Erie Canal Bicentennial

Water Music New York: More Voices

July 2-6, 2025

Our 2025 journey, Water Music NY: More Voices, has wrapped up! In partnership with NYSCC, these festivals celebrated the bicentennial of the completion of the Erie Canal with music and community along the historic waterway, and brought to life 5 new commissions by renowned composers. Free community festivals return in summer 2026 to conclude the Erie Canal Bicentennial Season, and launch the third century of New York's magnificent canal system. Whether you were there with us in Medina, Utica, Seneca Falls, Fort Plain, and Schuylerville, or followed the journey online, enjoy the recap of the beauty and belonging felt by all along our grand Erie Canal voyage!

5 world premieres | 5 canalside communities
40+ musicians & artists | 900+ miles traveled | 6,000+ attendees

Activities all day

Concerts Begin at 8pm

Five full-day FREE festivals culminating in Albany Symphony concerts will commemorate the Erie Canal Bicentennial through an inclusive celebration of New York State’s canal-side communities. The three-year Water Music NY: More Voices Festival (WMNY:MV), a partnership with the New York State Canal Corporation, is a multi-arts creative placemaking initiative that blends artistic expression, cultural heritage, and contemporary issues. Through collaborations with composers, local artists, educators, and community members, the project reimagines the past, present, and future of life along the historic waterway.

Past Events

Featured
Water Music New York: More Voices - Schuylerville
Jul 6
Water Music New York: More Voices - Schuylerville

As part of the Erie Canal bicentennial commemoration, the Albany Symphony, the NYS Canal Corporation, and Hudson Crossing Park are presenting a festival day celebrating the rich, multifaceted history of Washington and Saratoga Counties, with an emphasis on the experiences of Black Americans, culminating in a free orchestra concert that will feature a thrilling world-premiere composition by DBR (Daniel Bernard Roumain) inspired by the legacy and life of Solomon Northup.

Water Music New York: More Voices - Fort Plain
Jul 5
Water Music New York: More Voices - Fort Plain

The daylong festival on July 5 celebrates the rich indigenous history of the Fort Plain region and of the members of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy who lived there for centuries. In the 17th century, Fort Plain was the site of four major Mohawk villages.

Water Music New York: More Voices - Seneca Falls
Jul 4
Water Music New York: More Voices - Seneca Falls

Inspired by Seneca Falls’ extraordinary history as the epicenter of the Women’s Rights movement in America, Tanner’s work will explore and honor the multi-layered stories of women, past and present, who have lived and worked along the Erie Canalway.

Water Music New York: More Voices - Utica
Jul 3
Water Music New York: More Voices - Utica

As part of its Water Music NY: More Voices partnership with the New York State Canal Corporation to commemorate the bicentennial of the Erie Canal, the Albany Symphony will present an all-day festival in the new Harbor Point in Utica on July 3, 2025.

Water Music New York: More Voices - Medina
Jul 2
Water Music New York: More Voices - Medina

The Water Music New York: More Voices festival in Medina on July 2, 2025. It is a free, daylong festival to commemorate the bicentennial of the Erie Canal and celebrate the waters that connect us through local food, arts, music, and outdoor fun, all made possible by the New York State Canal Corporation. 

Thank you to the following sponsors for their generous support of Water Music NY.

AN ERIE CANAL BICENTENNIAL EVENT

PRESENTING SPONSORS

Empire State Sponsor

 
 

TUGBOAT SPONSOR

Marisa & Allan Eisemann


BARGE SPONSORS

COMMUNITY TOWPATH SPONSORs

Community Towpath Supporter