David Amram and His 95th Birthday Concert
Friday, November 21, 2025, at 7:00 PM
SUNY Schenectady, Carl B. Taylor Auditorium

Musicians of Ma’alwyck Celebrates Composer David Amram’s 95th Birthday

Concert and Masterclass with the Living Legend
November 21, 2025, at SUNY Schenectady

Schenectady, NY—Musicians of Ma’alwyck is proud to present a once-in-a-lifetime concert performance honoring the 95th birthday of legendary American composer David Amram, a genre-defying icon whose seven-decade career has earned him “rockstar” status in the classical music world. The concert will take place Friday, November 21, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the Carl B. Taylor Auditorium at SUNY Schenectady, with Amram himself joining the ensemble and guest artists for an unforgettable evening of music, stories, and artistic collaboration.

Known for his boundless creativity and collaborations with artists from Leonard Bernstein to Jack Kerouac, Amram’s music bridges classical, jazz, folk, and world traditions with effortless flair. His pioneering spirit helped shape the American musical landscape of the 20th century and continues to inspire generations of musicians today.

The concert will feature a Beat Generation-inspired program that captures Amram’s eclectic style and adventurous spirit, culminating in a special performance by the composer himself, as well as guest artists Christopher Brellochs, saxophone; Andrew Snow, viola; Max Caplan, piano and Andrew Janack, percussion. In addition to the main event, Amram will lead both an open rehearsal and a public masterclass earlier in the week, offering rare insight into his creative process and approach to musical storytelling. Audiences are also invited to join Amram, the ensemble, and guest artists for a reception following the concert, celebrating this extraordinary milestone with an opportunity to meet the maestro himself.

“David's vitality as a human permeates his music,” shares MofM Founder & Artistic Director Ann-Marie Barker Schwartz. “His integrity, energetic spirit, and his joy in life inform every note of his music. He views musical performance as a soulful communication and both his compositions and his own collaborative playing display this. Musicians of Ma'alwyck is honored to have this incredible opportunity to work with David and to share music-making with him.”

Schwartz continues: “David selected this program, and it really couldn't more exemplify his ability to integrate so many styles of music. Conversations is a sophisticated piece of chamber music that explores both playful and serious musical exposition. Native American Portraits quotes authentic American Indian themes in a skillful amalgam of indigenous and western classical form. It includes colorful percussion instruments and wonderfully evocative writing. Greenwich Village Portraits celebrates the Bohemian, jazzy side of this iconic Manhattan neighborhood.”

Join Musicians of Ma’alwyck and David Amram on Friday, November 21 at SUNY Schenectady for an unforgettable evening with an American original.

Tickets and Information:
For more information and to reserve tickets, visit musiciansofmaalwyck.org or contact Caroline Brown, Executive Director, Musicians of Ma’alwyck at (518) 512-9479 or caroline@musiciansofmaalwyck.org.

Concert Details:
David Amram and His 95th Birthday Concert
Friday, November 21, 2025, at 7:00 PM
SUNY Schenectady, Carl B. Taylor Auditorium

Additional Events Open to the Public:
November 20, 12:30-1:30pm: Masterclass for students
November 20, 3-4:30pm: Open Rehearsal
November 21, 2-4pm: Open Dress Rehearsal and Q&A

Musicians of Ma'alwyck's programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. Additional support is provided by the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region and to the Schenectady County Legislature Arts & Culture Grant.

ABOUT MUSICIANS OF MA’ALWYCK

Musicians of Ma’alwyck bring history to life through provocative musical performances in the Greater Capital Region and beyond. Now entering their 25th Anniversary Season, they have made a significant impact on the local arts scene through hundreds of unique classical music performances and projects.

Founded in 2000 by violinist and artistic director Ann-Marie Barker Schwartz, Musicians of Ma’alwyck evolved from performing music that may have been heard in Albany in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries to an expanded repertory, including twentieth-century and contemporary works, in addition to commissioning new works from emerging composers.

Based in the Capital Region but performing throughout New York State and beyond, the ensemble serves a diverse audience of music lovers, history enthusiasts, and supporters of the arts. Core musicians include Ann-Marie Barker Schwartz, artistic director and violin; Norman Thibodeau, flute; Sten Isachsen, guitar; André Laurent O’Neil, cello. The group frequently collaborates with local, national, and international artists and organizations from a diversity of backgrounds and artistic styles.

The ensemble performs five concert programs per season in addition to specially curated events, including wine tastings and galas, at unique venues throughout the region. Performances are almost always multimedia, and each concert series includes a number of run-out shows at museums and historic venues, churches, and community and retirement centers. In addition to public performance, MofM has also explored the world of short film, and produces about one film per year.

Musicians of Ma’alwyck have been in residence at the Schuyler Mansion in Albany for twenty-five years, and currently hold a residency at SUNY Schenectady. The ensemble released their first commercial CD in 2016, Music in the Schuyler Mansion, which the Times Union called “elegant and charming,” and their second in 2021, Hyde Hall & the Silver Goddess: Operatic Brilliance of Auber, Bellini, Meyerbeer, and Rossini from the Drawing Room. They have been nominated five times for a Thomas Edison Capital Region Music Award and have been featured on WMHT and WAMC radio stations and in film festivals.