The Many Moods of Christmas Program

The Many Moods of Christmas DECEMBER 15, 2024 I 3:00PM TROY SAVINGS BANK MUSIC HALL

Albany Pro Musica Concert Chorus and Orchestra Pro Musica José Daniel Flores-Caraballo, Opalka Family Artistic Director

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A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE ALBANY PRO MUSICA BOARD OF DIRECTORS At this exciting moment for Albany Pro Musica, I am honored to welcome you to our performance.

Our 44th season marks the beginning of José Daniel Flores-Caraballo’s second decade of inspired leadership of our ensemble. There is no doubt that the moment is ripe for us to build on the artistic and organizational growth that have marked the past ten years. We are enthusiastically fulfilling the vision of our founder, the late David Griggs-Janower, who set out to create a chorus that could routinely offer extraordinary musical performances to this community. Beyond that, we have embraced both an ambitious educational mission, so that future generations can share the joy that we all feel in these shared concert experiences, and artistic aspirations that envision Albany Pro Musica reaching ever wider and more diverse audiences.

As a singer in the ensemble for 24 seasons and a board member for nine years, I have come to understand that our music truly has impact only when it is heard and appreciated by an audience. So my colleagues and I, who take so much joy from our music-making, must express our deep appreciation to you for being a part of this shared experience – for you, in fact, make it possible.

The vitality of a community is often reflected in its creative output, including the music, theater and visual arts that its citizens produce. By that measure, New York’s Capital Region is a thriving place. Albany Pro Musica is proud to be part of this dynamic artistic scene, and we are profoundly grateful that you have joined us in this expression of the human spirit.

Rex Smith President, Albany Pro Musica Board of Directors

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Albany Pro Musica (APM) is the preeminent choral ensemble in New York’s vibrant Capital Region and is renowned for its distinctive artistic style and mastery of a wide range of musical genres. Critically acclaimed for its performances of intimate a cappella pieces and large-scale choral works alike, APM is led by Opalka Family Artistic Director Dr. José Daniel Flores-Caraballo and is Chorus-in-Residence at the historic Troy Savings Bank Music Hall. Now celebrating his 10th season with Albany Pro Musica, Maestro Flores-Caraballo has elevated the ensemble through ambitious programming, prestigious national and international collaborations, a renewed commitment to civic and educational engagement, and a bold vision for the future.

Locally and Internationally Celebrated Albany Pro Musica’s reputation as a world-class chorus attracts large, diverse audiences who encourage newer, bolder projects to satisfy their growing desire for exposure to a rich choral repertoire. It’s also a draw for distinguished guest conductors, soloists, and composers, including composers-in-residence Bradley Ellingboe (2020-2023 seasons) and Ola Gjeilo (2017-2020 seasons), who partner with APM for concerts, premieres, and commissioned works. In addition to long-standing hometown collaborations with the Albany Symphony Orchestra, the Musicians of Ma’alwyck, the Capital District Youth Chorale, and others, APM has developed exciting new relationships with numerous internationally renowned musicians and ensembles, including Canadian Brass, ACRONYM, the American String Quartet, The Philadelphia Orchestra, New York City Ballet, Vienna Boys Choir, the Escher String Quartet, and the Alturas Duo. Voices Capturing the Human Spirit at the Intersection of Creativity and Excellence Albany Pro Musica is now in its fifth decade as a driving musical force in the Capital Region, the Northeast, and beyond. At the heart of Albany Pro Musica is the vital realization that choral music at its best is not merely entertainment but rather a transformational and emotional experience for performers and audiences alike. This perspective is reflected in Opalka Family Artistic Director Dr. Flores-Caraballo’s vision for APM, which balances exceptional technical competency, exquisite artistry, and purposeful programming that is relevant and meaningful in today’s society.

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Under the leadership of Dr. Flores-Caraballo, APM is continuing to push the boundaries of choral performance in the area, embracing challenging musical programming and innovative new partnerships that elevate the ensemble to new heights. Dr. Flores-Caraballo has laid out a bold plan for APM’s future that includes the premieres of commissioned works; concerts across the Northeast; new civic events and partnerships; and the Pro Musica International Choral Festival, which was launched in July 2023 in partnership with the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts at Queen’s University in Ontario, Canada.

Our Season Albany Pro Musica’s Concert Chorus is composed of 70 auditioned volunteer singers from several counties and states. For large choral and orchestral masterworks, the group expands to more than 100 singers as the Albany Pro Musica Masterworks Chorus, and is often joined by the instrumentalists of Orchestra Pro Musica. Albany Pro Musica offers four series concerts each season, including “Artist Series” concerts which bring world-renowned artists and ensembles to share the stage with APM; “Masterworks Series” performances of oratorios and other large-scale choral works with orchestra; and an annual Christmas program, which has become a beloved holiday tradition in the region. Each season is deliberately curated to include classical masterpieces from the choral canon, new compositions from modern and contemporary composers, and popular selections from the worlds of Broadway, traditional and folk music, and more.

Our Commitment to Education Music education is one of APM’s pillars, and the organization’s educational programs have made a mark on the lives of more than 4,000 young students in the Capital Region and beyond. APM’s annual High School Choral Festival brings together gifted musicians from high schools across the region for an intensive day of rehearsal and performance with Maestro FloresCaraballo and guest clinicians, on campus at the University at Albany. The festival culminates with a fun-filled concert in which all the students join the voices of Albany Pro Musica’s Concert Chorus on stage for a festival chorus performance.

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APM partnered with the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts at Queen’s University in Ontario and the University at Albany to offer the inaugural Pro Musica International Choral Festival in July 2023. The festival represented APM’s largest educational offering to-date and allowed students from across the United States and Canada to study and perform with the Festival’s guest clinician and composer Dr. Rollo Dilworth, as well as other distinguished faculty and world-class musicians. Generous funding from Bader Philanthropies, Inc. provided full fellowships to all participating students, allowing the Pro Musica International Choral Festival to waive the tuition and room & board fees for every attending student.

Our History Albany Pro Musica was founded in 1981 by University at Albany Distinguished Professor Dr. David Griggs-Janower, who created a community chorus capable of performing at a professional level. He remained the group’s Artistic Director until his death in August 2013. After an extensive national search, Dr. José Daniel Flores-Caraballo succeeded Griggs-Janower as Artistic and Executive Director in August 2014. Dr. Flores-Caraballo came to Albany Pro Musica with an ambitious vision to build upon the group’s impressive and cherished legacy and elevate APM to be among the best choirs in the nation.

APM has made numerous recordings, including most recently the first professional recording of Bradley Ellingboe’s Star Song. APM was one of only 16 choruses selected for inclusion on the 2005 National Public Radio (NPR) CD Christmas Around the Country. In 2004 APM collaborated with the Albany Symphony Orchestra and composer Michael Torke to record the opera Strawberry Fields for mass distribution. The group has toured nationally and internationally, including to France in honor of the 60th anniversary of D-Day at Omaha Beach, and to the Czech Republic, Spain, and Ireland.

Albany Pro Musica has commissioned numerous works from American composers and performed local and regional premieres of masterpieces such as Bristow’s Oratorio of Daniel and Handel’s Oratorio of Esther. Under the composer-in-residence program launched by Dr. Flores-Caraballo, APM has expanded the group’s library of commissioned works, sponsoring new compositions by celebrated local, national, and international composers including Steven Murray, Donald McCullough, Ola Gjeilo, and Bradley Ellingboe. APM is frequently invited to sing at high-profile events such as gubernatorial inaugurations, civic celebrations, and on stage with visiting artists, including Judy Collins, Kenny Rogers, Andrea Bocelli, and The King’s

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Singers. APM continues to introduce local audiences to challenging and bold choral repertoire, including Frank Martin’s a cappella Mass for Double Choir, the New York State premiere of Requiem by Raymond Torres, entire concerts devoted to musical theater, innovative programs including art forms such as visual arts and dance, and a powerful multimedia presentation of Karl Jenkins’ The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace.

TROY SAVINGS BANK MUSIC HALL

The Troy Savings Bank Music Hall has been captivating audiences since 1875.

2025 will mark the 150th anniversary of its inaugural concert which was performed to a full house and glowing reviews. In 1890 the Odell concert organ was installed, which helped contribute to the Music Hall’s legendary acoustics. Throughout its history, the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall has been a hub of community activity, attracting premier musicians including many the world-renowned artists of the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries—among them Yo-Yo Ma, Isaac Stern, Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie, Lyle Lovett, Ben Folds, Indigo Girls, the Albany Symphony Orchestra, and Albany Pro Musica. The Troy Savings Music Hall has been associated with The Troy Chromatic Concerts for over 125 years and has played host to over 300 recordings, echoing its significance in the world of music. Today, the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall is one of only a handful of 19th-century concert halls in continuous operation in the United States and is a National Historic Landmark building. It is truly unlike any other inspired by its mission to enrich the community and inspire passion for the creative arts by fostering diverse, engaging, inclusive, and transformative cultural experiences through performances, collaboration, community events, and education.

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LETTER FROM THE OPALKA FAMILY ARTISTIC DIRECTOR Albany Pro Musica’s 44th season began with a blast, as we performed Carl Orff’s famous Carmina Burana with the Philadelphia Orchestra at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center in August, followed by an evocative Northern Lights concert in October, led by my colleague, former APM Composer in Residence Bradley Ellingboe.

Today’s holiday concert, The Many Moods of Christmas, combines a more “classical” first half, filled with contemplative, spiritual selections, with a festive second half that promises to fill our audiences with the holiday spirit. The title of this concert is inspired by the famous four suites with the same name, arranged

by Robert Shaw and Robert Russell Bennett. Every year we add a second, substantial piece to anchor the program; this season we are thrilled to present the premiere of a new arrangement—for orchestra, brass quartet, and chorus—of Daniel Pinkham’s stunning Christmas Cantata, which APM commissioned from Steve Murray, APM’s Honorary Composer in Residence.

In March, APM will present the Capital Region premiere of Craig Hella Johnson’s oratorio, Considering Matthew Shepard. This poignant work for chorus, soloists, and chamber orchestra tells the heartbreaking story of Matthew Shepard, a young gay man who was brutally murdered in Wyoming in 1998. It is rooted in our Western choral tradition, framed in a quotation by J.S. Bach, and utilizes a variety of musical styles, including musical theatre, Gregorian chant, country & western, blues/jazz, pop, Southern hymnody, and gospel. An intrinsic message in the composer’s selections is a reminder that, despite our differences, we are still one humanity. In the words of Dr. Daniel Bara, “this work is an invitation to stand for love, forgiveness, understanding, and justice in our communities and the world.” In addition to the semi-staged performance, APM will also convene a series of community engagement opportunities that explore the themes laid out in the oratorio.

Due to ongoing construction at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall this spring, APM will take our last concert of the season to The Egg. Pro Musica on Broadway will feature unique and exhilarating arrangements of some of our favorite classic and modern Broadway tunes, and we are pleased to welcome Jamari Johnson Williams – a rising star of the Broadway stage – to join the

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chorus and chamber ensemble as our featured guest artist. Our signature Spring Gala will take place immediately before the concert and honor our long-time partners, the University at Albany and President Havidán Rodríguez, with the Dr. Karen R. Hitchcock Award for Championing the Choral Arts.

APM’s educational programs deliver a truly life-changing experience for students. APM’s 25th annual High School Choral Festival in February will bring together the best young talent from 30 participating local schools for a day of music-making at Russell Sage College, then culminate in a vibrant concert entitled Futuros Ilimitados (Boundless Futures) at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall. The Pro Musica International Choral Festival will take place in the Capital Region in July 2025, in partnership with the University at Albany.

This week-long program provides a transformative musical experience to 150 students from across North America, with renowned faculty and guest ensembles. The festival will feature public concerts by the highly talented festival choir, celebrated professional vocal ensemble Exigence, and Albany Pro Musica.

Last year we celebrated my tenth anniversary with Albany Pro Musica. As I look ahead to APM’s future, I am filled with tremendous optimism about the opportunities for continued excellence and growth in our artistic and educational mission. Albany Pro Musica is committed to expanding and strengthening our programs that make a difference in our community, which tell important stories, and which are inspiring and transformative—in both the concert hall and the classroom.

All of this is dependent on the strong and sustained commitment by our community. I’m so grateful for the continued support, shared vision, trust, and dedication of our patrons, donors, board of directors, council of advisors, staff, and chorus—thank you!

José Daniel Flores-Caraballo Opalka Family Artistic Director

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ALBANY PRO MUSICA PRESENTS

THE MANY MOODS OF CHRISTMAS December 15, 2024 at 3:00pm Troy Savings Bank Music Hall ALBANY PRO MUSICA CONCERT CHORUS & ORCHESTRA PRO MUSICA JOSÉ DANIEL FLORES-CARABALLO, Opalka Family Artistic Director NOAH PALMER, Assistant Director & Accompanist Support for our 2024-2025 season comes from our marquee season underwriters Christine and George R. Hearst III I Ellen Jabbur Chet and Karen Opalka I Wayne A. Senitta, Jr. and Daniel Washington William Tuthill and Gregory Anderson Additional season support provided by James and Joanne Crum I Richard J. Miller, Jr. Michael and Margery Whiteman I Michael and Linda Wolff The Kiwi Foundation, a division of Opalka Philanthropies

Support for this concert provided by John and Joyce Carver I Al De Salvo I Gwen Krause and Ross Bennett Tom McGuire and Barbara Bradley I John J. Nigro I David and Nancy Wagner E. Stewart and Kimberly Sanger Jones, in loving memory of Robert C. Sanger

Massry Charitable Foundation This event is being professionally recorded, photographed, and filmed for archival and promotional purposes.

Please silence all electronic devices.

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THANKS TO OUR 2024-2025 CORPORATE CIRCLE MARQUEE

DIAMOND

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Massry Charitable Foundation SILVER

BRONZE

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PROGRAM Victor Hely-Hutchinson (1901-1947)

A Carol Symphony (1927) I. Allegro energico

Morten Lauridsen (b. 1943)

O Magnum Mysterium (1994)

Henry John Gauntlett (1805-1876)

Once in Royal David’s City (1961) arr. David Willcocks Audience is invited to join on 3rd and 4th verse and refrain.

Lyrics found on page 14

Daniel Pinkham (1923-2006)

Christmas Cantata: Sinfonia Sacra (1958) adapted for orchestra by Steve Murray i. ii. iii.

Maestoso/Allegro molto ritmico Adagio Allegro

Katherine Kennicott Davis (1892-1980) Harry Simeone (1910-2005) Herny Onorati (1912-1993)

The Little Drummer Boy (1958) orchestration by Brant Adams

Gustav Holst (1874-1934)

In the Bleak Midwinter (2012) arr. Ola Gjeilo

Robert Shaw (1916-1999) Robert Russell Bennett (1894-1981)

The Many Moods of Christmas, Suite 1 (1963) Good Christan Men, Rejoice Silent Night Pat-a-Pan O Come, All Ye Faithful udience is invited to join on ‘Silent Night’ and A on the final verse of ‘O Come, All Ye Faithful’

Lyrics and section breakdown is found on page 16 ~ INTERMISSION ~

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Traditional

A Most Wonderful Christmas (2008) arr. Robert Sheldon Winter Wonderland I’ll Be Home for Christmas Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Traditional

Christmas is Coming (2013) arr. Mack Wilberg

James Lord Pierpont (1822-1893)

Jingle Bells (2019) arr. Ryan James Brandau Audience is invited to join.

Lyrics found on page 16

Traditional

Deck The Hall (2020) arr. Ryan James Brandau

Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953)

“Troika” from Lieutenant Kije (1934)

Traditional

Auld Lang Syne (2019) arr. Ryan James Brandau

Traditional

Finale: Joy to the World & We Wish You a Merry Christmas (2021) arr. Ryan James Brandau

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O Magnum Mysterium

Christmas Cantata

O magnum mysterium, et admirabile sacramentum, ut animalia viderent Dominum natum, iacentem in praesepio!

Beata Virgo, cujus viscera meruerunt portare Dominum Iesum Christum. Alleluia!

Quem vidistis, pastores, dicite, annunciate nobis, in terris quis apparuit?

Natum vidimus et choros angelorum collaudantes Dominum.

Alleluia.

Gregorian Chant

Translation: O great mystery and wonderful sacrament; That the animals should see the newborn Lord lying in a manger.

O blessed Virgin whose womb was worthy to bear the Lord Christ Jesus. Alleluia.

Once in Royal David’s City Text by Cecil Frances Alexander

*Audience please join in singing at the conductor’s cue.

Once in royal David’s city Stood a lowly cattle shed, Where a mother laid her Baby In a manger for His bed: Mary was that mother mild, Jesus Christ her little Child.

He came down to earth from heaven, Who is God and Lord of all, And His shelter was a stable, And His cradle was a stall; With the poor, and mean, and lowly, Lived on earth our Savior holy. *And our eyes at last shall see Him, Through His own redeeming love; For that Child so dear and gentle Is our Lord in heaven above, And He leads His children on To the place where He is gone. *Not in that poor lowly stable, With the oxen standing by, We shall see Him; but in heaven, Set at God’s right hand on high; Where like stars His children crowned All in white shall wait around.

Latin Mass

O magnum mysterium, et admirabile sacramentum, ut animalia viderent Dominum natum, jacentem in praesepio!

Beata Virgo, cujus viscera meruerunt portare Dominum Christum.

Gloria in excelsis Deo Et in terra pax hominibus bonae voluntatis.

Jubilate Deo, omnis terra; servite Domino in laetitia.

Introite in conspectu ejus in exultatione.

Scitote quoniam Dominus ipse est Deus; ipse fecit nos, et non ipsi nos.

Alleluia.

Translation: Whom do you see?

Shepherds, tell us!

Proclaim to us: who has appeared on earth?

We saw the new-born child and choirs of angels praising the Lord.

Alleluia!

O great mystery, and wondrous sacrament, that animals should see the new-born Lord lying in their manger!

Blessed is the Virgin whose womb was worthy to bear the Lord Jesus Christ.

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Glory to God in the highest.

And on earth peace to men of good will.

Sing joyfully to God, all ye lands; serve the Lord with gladness.

Enter into His presence with great joy.

Know that the Lord alone is God; He has made us, and not we ourselves.

The Little Drummer Boy

Text by Katherine Kennicott Davis Come, they told me, A newborn King to see, Our finest gifts we bring, To lay before the King.

So to honor Him, When we come.

Baby Jesu, I am a poor boy too, I have no gift to bring, That’s fit to give our King.

Shall I play for you, On my drum?

Mary nodded, The ox and lamb kept time, I played my drum for Him, I played my best for Him. Then He smiled at me, Me and my drum.

In the Bleak Midwinter Text by Christina Rossetti

In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan, Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone; Snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow, In the bleak midwinter, long ago.

Our God, heaven cannot hold Him nor earth sustain, Heaven and earth shall flee away when He comes to reign: In the bleak mid-winter a stable-place sufficed The Lord God Almighty Jesus Christ.

What can I give Him, poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb; If I were a wise man, I would do my part; Yet what I can I give Him: give my heart.

The Many Moods of Christmas, Suite 1 *Audience please join in singing at the conductor’s cue.

Good Christian friends, rejoice With heart and soul and voice; Give ye heed to what we say; news!

Jesus Christ is born today; Ox and ass before Him bow And He is in the manger now.

Christ is born today!

In dulci jubilo Now sing we all I-O, He, my love, my wonder, Lieth in praesepio Like any sunbeam yonder, Matris in gremio; Alpha es et O. Good Christmas friends, rejoice With heart and soul and voice; Now ye hear of endless bliss: Joy! Jesus Christ is born for this!

He hath oped the heav’nly door.

And we are blessed evermore.

Christ is born for this!

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* (Sopranos/Altos) Silent Night! Holy Night!

All is calm, all is bright; ‘Round yon Virgin Mother and Child, Holy Infant, so tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace. * (Tenors/Basses) Silent Night! Holy Night!

Shepherds quake at the sight, Glories stream from heaven afar, * (All) Heavenly hosts sing alleluia, Christ the Savior is born!

Willie, take your little drum, With your whistle, Robin come, When we hear the fife and drum, Tu-re-lu-re-lu, Pat-a-pat-a-pan, When we hear the fife and drum, Christmas should be frolicsome.

Thus the men of olden days Loved the King of kings to praise; When they hear the fife and drum, Tu-re-lu-re-lu, Pat-a-pat-a-pan, When they hear the fife and drum, Sure our children won’t be dumb!

God and man are now become more at one than fife and drum, When you hear the fife and drum.

Dance and make the village hum!

Adeste fideles læti triumphantes, Venite, venite in Bethlehem.

Natum videte Regem angelorum: Venite adoremus Dominum.

Sing choirs of angels, Sing in exultation, Sing all ye citizens of heaven above: Glory to God in the highest: O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord. * Oh come, all ye faithful Joyful and triumphant Oh come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem.

Come and behold Him Born the King of Angels; (Chorus only) O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

Christmas is Coming Traditional Nursery Rhyme

Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat; Please do put a penny in the old man’s hat.

If you haven’t got a penny, a ha’penny will do; If you haven’t got a ha’penny, then God bless you!

If you haven’t got a ha’penny, don’t wonder what to do.

You are always rich enough to say ‘Yes, God bless you.’

Christmas is coming, and with a jolly band; Please do slip a penny in a lonely hand.

Christmas is coming, the shop is brim with toys; Please do give a penny to the orphan boys.

If you haven’t got a guinea, or even a half a crown, If you only have a pence or two, then don’t you fret and frown.

Just reflect upon your blessings, and all your kith and kin, And remember that in giving all, you let the season in!

Christmas is coming, the figgy pudding’s here; Please do give a penny with your Christmas cheer!

Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat; Please do give a penny for a fine new hat!

Jingle Bells

Text by James Lord Pierpont Dashing through the snow In a one-horse open sleigh O’er the fields we go, Laughing all the way Bells on bobtails ring, making spirits bright What fun it is to laugh and sing A sleighing song tonight

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Oh, jingle bells, jingle bells Jingle all the way Oh, what fun it is to ride In a one-horse open sleigh!

And surely you’ll buy your pint cup, and surely I’ll buy mine, And we’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet, for auld lang syne.

A day or two ago, I thought I’d take a ride, And soon Miss Fanny Bright Was seated by my side; The horse was lean and lank Misfortune seemed his lot We got into a drifted bank, And then we got upsot.

We two have paddled in the stream, from morning sun till dine; But seas between us broad have roared, since auld lang syne.

Deck the Halls

English text by Thomas Oliphant Deck the halls with boughs of holly, ‘Tis the season to be jolly, Don we now our gay apparel, Troll the ancient Yule-tide carol, See the blazing Yule before us.

Strike the harp and join the chorus.

Follow me in merry measure, While I tell of Yule-tide treasure.

Fast away the old year passes.

Hail the new year, lads and lasses Sing we joyous, all together.

Heedless of the wind and weather.

And there’s a hand my trusty friend!

And give me a hand o’ thine!

And we’ll take a right good-will draught, for auld lang syne.

Joy to the World Text by Isaac Watts

Joy to the world, the Lord is come!

Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare him room, And heaven and nature sing, And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the world! the Savior reigns; Let men their songs employ; While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains, Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.

Auld Lang Syne

We Wish You a Merry Christmas

Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind, Should auld acquaintance be forgot, for auld lang syne?

We wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new year!

Good tidings we bring, to you and your kin; We wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new year!

Text by Robert Burns

For auld lang syne, ma dear, for auld lang syne, we’ll take a cup of kindness yet, for auld lang syne.

Traditional Carol

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PROGRAM NOTES Tradition. The famous Jewish philosopher Tevye put it this way: “Because of our traditions, everyone knows who he is and what God expects him to do.”

Traditions: the familiar practices that connect us to our own pasts and recommit us to uncertain futures.

APM’S Many Moods of Christmas has become a tradition, from the shape of the program, to some recurring pieces of repertoire, to the staging, and to the personnel. With this program people of all faiths—or no faith—are reminded of the human values we expect ourselves to live by: joy, humility, kindness, gratitude, hope.

Welcome, once again!

A Carol Symphony was composed in 1927 by Victor Hely-Hutchinson (19011947), a British composer born in South Africa. In this opening movement the lively religious spirit of the season is apparent in the strings that dance over the fragmented presentation by the brass of “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” like the setting of a chorale tune by Bach.

Mary is featured in Morten Lauridsen’s a cappella setting of “O Magnum Mysterium”: “Blessed is the Virgin whose womb was worthy to bear the Lord Jesus Christ.” Here, then, Mary is seen as much a vehicle for bringing the divine Jesus to earth as a “biological” mother. We are thus deep into a holy, dual moment.

“Once in Royal David’s City” (the 1848 poem by Cecil Frances Alexander, with music from 1849 by Henry John Gauntlett) is a narrative, in strophic form, again focusing on the child (after whom we children should model ourselves), who is, at the same time, “our Lord in Heaven above.”

The thrilling Christmas Cantata from 1957 by American composer Daniel Pinkham (1923-2006) is an in-the-moment evocation of the manger scene: what happened and what did it mean? The first section is a dialogue between ordinary citizens who weren’t present and the shepherds who were. The question is plainly stated: what did you see? The answer is fragmented, agitated, and syncopated because these “pastores” have never seen anything like it and can only repeat themselves!

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The middle section, “O Magnum Mysterium,” is, indeed, full of mystery, wonder. A sustained pedal point on D keeps us focused on the creche; Mary speaks; a repeated figure in the trumpet—from where? Ives’s unanswered question, answered?—makes us attend; and, portraying priests singing Gregorian chant, the tenors and basses comment. Then, with the lightness of a Renaissance motet, the stillness of the stable scene is shattered as news of its significance spreads: Christianity is born with this child!

Katherine Kennicutt Davis (1892-1980) wrote “The Little Drummer Boy” in 1941, introducing a character not biblically associated with Jesus’s birth but all the more interesting because of that: a poor child connecting to another poor child through music. The drum? Homemade, no doubt. Sticks? Yes, sticks, no doubt.

Drumbeat? Like the heart beats of everyone assembled. “Then He smiled at me,” He who would, as adult, make way for children to come to him.

If there is a more beautiful Christmas hymn than Gustav Holst’s setting of Christina Rosetti’s “In the Bleak Midwinter,” I don’t know what it is. Ola Gjeilo’s arrangement takes the full measure of the tune and words, providing an aptly pulsing meditation on the meaning of the long-ago event for contemporary Christians: the meditation culminates in that extraordinary question, “What can I give him?” and then provides the simplest answer: “My heart.”

The Many Moods of Christmas is the first of four suites of traditional carols arranged by Robert Shaw and Robert Russell Bennett. It begins with a rousing orchestral introduction, followed by four songs, the most unfamiliar of which is “Patapan,” referring to the drums (accompanied by flutes) the shepherds used on their sojourn. While these songs are clearly religious, the sacredness of the message feels somewhat muted by the extroverted nature of the arrangement itself.

After intermission, the religious yields fully to the seasonal. A Most Wonderful Christmas features five foundational popular Christmas songs from 20th-century America, arranged by Robert Sheldon (b. 1954). The second and fourth movements are the suite’s heart: “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” a poignant World War II number, and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” (1944), the Judy Garland standard—here a solo violin. You know almost all the words, so don’t be afraid to subvocalize.

Mack Wilberg’s arrangement of the ol’ English carol “Christmas Is Coming” livens up the strophic number with syncopation, modulations, and rounds: festive!

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A few words about Ryan James Brandau, arranger of a handful of familiar melodies on this half of the program: this New York City-based conductor has freshened up “Jingle Bells” with a sly reference to “Joy to the World”; intensified “Deck the Halls” with modulations; and properly added a touch of bagpipe to “Auld Lang Syne,” whose tune is made anew.

“Troika” is an orchestral excerpt from Prokofiev’s Lt. Kije Suite, based on film music he wrote in 1934. There is a slow intro, as the three horses start to pull the sleigh: a troika. Shortly, the music and the vehicle are whizzing over the snow, with colorful commentary by the saxophones, the trombones, and the piccolo, to say nothing of the harness bells. At last we arrive… …at Brandau’s merry setting, “Finale Medley,” a conflation of traditional tunes that make your ears explode! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

— Concert notes by Paul Lamar

SPECIAL THANKS TO: Marie Bosman

Michele Susko

Dan Czernecki

Omar Williams

Kelly and Paul Fahey Dan Foster

Bethlehem Lutheran Church

Gary Gold

Capital CFO+

E. Stewart and Kimberly Sanger Jones

Hacker Murphy LLP

Ken Kozak Paul Lamar Katie McNally Steve Murray Noah Palmer Katherine Skovira

Lane Press Primeau Fahey Studios Sidewalk Warriors Troy Troy Savings Bank Music Hall University at Albany WMHT Educational Telecommunications

The University at Albany is proud to support

Albany Pro Musica in its 44th season!

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Considering Matthew Shepard MARCH 9, 2025 I 3:00PM TROY SAVINGS BANK MUSIC HALL Considering Matthew Shepard is a poignant oratorio for chorus, soloists, and chamber orchestra that tells the heartbreaking story of Matthew Shepard, a young gay man who was brutally murdered in Wyoming in 1998. Matthew’s killing received international attention and spurred a generation of essential activism in the LGBTQIA+ community.

APM is also collaborating with regional partners to offer a series of community events related to Matthew’s legacy. Learn more and register for each of these programs on our website, albanypromusica.org/matthewshepard.

DOCUMENTARY SCREENING AND PANEL DISCUSSION Learn more about Matthew’s story and the creation of this remarkable oratorio.

FEBRUARY 27 AT 7PM I WMHT Public Media UNDERSTANDING THROUGH ART: A COMMUNAL ART-MAKING WORKSHOP FOR QUEER YOUTH With programming for students in grades 8-12 plus a caregiver discussion group.

Includes refreshments and student admission to the concert.

MARCH 9 AT 12PM I The Arts Center of the Capital Region AUDIENCE RECEPTION Join the artists and members of the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies to share and reflect on the performance and on the impact of Matthew’s life, death, and legacy.

MARCH 9 AT 5PM I Russell Sage College’s Buchman Pavilion

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Pro Musica on Broadway APRIL 26, 2025 I 7:30PM THE EGG Albany Pro Musica will close its 2024-25 season with an homage to Broadway!

Albany Pro Musica and the Pro Musica Pops will present some of our audience’s all-time favorite showtunes, arranged for chorus, small ensembles, and soloists, and featuring Broadway talent Jamari Johnson Williams.

Concert tickets are available now at albanypromusica.org/broadway.

TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR APM’S SIGNATURE EVENT OF THE SEASON! 4:30-7:00PM Join us before the concert for our annual spring gala, where we’ll honor our long-time partner, the University at Albany, with the 2025 Dr. Karen R. Hitchcock Award for Celebrating the Choral Arts.

Honorary Committee and General Admission tickets include entry into the evening’s concert PLUS a delicious dinner, an exclusive performance by Mr. Williams, and a chance to support the music you love.

Learn more and save your spot by visiting albanypromusica.org/gala.

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ALBANY PRO MUSICA CONCERT CHORUS SOPRANO

ALTO

TENOR

BASS

Martha J. Bond

Maria Bedo-Calhoun

Augusta Bargeron

Philip Allen

Tonya Burandt Hansen*

Marie Bosman

Mitch Cohen

Michael Barren

Brianne Conner

Carol Christiana

John Favreau

William Crankshaw

Melanie Diaz

Abigail Cowan*

Dan Foster^

Evan DeFilippo

Valerie Donovan

Darcy Crum Meadows

William Golden

Sean Harrington†

Meg Gallien

Kathryn Farris

Jonathan Hansen*

Colin Helie

Paige Griggs

Meghan Garrison

Caleb Hood

Jared Hunt

Lauren Jurczynski

Shay Gauthier

Jacob James

Tom Johnson

Nicole Lash

Scarlett Gearwar†

Mendon Neyerlin

Dan Leinung

Heather Lessard

Elizabeth Helmer

Josh Overrocker

Christopher Price

Katie McNally

Sarah Ploof

Joel Pattison

John Rodier

Rebecca Monaghan

Greg Pratt

Rex Smith

Xinyi Nam

Meredith Russell Grosshandler

David Wagner

Ryan Snyder†

Diane B. Petersen

Emily Sturman

Lincoln Walton

Daniel Washington*

Emily Peterson

Irina Tikhonenko

John Xia

Michael Wolff

Sandra Schujman

Julie Weston

Katherine Skovira^

Lisa Wloch

Teresa Solé Iris Whalen†

* Section Leader ^ Teaching Artist † Music Intern

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ORCHESTRA PRO MUSICA Flute and Piccolo

Trumpet

Violin 1

Norman Thibodeau

Allyson Keyser

Ann-Marie B. Schwartz*

Yvonne Hansbrough

Eric Latini

Kathryn Aldous

Melanie Chirignan

John Fatuzzo

Jamecyn Morey Jessica Belflower

Oboe and English Horn

Trombone

Susan Kokernak

Phil Pandori

Kelly Lockwood

Dan Cordell

Tim Solinger

Susan Gierthy

Clarinet Brett Wery

Gerald Lanoue Sue Daves

French Horn

Violin 2 Mitsuko Suzuki Julie Signitzer

Tuba

Barbara Lapidus

Michael Silvagnoli

Marla Bracca

Brian Carlucci

Bassoon

Hilary Cumming

Timpani & Percussion

Viola Andrew Snow

Andrew Janack

Dee Dee Fancher

Rob Sanderl

Christine Orio

Matt Dickson

Brittany Zellman

Alex Atchley

Cello

Victor Sungarian Victoria Boell

Harp

Tara Hanish

Katy Svatek

Karlinda Caldicott

Anita Balázs

Jessica Cunningham

André Laurent O’Neil

Bass Evan Runyon Luke Stence

* Concertmaster

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ALBANY PRO MUSICA STAFF OPALKA FAMILY ARTISTIC DIRECTOR José Daniel Flores-Caraballo ARTISTIC STAFF Noah Palmer, Assistant Music Director and Accompanist SooYeon Justesen, Manager of Educational Programs Tonya Burandt Hansen, Abigail Cowan, Jonathan Hansen, Daniel Washington, Section Leaders Steve Murray, Honorary Composer in Residence Dan Foster, Teaching Artist Katherine Skovira, Teaching Artist ADMINISTRATION Emily Sturman, Deputy Executive Director Jared Shortmeier, Director of Operations Liz Vinciquerra, Development Manager Rebecca Monaghan, Audition Coordinator Dharma Sanchez-Flores, Member Connections Liaison Ann-Marie Barker Schwartz, Orchestra Contractor Michele Susko, Roya Consulting, LLC, Development Counsel Primeau-Fahey Studios, Marketing and Public Relations Capital CFO+, Accounting and Business Management Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, Box Office Services

ALBANY PRO MUSICA OUR MISSION, VISION, AND CORE VALUES MISSION I To perform a broad spectrum of quality choral music at the highest levels of artistic excellence that inspires and transforms our audiences and to provide exceptional educational experiences that advance the choral art among new generations of singers.

VISION I Albany Pro Musica will be a leader in the choral arts in New York’s Capital Region, the Northeast and beyond ― bridging cultures, ethnicities, and generations.

CORE VALUES I Perform with excellence — Inspire new generations of singers — Engage expanded and broadly diverse audiences — Operate with integrity — Respect each other and our community

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ALBANY PRO MUSICA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Rex W. Smith, President Marion Terenzio, Vice President Tom McGuire, Treasurer Jonathan E. Hansen, Secretary DIRECTORS Jeanette Altarriba Eric Arndt M. Tracey Brooks Al De Salvo James M. Gaughan (emeritus) Robert T. Hennes Christine Hoek Ellen Jabbur (emerita) Gwen Krause Steven E. Lobel (emeritus)

Darcy Crum Meadows Douglas Petersen Raona Roy (emerita) Wayne Senitta (emeritus) Margery Whiteman (honorary) Michael Whiteman Russ Wilks Michael Wolff Edelgard Wulfert

ALBANY PRO MUSICA COUNCIL OF ADVISORS George R. Hearst III and Chet Opalka, Co-Chairs Alan Goldberg E. Stewart Jones, Jr. Kimberly Sanger Jones Richard Miller Paul Milton

John Nigro Karen Opalka Ellen Sax Marcia White

LEAVE A LEGACY WITH APM’S

LUX AETERNA

SOCIETY Albany Pro Musica has a legacy in the Capital Region and beyond, as a choral group whose music truly captures the human spirit. Our Lux Aeterna Society allows donors to keep the “eternal light” of their own legacy alive through Albany Pro Musica, by including APM in their estate plans.

The Lux Aeterna Society recognizes individuals and their families who have remembered APM in their estate plans through a planned gift. A planned gift to Albany Pro Musica can offer tax advantages, and allows you to designate a contribution – large or small – that will support the music you love, for years to come.

To learn more about how to include Albany Pro Musica in your estate plans, please visit our website or contact us for a confidential consultation.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMMITMENT TO ALBANY PRO MUSICA!

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BIOGRAPHIES José Daniel Flores-Caraballo

Opalka Family Artistic Director José Daniel Flores-Caraballo is a widely acclaimed conductor and musical director recognized for his artistry and integrity in stylistic performance of choral literature, his methodical and uncompromising approach to music learning, and his gifts as a patient and inspiring teacher. Dr. Flores-Caraballo brings that unique combination—along with an ambitious and energizing vision—to Albany Pro Musica (APM) as the Opalka Family Artistic Director, a role he has held since 2014.

As a trained organist as well as a celebrated orchestral and choral conductor, Dr. Flores-Caraballo places strong emphasis on technical precision as the fundamental seed from which musical artistry can grow. Dr. FloresCaraballo joined Albany Pro Musica with the goal of building upon the group’s impressive and cherished legacy and elevating APM to be among the best choirs in the nation. Through Dr. Flores-Caraballo’s leadership, APM is pushing the boundaries of choral performance in the area, embracing challenging musical programming, innovative national and international partnerships, and a renewed commitment to civic and educational initiatives.

Dr. Flores-Caraballo also serves as Conductor-In-Residence at the University at Albany (SUNY) and Chorus Director for the Vermont Symphony Orchestra Chorus. He has prepared his choirs for prominent orchestral conductors, including Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Bramwell Tovey, Stéphane Dèneve, and Kensho Watanabe of The Philadelphia Orchestra, Andrews Sill of the New York City Ballet, David Alan Miller of the Albany Symphony Orchestra, and Anthony Princiotti of the Vermont Symphony Orchestra.

Dr. Flores-Caraballo came to the Capital Region from Vero Beach, Florida, where he was a musical force for more than a decade. There, he founded and directed three auditioned, community choral groups that transformed the musical landscape in the Treasure Coast: the Atlantic Symphonic Chorus, the Atlantic Schola Cantorum, and the Atlantic Children’s Chorale. A native of Puerto Rico, Dr. Flores-Caraballo served as Dean of Academic Affairs at the Conservatory of Music in San Juan and has led prize-winning schooland church-based choral programs in Puerto Rico and across the mainland United States. He holds a Doctorate in Sacred Music with an emphasis on Choral and Instrumental Conducting from the Graduate Theological Foundation, a Master’s in Choral Conducting and Organ from the University of Illinois, and a Bachelor’s in Music Education and Instrumental Conducting from the Conservatory of Music in San Juan.

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BIOGRAPHIES Noah Palmer

Assistant Music Director and Accompanist Noah Palmer is one of the Capital Region’s most indemand musical collaborators. Noah was most recently appointed Artistic Director of Saratoga Voices and the Music at Trinity Lenox concert series; he also serves as Assistant Music Director and Accompanist for Albany Pro Musica and the Assistant Conductor of Concerts in the Village, in Kinderhook, NY. In 2018, Noah made his orchestral conducting debuts with both Concerts in the Village and Albany Pro Musica, following his opera debut with the Midwest Institute of Opera in 2015.

As a choral conductor Noah has led, among other groups, Albany Pro Musica, the Battenkill Chorale, the Northern Berkshire Chorale, the Sage Singers, and the Vermont Symphony Orchestra Chorus. In 2016, Noah was the Chorus Master at the prestigious Merola Opera Program with the San Francisco Opera.

In addition to conducting, Noah is an accomplished vocal coach and pianist.

He has worked with several regional opera companies, including Sarasota Opera and Opera North. In 2021, Noah was the principal coach and rehearsal pianist for Tom Cipullo’s “Glory Denied” at the Berkshire Opera Festival and was subsequently invited back in 2022 for their production of Jake Heggie’s “Three Decembers.” Noah has performed with some of the Capital Region’s finest singers, including Andrew Boisvert, Vedrana Kalas, Sylvia Stoner, Irina Petrik, and the late Kevin Kees. In 2022, he accompanied violinist Elizabeth Pitcairn in a vibrant program of Russian and Polish music at Troy Savings Bank Music Hall.

As an educator, Noah was the Choral Director at Skidmore College in Spring 2021, where he led the college’s two choral ensembles through a series of innovative virtual performances during the COVID-19 pandemic. In collaboration with soprano Sylvia Stoner, Noah also directs the Skidmore College Opera Workshop.

Noah studied conducting with John Yaffe and Steve Osgood and attended conducting masterclasses with Markand Thakar, Christopher Zimmerman, Mark Gibson, and David Effron. Noah studied piano with the renowned Spanish pianist Jose Ramon Mendez at NYU (BA), and Bulgarian pianist Pavlina Dokovska at the Mannes School of Music (MM). Noah has performed as a soloist and chamber musician in the United States, Europe, and China.

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THANK YOU TO OUR 2023-2024 SEASON DONORS! Listing reflects gifts made between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024 CIRCLE OF FRIENDS GOLD MAESTRO CIRCLE ($50,000 and above) Christine and George R. Hearst III Chet and Karen Opalka The Kiwi Foundation, a division of Opalka Philanthropies SILVER MAESTRO CIRCLE ($25,000 - $49,999) Gregory Anderson and William Tuthill Ellen Jabbur Wayne A. Senitta, Jr. and Daniel Washington MAESTRO CIRCLE ($10,000 - $14,999) James and Joanne Crum Michael and Linda Wolff PATRON ($5,000 - $9,999) Al De Salvo Alan Goldberg Gwen Krause and Ross Bennett John J. Nigro Douglas and Diane Petersen Dr. Marion Terenzio and Dr. Patricia O’Connor Margery and Michael Whiteman Hannelore Wilfert and Karl Moschner BENEFACTOR ($2,500 - $4,999) Dr. Jeanette Altarriba and Dr. Donald F. Graves John and Joyce Carver James M. Gaughan and Keith C. Lee * Denotes individuals who are now deceased

E. Stewart Jones, Jr. and Kimberly Sanger Jones Steven and Vivian Lobel Tom McGuire and Barbara Bradley Vaughn Nevin Raona Roy and John Roy* Harriet B. Seeley Rex Smith and Marion Roach Smith Edward Swyer Dr. Edelgard Wulfert and Richard Naylor SPONSOR ($1,000 - $2,499) Wendy T. Blair Michael Boots and Brian Barlow Anonymous Tracey Brooks and Michael Trunzo Marlene and Rob Bryan Carol Christiana and Thomas Johnson Mitchell and Susan Cohen Anonymous Joseph and Linda Farrell José Daniel Flores-Caraballo and Dharma Sanchez-Flores Meg Gallien and Bill Hammond Katharine Harris Colin Helie and Julie Weston Bob and Jane Hennes The Paul and Alane Hohenberg Fund of The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region Kenneth Larsen Dr. and Mrs. Ronald Musto Primeau Fahey Studios Havidán Rodríguez and Rosy Lopez Sharon Roy Norman and Nancy Tellier David G. Tieman David and Nancy Wagner

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AFFILIATE ($500 - $999) Wendy Barcomb and John Sheridan John and Phyllis Borel Deborah Byers and Francis Pitts Judith Ciccio Donor Advised Fund Mr. and Mrs. John J. Ferguson Herb and Shirley Gordon Peter E. Haley and Michael J. Murphy Jonathan Hansen and Tonya Burandt Hansen Jill Harbeck Ellen and Daniel Hogarty Alice Howard P. Susan Jordan Barbara MacLean Barbara and Chuck Manning Ralph and Jacqui Marino David and Martha Musser George Nisbet and Jennifer Dorsey Hon. Dustin M. Reidy Sandra Schujman Hon. Kathy Sheehan and Mr. Robert Sheehan Donald Stauffer and Susan Shipherd Audrie and Larry Sturman Emily and David Sturman Tim and Liz Taylor Hon. Paul D. Tonko Liz and Joe Vinciquerra Russell and Carolyn Wilks Brian K. Wilson Paul Wing FRIEND ($100-$499) Gregory and Judith Aidala JoAnne Alonge Wallace Altes Suzanne Anderson Elizabeth A. Arden Judith Arnold * Denotes individuals who are now deceased

James B. Ayers and Miriam Trementozzi Michael Barrett and Rebecca Chirolla John Bassler Maria Bedo-Calhoun Rachael Biggs Carol and Bill Bott James and Patricia Briglin Bruce and Crescentia Brynolfson James Burns Judith A. Carlson Sara Carlson The Clarke Family Sarah Clinton Joseph and Jeanne Costello Anne Marie Couser and Bill Kuchinski Mary L. Crangle Dawn and Dick Dana Evan DeFilippo John DeFilippo Harriett DeGraff Joyce Diwan Heather W. Drinkwater JoAnn Duquette Seth Edelman Ben and Linda English Elizabeth and John Favreau Lorraine Ferguson Dennis and Carol Fitzgerald Perry F. Smith and RoseAnne Fogarty Muriel Gordon Frasher Stacey and Mark Gallagher Joanne Gascoyne Ronald C. Geuther Gary David Gold and Nancy Pierson Ben and Claudia Golub Michael Halloran Pauline and Henry Hamelin Philip and Dianne Hansen Leif and Claudia Hartmark Anthony Hayes William Hetzer John and Susan Hill

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Barbara Hoehn Jon and Christine Hoek Eric and Priscilla Johnson Hugh Johnson and Tara Shannon Anna Kuwabara and Craig Edwards Maureen Frances Leary Edward and Heather Lessard Anonymous David and Aileen Loy Allen and Darcy Lyle Frank and Judy Lyman Kathleen Lyman Anonymous Michael and Susan Moyle Lynch William M. Lynch Stephen and Mary Madarasz Patrick Madden and Amy Williams Bob and Carleen Marino Janet and Bryan Marler Charitable Fund Susan Linda Martin Sarah May and Douglass Johnston Anonymous Robert J. McNamara Diane Mineau Mustafa and Elizabeth Mirza Judith Ann Mysliborski Sara Oberst Judith and Richard Palmer Robert Pape Bob and Loretta Parsons Chris and Carol Pfister Pollitzer Giving Fund Gregory Pratt Edward Primeau Margaret Randall Marsha and Steve Ras Cheryl Reeves and Martha Schultz C. Michael Reger Dorothy H. Reynolds Ed Rhubart Gail and George Richardson Rosemarie Rosen * Denotes individuals who are now deceased

Steven Rosenberry and Melanie Shaw Steve Rosenblum Anne Rosenfeld John J. Runfola, Jr. and Sharon Gazin Joanne Scheibly Jay Schlesinger and Judy Rader Dorothy and Ralph Schultz Robert and Gail Schwartz Charlotte Senecal Peggy and Jack Seppi Cynthia Serbent Julie and William Shapiro Laura Shea Barbara Simoneau and Joseph Caron Ken and Marggie Skinner Delanne Stageman Hildegard Steinmann Marlayna and Nick Sullivan Michele Susko and Fardin Sanai Jan Sweeney Jill Taylor and Paul Masters Irina Tikhonenko Roger Tippy Doris F. Tomer Lyle Van Vranken Jeff Vandeberg Ann Volpel Elizabeth M. Voss Dawn Stuart Weinraub Ilona Weisman Dan and Maribeth White Mary Withington Lisa J. Wloch Peter and Lynn Young Faith Gay and Francesca Zambello Barbara M. Zavisky Susan C. Zeltmann

We apologize for any errors or omissions and would be grateful to have them brought to our attention.

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THANK YOU TO OUR 2023-2024 CORPORATE CIRCLE, GALA SPONSORS, AND INSTITUTIONAL DONORS $100,000+ Bader Philanthropies, Inc. The Kiwi Foundation, a division of the Opalka Philanthropies $10,000 - $19,999 Eddy Senior Living Howard and Bush Foundation IBM New York State Council on the Arts The Arts Center of the Capital Region University at Albany Foundation $5,000 - $9,999 Amidon & Petersen Financials CDPHP Massry Charitable Foundation MVP Healthcare Nigro Retail Properties and John J. Nigro $2,500 - $4,999 Community Bank * Pioneer Review Foundation Times Union * $1,000 - $2,499 architecture+ Courtyard Marriott Ernest Otho Reaugh Advised Fund for LGBTQIA+ Advocacy of The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region Hacker Murphy, LLP J.M. McDonald Foundation, Inc. Stewart’s Shops *

WITH SUPPORT FROM: Capital Bank Community Care Physicians * Fenimore Asset Management GE Aerospace Matching Gift Foundation Pursuit Foundation Whiteman Osterman & Hanna * * Sponsors of the Pro Musica in Paradise Gala

Albany Pro Musica is grateful for the support of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature.

Arts Thrive and Grow has been funded

by New York State, Kathy Hochul, Governor. We thank Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart Cousins for her extraordinary commitment and leadership, and our elected officials who represent our grantmaking region: Senators Jake Ashby and Neil D. Breslin; Assemblymembers Scott H. Bendett, Patricia Fahy, John T. McDonald III, Angelo Santabarbara, Phil Steck, and Mary Beth Walsh.

SPECIAL THANKS TO APM’S IN-KIND DONORS Albany Institute of History and Art Hilton Garden Inn Troy Lane Press Nicole’s Catering

Saratoga Arts Troy Savings Bank Music Hall WMHT Educational Television

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WAYS TO SUPPORT ALBANY PRO MUSICA Did you know? Similar to most arts organizations, APM’s ticket revenue covers only a fraction of the costs to produce our full season. Your support sustains APM’s high level of professional artistry and educational programming, and ensures the continuation of Maestro Flores-Caraballo’s exciting and innovative vision.

Learn about the many ways you can help keep APM singing, this season and for years to come: ONE-TIME GIFTS Support APM’s mission with a gift via check or credit card. Contributions can also be made via wire transfer or through Donor Advised Funds.

RECURRING DONATIONS Setting up a recurring gift is an easy and automatic way to support APM that works for your budget and schedule. You decide how much you would like to give and how often, and the contributions are charged to your credit card on a monthly or quarterly basis.

CORPORATE MATCHING Double your donation by checking if your employer (or former employer for retirees) will match your contribution! Many companies offer matching gift programs which match charitable contributions made by their employees, retirees, and even spouses.

GIFTS OF STOCK Contribute appreciated securities, such as stocks and bonds, for potential tax benefits. Please visit our website for detailed instructions for your broker.

RETIREMENT DISTRIBUTION Make a gift (qualified charitable distribution) directly from your individual retirement account to APM. Talk with your financial advisor to learn more about how to support APM with a qualified charitable distribution, while also deriving a tax benefit.

PLANNED GIVING Turn your passion for music into a lasting legacy by including APM in your estate plans.

To make a gift to Albany Pro Musica, please scan with your smartphone or visit our website to donate safely online: albanypromusica.org/donate.

If you have any questions or would like additional information, please reach out to us!

Emily Sturman / emily@albanypromusica.org / 518-687-1947 Liz Vinciquerra / liz@albanypromusica.org Thank you for your support.

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2024–2025

I Was Glad

November 9, 2024 British Works for Chorus, Brass Choir, and Organ

Handel’s Messiah

December 14, 2024 A Longstanding Holiday Tradition

Verdi’s Requiem

April 13, 2025 With the Schenectady-Saratoga Symphony Orchestra

Andrew Burger, Artistic Director Trevor Kahlbaugh, Accompanist www.octavosingers.org 518-380-6938 info@octavosingers.org

THE 2024-2025 ADVENTURE BEGINS WITH YOUR ALBANY SYMPHONY! THIS SEASON FEATURES INNOVATIVE AND DIVERSE PROGRAMMING THAT’S SURE TO DELIGHT. INDIVIDUAL TICKETS AND SUBSCRIPTION PACKAGES AVAILABLE NOW! VISIT ALBANYSYMPHONY.COM OR CALL (518) 694-3300

PLUS:

ALBANYSYMPHONY.COM

WE HOPE YOU’LL JOIN US FOR THE REST OF OUR 2024-2025 SEASON!

FEBRUARY 1, 2025 I 6:00PM I TROY SAVINGS BANK MUSIC HALL

Considering Matthew Shepard MARCH 9, 2025 I 3:00PM I TROY SAVINGS BANK MUSIC HALL

Pro Musica on Broadway APRIL 26, 2025 I 7:30PM I THE EGG

Troy Savings Bank Music Hall | albanypromusica.org | 518-273-0038