Water Music NY: More Voices 2024

The Albany Symphony, in partnership with the New York Power Authority and the New York State Canal Corporation, presented a powerful commemorative and celebratory series of free livestreamed pop-up concerts taking place along the Erie Canal during the fall of 2024.

Between September 26 and November 2, 2024, there were five free, pop-up concerts featuring new music the most compelling composers writing today. Performed by small ensembles of Albany Symphony musicians and vocalists in unique Canal-adjacent spaces, these concerts explored stories of the 524-mile New York State Canal system’s past, present, and future.

Daniel Bernard Roumain: Agrarian and Liquid (world premiere)

Marc Bamuthi Joseph, narrator
Devony Smith, vocalist

Liz Silver, Violin I
Paula Oakes, Violin II
Sachin Shukla, Viola
Erica Pickhardt, Cello

Recorded September 26, 2024 in Lockport, NY

Francisco del Pino: Orenda (world premiere)

Britt Hewitt, vocalist

Liz Silver, Violin I
Mitsuko Suzuki, Violin II
Tina Chang-Chien, Viola
Erica Pickhardt, Cello
Luke Stence, Bass
Karen Hosmer, Oboe

Recorded September 27, 2024 in Little Falls, NY

Clarice Assad: Earth and Water (world premiere)

Britt Hewitt, vocalist
Devony Smith, vocalist

Liz Silver, Violin I
Paula Oakes, Violin II
JJ Johnson, Viola
Erica Pickhardt, Cello

Recorded September 28, 2024 in Schoharie Crossing, NY

Dai Wei: Canton Tea Man’s Tale (world premiere)

Dai Wei, narrator

Jamecyn Morey, Violin I
Mitsuko Suzuki, Violin II
Dan Brye, Viola
Erica Pickhardt, Cello

Recorded November 1, 2024 in Waterloo, NY

Juhi Bansal: Refuge

Britt Hewitt, vocalist
Devony Smith, vocalist

Jamecyn Morey, Violin I
Mitsuko Suzuki, Violin II
Dan Brye, Viola
Erica Pickhardt, Cello
Mark Foster, Drums

Recorded November 2, 2024 at Montezuma Audubon Center