News
January 22, 2019The Empire State Youth Orchestra (ESYO) “Playathon” at Crossgates Mall
Hundreds of student musicians in the Empire State Youth Orchestra ensembles will share their love of music with the community during an all-day “Playathon” on Saturday, February 2, 2019 from 10:30am to 6:30pm at Crossgates Mall – Level 1 near Burlington Coat Factory. The event, which is a fundraiser for the organization, features 11 musical ensembles that include everything from classical to percussion to jazz. This year there is a fundraising goal set at $60,000 dollars. 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.
The annual ‘Playathon’ is the organization’s largest and most important fundraiser and is also the only time that all of the performing ensembles come together, on one day, to share their musical talent with the public. The Playathon is sponsored by The University at Albany Foundation.
There are a few differences this year. The Youth Orchestra ensemble has recently been re-named and is now coined the “Symphony Orchestra.” Also, there will be a guest conductor for the Symphony Orchestra on that day. It is someone near and dear to those involved with ESYO. “We’re delighted to welcome ESYO Symphony Orchestra Guest Conductor, Dr. Edward S. Marschilok. An ESYO Luminary Award recipient, Dr. Marschilok embodies the spirit of ESYO. He has been affiliated with ESYO since 1996, serving on the board of directors and contributing exceptional personal expertise as a skilled coach and guest musician,” said Executive Director Rebecca Calos.
Music Director Carlos Ágreda is very excited about this event. “Playathon represents a valuable opportunity to increase our visibility and to have a relaxed and direct connection with the community. Some members of the community may not realize how much they love classical music. So, if they don’t come to the concert hall then we will come to their space! At Playathon we want to provide a bit of exposure on how fun classical music can be,” said Ágreda.
The day also includes the John Keal Music Company’s “Instrument Petting Zoo” and live auctions so that someone in the audience has the opportunity to conduct one of the ensembles. The marathon musical event helps ESYO ensure no qualified musician is ever turned away because of the inability to pay.
Additional information about ESYO’s program and concerts can be found at esyo.org.
