Conductor: Etienne Abelin
Membership: 100+
Auditions: Early June
Rehearsals: Weekly on Wednesday evenings
NYSSMA Level: Generally 6+
The flagship Symphony Orchestra is ESYO’s most advanced orchestra. The orchestra is composed of musicians whose technical skills and musicality are at the highest level. The orchestra receives regular coaching from professional musicians and frequently performs at the legendary Troy Savings Bank Music Hall and Carnegie Hall in New York City.
The Symphony Orchestra tours internationally every 4 years and performs annually in Melodies of Christmas, CBS’s popular holiday concert that has raised more than $8 million for The Melodies Center for Childhood Cancers & Blood Disorders at Albany Medical Center. Members of Symphony Orchestra explore a wide range of repertoire, from timeless Symphonic masterpieces by Tchaikovsky, Beethoven, and more, to contemporary creations by cutting-edge composers of today. Recent composer collaborations include works by Christopher Theofanidis, Clint Needam, Carlos Àgreda, and Missy Mazzoli. Lifelong friendships are formed at Frost Valley, a fall rehearsal retreat in the Catskills at Frost Valley YMCA. An annual Young People’s Concert, a free community concert for Senior citizens, and the Lois Lyman Concerto Competition round out the program.