It was announced Wednesday, Nov. 19, at an event in Downtown Troy that Albany Pro Musica will become the chorus-in-residence at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall.
The announcement was made from the historic and acoustically perfect Music Hall, which has been a cultural landmark in the Capital District since the 1800s, in an event punctuated by a performance by the Pro Musica chorus.
“The collaboration between the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall Corporation and Albany Pro Musica presents a tremendous opportunity for both of our organizations,” said John Hoggan, president of the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall board of directors. “Albany Pro Musica is an organization with a tradition of excellence and a bold vision. We look forward to welcoming APM’s members and audience to the Music Hall.”
The agreement was approved by the boards of directors of both organizations last week, and it lays the groundwork for several 2015 performances by Albany Pro Musica at the Music Hall. The schedule of performances will be announced at a future date.
“Becoming chorus-in-residence at Troy Savings Bank Music Hall not only allows us to bring the exceptional artistry of Albany Pro Musica to a wider audience more often, but also connects us with one of the truly exceptional concert halls in the country,” said Karen Hitchcock, president of the Albany Pro Musica board of directors. “The Community Foundation of the Greater Capital Region just released a report urging steps toward a more collaborative, cohesive creative economy in the Capital Region, and the creation of partnerships like this one across city and county lines is exactly the kind of positive, proactive action we need to help the arts in our region thrive.”
Troy Savings Bank Music Hall Executive Director Jon Elbaum said the two organizations have been working towards this partnership for several months.
“Each year, we aim to build upon our successes and offer new programming to our patrons,” said Elbaum. “I can think of no better way to do that than to have this celebrated group in residence.”
Jose Daniel Flores-Caraballo said that when he recently came on as artistic director of Albany Pro Musica, one of the first goals he set was to make their concerts accessible to a wider audience.
“This is exactly what this partnership will accomplish, while also connecting us to a historic cultural institution in the Capital Region,” he said. “I know all members of the chorus are excited to call such an exquisite, world-renowned space our new performance home. The synergy between this acoustically perfect, elegant hall and the extraordinary talent of Albany Pro Musica singers will bring national and international attention to Albany, Troy and the Capital Region.”
Troy Mayor Lou Rosamilia said that over the past few years, the city has really started to move in the right direction.
“Expanding our cultural offerings is a key component to continued revitalization and bringing fans of the arts into our city,” he said. “This partnership demonstrates a deep commitment from two organizations that are clearly invested in our region, and I am looking forward to all the 2015 season has to bring.”
Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan praised the Capital District’s artistic community — in Albany, Troy and Schenectady, as having incredible strength.
“And this musical partnership is a prime example of how we can make the entire region’s arts scene even stronger,” said Sheehan.
Members of the Albany Pro Musica Chorus performed two songs at the announcement on Nov. 19: “Hard Times Come Again No More” by Stephen Foster and “The Road Home” by Stephen Paulus.
