Free Family Concert for All Ages!
Symphony Side by Side’s third year! Hear your favorite tunes from the silver screen and sing along with Beethoven’s timeless Ode to Joy. Musicians of all ages and abilities can join in with the Grand Finale and music students have a special opportunity to rehearse with the Albany Symphony and the Empire State Youth Orchestra (ESYO). This is your afternoon of collaborative music-making and connection for all ages. Generously supported by the Innovation Partnership, this special event engages musicians of all levels to perform next to your Albany Symphony and ESYO at MVP Arena on October 13 at 3:00pm. RSVP through the links below if you want to play or sing with the Symphony! There’s no RSVP required if you plan to attend only as audience. Parking will be free in the MVP Arena Garage and on-street in downtown Albany. Don’t miss the Activities Fair on the MVP Arena Concourse starting at 12:30 and featuring John Keal’s Instrument Playground where you can try out a trumpet, toot a trombone, and more!
Photos from 2024!
ARE you a singer or musician?
IT’S NEW THIS YEAR: VOCALISTS, JOIN THE ODE TO JOY & MOANA “HOW FAR I’LL GO” SING-ALONG
rsvp tO PLAY SIDE BY SIDE WITH THE SYMPHONY IN THE gRAND fINALE!
Open to the public and musicians of all ages and abilities. Don’t miss your chance to perform alongside the GRAMMY Award-winning Albany Symphony at MVP Arena! Free T-shirts for participants while supplies last.
Students-Only Rehearsal with the Orchestras: 11:00AM
Activity Fair on the Concourse: 12:30-3PM
Singers-only practice on Arena floor: 1:00 PM
Finale Rehearsal (Beethoven 9 “Ode to Joy” and Imperial March): 2:00PM
Musicians playing, arrive early and bring your music stand and music!
Concert: 3:00-4:30 PM
EVERYONE is invited to sing or play during this concert!
Parking is free on-street in downtown Albany and free in the MVP Arena Parking Garage. There will be food available for purchase at a concessions kiosk during the activities fair.
Please fill out the RSVP form below to register to participate as a singer or play in the grand finale:
STUDENTS AND TEACHERS: A Special Invitation
You are invited to sign up to play in up to 3 additional pieces with the two orchestras during Symphony Side by Side! To perform in these three pieces, (How to Train Your Dragon, Wicked Highlights, and Spirited Away) you must also attend the 11AM rehearsal on October 13 at MVP Arena. Students who RSVP to play 1 or more of these pieces will be invited to a pizza lunch after rehearsal and before the afternoon performance. Students and Teachers, RSVP at the link below.
On The ProgrAM —
Part 1: Albany Symphony and ESYP
Jurassic Park
Avengers
Magnificent 7
Moana: How Far I'll Go (everyone sings along!)
Part 2: Students Are Invited to Play with the Orchestras
How to Train Your Dragon
Wicked
Spirited Away
Part 3: Finale - Everyone can join in, with multi-level parts for instrumentalists and the Ode to Joy sing-along where everyone lifts their voice!
Imperial March (play-along only):
Beethoven 9 “Ode to Joy” (sing-along + play-along):
ALL CHILDREN MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT
By participating in this event, you give consent for photographs and/or videos of your children to be taken and used for promotional purposes related to the event. If you do not wish for your children to be photographed or recorded, please inform ASO staff.
Activities Fair
The Activities Fair at Symphony Side by Side amplifies the excitement with things do and information about organizations that make our region rich and strong. The Instrument Playground hosted by John Keal Music allows you to toot a trumpet, try out a trombone, bow a cello, and more! Troy Savings Bank Music Hall keeps the music moving with their floor piano and Makey-Makey. The Music Studio, CYDC, and ESYO let you know how your child can get involved with music at the right pace and level for them. More organizations showcase the vibrancy and range of our community.
John Keal Music with Instrument Playground
Troy Savings Bank Music Hall
Scholastic Talent
Albany Fund for Education
Albany Symphony Orchestra and Crescendo Club
Capital District Youth Chorale (CDYC)
The Alliance for Nonprofit Growth and Opportunities (TANGO)
Empire State Youth Orchestra
The Music Studio
Ávila Retirement Community
Living Resources Art Program
Special thanks to the community organizations participating in the activity fair and to the event sponsor, The Innovation Partnership, through Albany County and MVP Healthcare.
