Playathon is Back! ESYO Musicians Share Their love of Music at Crossgates Mall for the First Time Since the Start of the COVID-19 Pandemic

MARCH 22, 2022

WHEN:
Saturday, March 26, 2022
11:00am - 5:30pm
 
WHERE:
Crossgates Mall - Lower Level near Burlington
 
WHO: 
Hundreds of Young ESYO Musicians in Many Ensembles!
 
Albany, NY - Hundreds of young musicians in the Empire State Youth Orchestra will share their love of music with the community during Play-a-thon, its annual musical marathon on Saturday, March 26, 2022, from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm at Crossgates Mall in Albany, NY.  The event, which is ESYO’s most important friend-raiser and fundraiser, features 9 musical ensembles that include everything from classical to percussion to jazz. This year, the goal is to raise $65,000 online and in-person at the event. Since mid-February, ESYO musicians have collected donations from friends, family, and neighbors online using Peer-to-Peer Fundraising technology and three ESYO Conductors are auctioning off their collective talents. The highest bidder will get a 45-minute concert at their home with Keith Pray, Peter Bellino, and Mark Foster.  Friends and audiences alike can bid online at esyo.org/playathon. Even though the event is designed to raise money, it is free to anyone in the community who wants to enjoy music on that day. 
 
“Playathon is much more than a fundraiser,” said Rebecca Calos, ESYO’s executive director.  “It's a fun all-day event and a chance for ESYO to perform outside the concert hall. It brings us closer to our neighbors, future members, and the entire community. It’s the only performance that features all aspects of the ESYO program.” she continued. 
 
Anne-Marie Gorman Doyle, ESYO’s director of development, is leading the effort and hopes that the community will come out and show their support. “Our young musicians look forward to performing for the community each year at Playathon. It’s something they truly missed over the last two years” said Anne-Marie.  “This year, the need to raise $65,000 in support of our young musicians and ESYO’s ongoing efforts to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic is greater than ever,” she continued.
 
The day also includes live auctions to conduct an ESYO ensemble, including for the first time ever, one of ESYO’s Jazz Orchestras. ESYO’s new music director, Ettienne Abelin will conduct ESYO’s Symphony Orchestra and provide conducting tips and tricks to auction winners. 

Additional information about ESYO’s program and concerts can be found at esyo.org.
 
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PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
 
11:00 AM - 11:10 AM
Chamber Percussion Ensemble
 
11:15 AM - 11:30 AM
Concertino Strings
 
11:35 AM - 12:05 PM
CHIME
 
12:10 PM - 12:20 PM
Chamber Percussion Ensemble
 
12:30 PM - 12:55 PM
String Orchestra & Auction
 
1:05 PM - 1:25 PM
Wind Orchestra
 
1:35 PM - 2:15 PM
Symphony Orchestra & Auction
 
2:25 PM - 3:00 PM
Repertory Orchestra & Auction
 
3:15 PM - 3:35 PM
Repertory Jazz Ensemble
 
3:40 PM - 4:10 PM
Youth Jazz Orchestra & Auction
 
4:20 PM - 5:00 PM
Symphony Orchestra & Auction
 
Auctions to win conductor’s baton & opportunity to lead an orchestra.
 
  
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