Passionate, Thrilling Albany Symphony Opening Night Program to feature the Dazzling Firebird Suite, Dvořák’s Gorgeous Cello Concerto performed by Cellist Zlatomir Fung, the World Premiere of Look Up by Alex Berko, and Finlandia
ALBANY, NY – Two-time GRAMMY Award-winning Albany Symphony is thrilled to launch its 2025-2026 season, featuring Stravinsky’s magnificent Firebird Suite (1919), Dvořák’s masterful Cello Concerto, the electrifying world premiere of Look Up by Alex Berko, and Sibelius’s stirring Finlandia. The concert will take place at the historic Palace Theatre in downtown Albany on Saturday, October 11, beginning at 7:30pm. A pre-concert talk by Music Director David Alan Miller will begin at 6:30pm.
“We are so excited to launch our season with this glorious program, featuring three of my absolute favorite masterpieces, plus a super-high-voltage world premiere not to be missed,” said Music Director David Alan Miller. “Stravinsky’s Firebird is an orchestral tour-de-force, a great Russian fairy tale told in sound. Zlatomir Fung, first-prize winner of the prestigious International Tchaikovsky Competition, will dazzle you in the most life-affirming, heartfelt cello concerto in the entire repertoire. We’re excited to welcome Alex Berko, making his Albany Symphony debut, in a world premiere igniting musical fireworks in the concert hall. We can’t wait for everyone to join us on this richly textured, magical musical journey featuring composers from across the globe!”
The Firebird Suite narrates the tale of Prince Ivan, who battles the sorcerer Kastchei with the aid of the magical Firebird. It showcases a vibrant mix of melodic, chromatic, and folk-inspired styles. Inspired by the magical folk operas of his teacher, Rimsky-Korsakov, Stravinsky’s Firebird blends orchestral wizardry with the lively vitality of Russian folk music to produce a dazzling, evocative musical landscape. This was Stravinsky’s breakthrough work, written when the composer was 27. Premiered by Diaghilev’s Ballet Russes, it made Stravinsky an international superstar.
Dvorak’s friend, cellist Hanuš Wihan, had begged him to write a cello concerto for years, but Dvořák repeatedly declined, believing the cello, though an excellent orchestral instrument, was insufficiently commanding as a solo instrument. Dvořák favored the cello’s warm middle register but lamented its nasal high notes and mumbling bass. It was only upon hearing Victor Herbert’s Cello Concerto No. 2 in E minor in New York, that Dvorak decided to try his hand at a cello concerto. Dvořák composed the concerto in New York City during his third term as Director of the National Conservatory. The work was completed on February 9, 1895. While working on the concerto, Dvorak got word that his sister-in-law and first love, Josefina, was dying. He encoded her favorite song in the slow movement, and invested the work with great pathos. The concerto is undoubtedly considered the greatest cello concerto ever written.
The world-renowned virtuoso cellist Zlatomir Fung burst onto the global stage as the first American in four decades, and the youngest ever, to win First Prize at the International Tchaikovsky Competition Cello Division. Since then, he has earned critical acclaim, stunning audiences, and received thunderous standing ovations worldwide, solidifying his reputation as one of the preeminent cellists of his generation. Astounding audiences with boundless virtuosity and exquisite sensitivity, the 25-year-old has already emerged as a shining star among the next generation of world-class musicians. Of Bulgarian and Chinese heritage, Fung was born into a family of mathematicians and began playing cello at age three. He studied at The Juilliard School where he now teaches, under Richard Aaron and Timothy Eddy. Outside music, Fung enjoys chess, cinema, and creative writing.
"I couldn’t be more excited to be making my debut with the Albany Symphony under the baton of Maestro David Alan Miller to open the 2025–26 season! I still remember the very first time I heard the Symphony over ten years ago as a young musician in the audience, completely captivated by the performance. To now return to the same hall as a soloist is a true full-circle moment and a tremendous honor. I’m especially looking forward to performing Dvořák’s Cello Concerto, one of the grandest and most poetic works ever written for cello and orchestra," said Fung.
Alex Berko’s world premiere, Look Up, is also featured on the program. Inspired by fireworks, Berko created this sparkling and imaginative work to commemorate the Albany Symphony’s opening concert. Globally, fireworks symbolize celebration, freedom, renewal, and fleeting beauty. The piece is structured to mimic a stunning fireworks display, with musical depictions of shapes like chrysanthemum, comet, crossette, strobe, and willow. Like many works this season, Look Up pays homage to America250, the founding of our country. The title, Look Up, is a powerful reminder that this fragile American project relies on our collective attention.
“I am so excited to be working with the Albany Symphony for the first time and honored that this new work, Look Up, is being featured on their opening season concert. I am familiar with the symphony’s rich history of commissioning and championing composers, and I am thrilled to be a part of that legacy. Having listened to recordings of the orchestra for many years, I have written a piece that I hope will showcase the power, agility, and spirit of its many talented musicians. I am incredibly grateful to maestro David Allen Miller for asking me to write this work. I can’t wait to dive into the piece with everyone in October,” said Berko.
The majestic Finlandia, also part of the October program, is one of Jean Sibelius’s most widely recognized compositions. With its famous hymn-like section and patriotic finale, it has long been a symbol of Finnish nationalism and is instantly recognizable to even casual listeners. Composed in autumn 1899 for a series of tableaux celebrating Finland’s history, Finlandia evokes resolute patriotism and audacious defiance against Russian domination, making it a powerful and enduring masterpiece.
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.