53 former Syracuse Symphony musicians plan concert schedule
Musical Associates of Central New York dress up to present a Halloween concert for young people
/ Photojournalist Bill Ali
The 'new' Musical Associates of Central New York took the stage at Syracuse's Mulroy Civic Center on Saturday morning, for a concert aimed at young people. A second classics concert is planned there, for Saturday night.
A youth concert tradition, a musical zoo, greeted concert goers in the lobby, with musicians explaining how the music is made. by specific instruments. In the concert, musicians onstage were all dressed up in halloween-themed costumes: first violinist Andy Zaplatynski was sporting a Yankees cap and baseball bat, conductor Heather Buckman was in Harry Potter costume.
Saturday night, the concert will be more formal, with world-class pianist John Nakamatsu the guest artist for an all-classics program.
This weekend is the first time the new symphony organization has played 'stand alone' concerts (last weekend musicians played for Syracuse Opera).
The reinvention of the Syracuse Symphony is smaller--53 musicians, and the musicians have a financial stake in their success. They plan to reach out for more public interaction, and have audience favorites like the Nutcracker ballet, Handel's Messiah and a Holiday Pops concert on the agenda.
