The “Ghost Light” survived the transition to electricity to keep stagehands from tripping onstage or falling into the orchestra pit. But, if you ask anyone who works backstage at a theatre or concert hall, you will hear a different and more chilling reason for the “Ghost Light.”
Many who work in the arts share stories about phantoms and ghosts that inhabit many of the world’s greatest concert halls. They are the spirits of yesterday’s classical giants who haunt the grand stages upon which they played. The “Ghost Light” is a spotlight to the eternal performances of those restless musicians whose music keeps away evil spirits that seek to silence the timeless joys of music. Next time you step into a theatre, look to the “Ghost Light,” stop and listen. Do you hear the sounds of the past echoing through the space?
While there aren’t any known stories of ghosts haunting the hallowed rooms of the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, the memories of past performances echo through the halls, waiting to be heard and discovered again. From Sergei Rachmaninoff to violinist Yehudi Menuhin and opera soprano Lillian Nordica, the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall is the stage of countless stories etched into music history. The “ghost light” today may not dispel evil spirits or spotlight the ghosts of past performers. It is a symbol of hope that concert halls would reopen and concerts resume.
On Friday, November 5, 2021, at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, the “Ghost Light” at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall will go out, the doors to the concert hall will reopen, and the darkness will dissipate, giving light to a new ESYO performance. ESYO’s Opening Night concert features conductor Andrés Rivas from The Orchestra Now and ESYO’s Symphony Orchestra.
Purchase your tickets today and enjoy the music you love performed by the region’s best young musicians.
WHAT YOU WILL HEAR
Antonín Dvořák: Symphony No. 8
Arturo Márquez: Danzón No. 2
Jennifer Higdon: Light
