ASO presents virtual concerts in real time
ALBANY, N.Y. » When there is no longer a definition for a new normal, sometimes the best thing you can do is try to recreate the conditions of the old normal.
That, according to David Alan Miller, the conductor and Musical Director of the Albany Symphony Orchestra, is what he is trying to do with the concerts included in the Orchestra’s “Reimagined” 2020-2021 season.
The season begins 7:30 p.m. this Saturday Oct. 24. Though the performance will be offered virtually, the musicians are joining together at Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga Springs to perform in real time. Miller says the space is both an acoustical gem and is also large enough for the musicians to perform while practicing social distancing.
In a recent telephone interview, Miller says the ASO is making an attempt to provide its audiences with as much sense of normality as possible. “We are committed to live performances in one space, rather than pre-recorded concerts with musicians taped individually and spliced together to form a whole. We believe there is a thirst out there for normalcy.”
Miller readily acknowledges that virtual is not the same as actual. However, he does believe that by behaving as close as possible to the norms of a regular concert it will have a soothing effect on his supporters. “Our goal is to offer as close as is possible a true communal experience,” he says
This means the performance is only available at a certain time on a specific day. The other customs surrounding a concert will also take place. Miller will offer a pre- concert talk with the creators and performers. They are even adding a talkback after the performance during which viewers can send questions which will be answered live by participants of the event.
There are, however, two major considerations in offering a “live virtual” performance. They are directly related.
Says Miller, the first and most important concern is the personal safety of the performers. He explains that one factor in providing a safe environment is to use a minimum number of musicians. All performers, with the exception of two woodwinds and the sing
ers will be masked and social distancing rules will be observed. The same safety protocols have been followed in rehearsals, which were capped at 90-minutes in length.
This Saturday’s performance will feature narration on the life and career of the iconic folk singer Woody Guthrie, by F. Murray Abraham. He’s a famed Broadway actor, best known for his Academy Award-Winning performance as Salieri in the film “Amadeus.” His contributions will be previously recorded.
Another factor is the choice of material which uses a minimum of musi
cians. The first concert is “This Land Sings: Inspired by the Life and Times of Woody Guthrie” composed by Michael Daugherty. It is a piece that was recently recorded by the ASO. Not only is it a popular work created by a contemporary composer, it only needs 9 musicians.
Miller points out that Guthrie sang and wrote about the Great Depression, a period that closely resembles our current economic and social problems. “It’s not only beautiful music, it’s socially relevant,” says Miller.
The second concert on Nov. 14 features a chamber orchestra work by Gustav Mahler that will use only 15 musicians. The Dec. 12 concert honors the work of a young, almost unknown Ludwig Van Beethoven. His artistry is linked to the contemporary music of Michael Torke and Viet Cuong, who have been greatly influenced by Beethoven. Miller expects it to connect the timeless passion for music that has endured over the centuries.
It will use 25 musicians. The November and December concerts will be performed live at the Palace Theatre and offered to the public virtually, again in real time. The pieces performed have been selected with care. The goal is that during the course of the season every member of the orchestra will have performed in a concert.
Miller says he is aware that most major orchestras have shut down their seasons and furloughed their musicians. He is proud that the ASO is finding a way to do a complete season and is dedicated to having each ASO musician receive some payment for their services.
Indeed, he recognizes that the psychic income for a trained artist to participate in their art form is as valuable as is earned income. “The arts have been devastated by this pandemic,” he says. “It’s a time during which we are learning what matters to each of us. Artists must remain connected to their art. The public must feel connected to that art.”
Indeed, he says that one of the few encouraging things that have come from the pandemic is the dedicated support of his subscribers, the public at large and local governments that are doing their best to offer financial support during this trying period.
“We are feeling so much love from the community that it encourages us to keep overcoming all the challenges and hurdles that we keep encountering. I am convinced more than ever about the importance of music and art in the daily life of any community,” he says. “The Albany Symphony is dedicated to providing a place where that love can be experienced as close as possible to live, until it’s safe for all of us to gather under one roof.”
For information on season subscriptions or single concerts call (518) 6943300 or go to albanysymphony.com.