtual Story Hour series. Geared towards kids in elementary school, each hour-long episode contains two stories, read by professional actress and elementary school teacher Barbara Howard, and includes accompanying activities. The stories are rich with content on culture and diversity by and about the BIPOC community.
Capital Repertory Theatre also recently launched "Behind The Scenes," a new virtual series highlighting the Capital Region arts scene and beyond. Tune into the episodes at this link to learn about what actors, artists, and designers are doing to maintain and work on their craft during these difficult times.
Musicians of Ma’alywck
Throughout the past year, local chamber ensemble Musicians of Ma'alywck have live streamed performances on YouTube for all to enjoy in the comfort of their own homes. Tune into previously live streamed videos such as a A Musical Celebration of Woman Suffrage, Beethoven Serenade or A Twelfth Night Minuet, which was part of Schuyler Mansion's and Crailo's Twelfth Night celebrations. Follow the Musicians of Ma'alywck on Facebook for information on upcoming virtual performances.
Old Songs, Inc
Old Songs, Inc has continued to hold virtual concerts with local musicians throughout these difficult times. Some of the performances are streamed live on Facebook, while others have been privately streamed. Check out a schedule of upcoming concerts, with information on how to purchase tickets, as well as previously recorded concerts that are still available to stream, at this link.
Palace Theatre
The Palace Theatre has teamed up with Albany Events and Mirth Films to bring live entertainment straight to your homes with Palace Sessions! The monthly live music series streams on the Palace's YouTube. Local musicians and bands perform in unique spaces within the historic theater from the lobby, to the stage, to even the roof! Past performers include Moriah Formica, Sawyer Fredericks, Madison VanDenburg and Wild Adriatic. Stay tuned on social media for details on the next Palace Sessions!
Playhouse Stage Company
Playhouse Stage Company launched a streaming season to bring the magic of theater into homes! The streaming season was kicked off in November 2020 with “Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical” available on demand. For $10, the family-friendly musical was available for streaming over two weekends. Follow Playhouse Stage Company on Facebook and Instagram for updated information on the next musical for the streaming season.
Troy Savings Bank Music Hall
Capital Region-based ensemble Quintocracy are the new Artists in Residence at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall! This new partnership has been kicked off with a virtual concert series broadcasted live from the historic stage of the Music Hall. Reserve your spot for Quintocracy's upcoming virtual concerts on February 14, March 14 and April 18. While unable to perform for a live audience in the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, Troy Chromatic Concerts has launched a free, interactive live performance series with pianist Jeffrey Biegel on YouTube. The next live streaming performances are on February 11 and March 11.
Stay connected with the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall by signing up for the weekly informative and lighthearted newsletter, The Beat!
Albany Pro Musica
Last Fall, Albany Pro Musica kicked off its completely virtual 40th anniversary season! The Chorus-In-Residence at Troy Savings Bank Music Hall teamed up with WMHT to offer the season's four concerts for free on social media, online and on-air. Catch the first two productions, "A Capital Region Renaissance" and "The Best of the Many Moods of Christmas", online at this link. On March 14, tune into "Celtic Dreams: How Can I Keep from Singing?" featuring the Musicians of Ma'alywyck. This May, don't miss the final production of the virtual season, "From Despair...Light!", featuring the world premiere of The Old Oak Tree by composer-in-residence Bradley Ellingboe.
