The two-time GRAMMY® Award-winning Albany Symphony will bring extra shimmer, warmth, and cheer to the holiday season with two dazzling performances at the newly renovated Troy Savings Bank Music Hall on December 13 and 14. Audiences will be treated to Haydn’s clever and effervescent “Surprise” Symphony, Bach’s joyous and virtuosic Brandenburg Concerto No. 5, Mozart’s expressive Piano Concerto No. 20, and a thrilling world premiere, Pocket-Sinfonietta by the extremely talented 14-year-old composer Isaac Thomas. Earlier in the month, families can revel in the sparkle of Magic of the Season, the Capital Region’s most beloved holiday spectacular, returning with its heartwarming blend of music, community, and festive delight.
On Sunday, December 7, Magic of the Season will fill the Palace Theatre with joyful holiday music, family fun, and festive surprises. The Albany Symphony and its sleigh-full of hometown talent will enchant audiences of all ages with an afternoon of nostalgic holiday favorites, a cheerful sing-along, and a visit from the jolly man in red!
In keeping with the Albany Symphony’s cherished tradition of celebrating the spirit of collaboration, the orchestra will once again join forces with vibrant community partners. Magic of the Season brings together a luminous array of local performers in a heartwarming showcase of community, tradition, and the shared joy of music. Featuring the angelic voices of the Capital District Youth Chorale, the spirited Irish dancers of Rince Go Brách, the accomplished young musicians from The Music Studio, and the graceful artists of the Northeast Ballet Company — this festive celebration sparkles with the creative spirit of the Capital Region. United with the world-class Albany Symphony, the performance radiates warmth, wonder, and musical joy for audiences young and old. Whether you’re a longtime devotee or discovering this seasonal gem for the first time, Magic of the Season promises an unforgettable afternoon of celebration and togetherness.
“The holiday season is such a radiant and inspiring time, and we’re absolutely thrilled to share a rich tapestry of concerts that capture its wonder and joy,” said Music Director David Alan Miller. “Our December 13 and 14 performances will feature three extraordinary soloists, early keyboardist Yi-heng Yang, flutist Ji Weon Ryu, and our concertmaster Christina Bouey, performing works that sparkle with vitality and emotion. From Bach’s exhilarating Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 to a breathtaking world premiere, this program promises to uplift the spirit and dazzle the senses. Earlier in the month, Magic of the Season unites our community in celebration with a heartwarming showcase of music, tradition, and holiday cheer. We can’t wait to share these unforgettable moments with audiences of all ages!”
The December 13 and 14 concerts will take place in the exquisitely restored Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, renowned for its crystalline acoustics and historic charm. The program opens with Bach’s radiant Brandenburg Concerto No. 5, performed by soloists Christina Bouey (violin), Ji Weon Ryu (flute), and Yi-heng Yang (fortepiano). A masterpiece of the Baroque era, the Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 is celebrated for its brilliant interplay between soloists and orchestra, breathtaking harpsichord cadenza, and joyful, dance-like spirit. This piece is one of Bach’s most exuberant and innovative works, pushing the boundaries of instrumental color and virtuosity.
“It’s an incredible honor to perform as a soloist with this wonderful orchestra for the first time since joining in 2017! I especially look forward to playing Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 5, a work full of vibrant energy and beautiful dialogue among the featured flute, violin, and harpsichord,” said Ji Weon Ryu.
“I’m so happy to return to Troy and perform with Maestro David Alan Miller this December. The use of historical style keyboards which match the time periods of Bach and Mozart adds a layer of immediacy, freshness and color to the experience of these works, and one feels like the music just came right out of the composers’ studio. I know that Maestro Miller and the Albany Symphony will be superb partners in bringing these pieces to life,” said Yi-heng Yang.
Haydn’s Symphony No. 94, known affectionately as “The Surprise,” will follow — an audience favorite beloved for its playful humor and inventive charm. Composed during Haydn’s celebrated London period, the symphony earned its nickname from a single startling chord, an unexpected burst of sound designed to awaken and delight listeners, in the second movement. Beyond its famous “surprise,” the work is a radiant example of Haydn’s wit, craftsmanship, and ability to marry elegance with exuberance.
Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 20 will orchestrate a feeling of deep passion and mystery to the evening. With its stormy opening and haunting lyricism, this concerto stands among Mozart’s most dramatic creations. It was admired by Beethoven and has inspired generations with its emotional depth and striking contrasts between turbulence and tranquility. Soloist Yi-heng Yang will bring her eloquent artistry and expressive nuance to this timeless masterpiece, illuminating its shifting moods with grace and brilliance.
The concert also features the world premiere of Pocket-Sinfonietta by Isaac Thomas, a remarkable 14-year-old composer whose creative imagination and musical sophistication far exceed his years. Thomas has long been fascinated by the vast mysteries of the universe and the human impulse to understand them. While science and mathematics offer empirical truths, he believes art gives voice to awe and wonder — emotions too vast for reason alone. Pocket-Sinfonietta explores the concept of scale and transforming immense cosmic ideas into intimate musical experiences.
Learning the piano at three, violin at four, and composition at six, Isaac Thomas’ early immersion in music has led to an impressive list of accolades. He has won first-place awards in prestigious national competitions, entered Juilliard’s Pre-College program at age ten, and had his works premiered at esteemed venues including the Lincoln Memorial, the Sarasota Opera House, and the Kennedy Center. A frequent collaborator with the Little Orchestra Society, Thomas seeks to connect with younger audiences through music that inspires curiosity and wonder. Twice selected by Opera Italiana, he has composed works promoting peace and celebrating the beauty of our planet. His achievements have been featured on CBS, FOX, Rai News (Italy), PBS’s Now Hear This with Scott Yoo, and he was the 2025 recipient of the ASCAP Morton Gould Young Composer Award.
The 2025-2026 season runs from October through the American Music Festival in June. It will include the Water Music NY: More Voices Festival celebrating the Erie Canal Bicentennial, a Symphony Side-by-Side with the Empire State Youth Orchestra (ESYO), Magic of the Season, Tiny Tots concerts for young people, and much more! Season subscriptions are available and offer flexibility, convenience, and price savings. Through the Nielsen Associates’ Student Access Program, students can purchase discount subscriptions and enjoy the full benefits of being a subscriber for as little as $45. To purchase a subscription or single tickets, visit albanysymphony.com or call the Box Office at 518-694-3300.