‘Simply surviving isn’t enough’: Free concert at MVP Arena where anyone can play
— Photo from albanysymphony.com
Play-in: Musicians of all ages and abilities are invited to play before a free Oct. 9 concert with the Albany Symphony and the Empire State Youth Orchestra.
ALBANY COUNTY — The Albany Symphony and the Empire State Youth Orchestra will give a free concert at the county’s arena on Oct. 9.
Starting at 3 p.m., they will perform selections from “Star Wars,” “Harry Potter,” and “Pirates of the Caribbean” among others.
Before the concert, from 1:30 to 3 p.m., musicians of any age or ability are invited to a play-in.
“Have you ever wanted to perform alongside a multi-Grammy Award-winning orchestra?” asked the invitation on the symphony’s website. “Calling all musicians of all abilities, all ages, and all types of instruments! Bring your instrument and join the Albany Symphony and ESYO on stage and play-in on one of the most famous moments in movie music history.”
Members of the public have to register in advance to join the on-stage play-in with their instruments by going to https://albanysymphony.com/upcomingconcerts/movie-play-in to learn more and sign up.
The event was announced at a Friday press conference and in a release.
“MVP Health Care is passionate about leveraging the power of collaboration and innovation to improve the health and wellbeing of our communities,” said Chris Del Vecchio, president and chief executive officer of MVP Health Care, in the release. “We understand that simply surviving isn’t enough. We must join together to build communities that support individuals in thriving physically, mentally, and spiritually.”
In November 2021, when the county awarded naming rights for its arena to MVP Health Care, originally Mohawk Valley Physicians Health Plan, the contract included an annual $1.4 million over five years for the Innovation Fund that is to support community projects.
“We look forward to playing great works by John Williams and many others in the amazing MVP Arena, including works from Studio Ghibli, Disney, and video game music,” said David Alan Miller, music director of the Albany Symphony, in the release. “We’ll also be welcoming everyone to join as play-in musicians for one of the most iconic pieces in film music history.”
— Melissa Hale-Spencer
