Musicians of Ma’alwyck presents
Scotch Tasting & Tam o’ Shanter Performance
Friday, January 23, 2026 | 6:00 PM
St. Andrew’s Society | 150 Washington Ave, Albany

Friday, January 30, 2026 | 5:00 PM
Gardner Earl Chapel, Oakwood Cemetery | 50 101st St, Troy

Two Great Ways to Experience Scottish Culture in the Capital Region This January

Musicians of Ma’alwyck presents a Scotch Tasting & Concert at the St. Andrew’s Society and a Performance at Oakwood Cemetery

Albany/Troy, NY—This January, chamber ensemble Musicians of Ma’alwyck invites audiences to celebrate the music, poetry, cuisine, and spirits of Scottish culture through two immersive events built around Tam o’ Shanter: A Musical Tale, an original musical setting of Robert Burns’ famous poem by local composer Max Caplan. These signature programs offer unforgettable ways to experience Scotland right here in the Capital Region.

Scotch Tasting at the St. Andrew’s Society
Friday, January 23, 2026 | 6:00 PM
St. Andrew’s Society | 150 Washington Ave, Albany

Step inside the historic rooms of the St. Andrew’s Society for an elegant evening of Scottish cuisine, traditional dress, live performance, and some of the finest Scotches available. Attendees will enjoy a curated tasting experience prepared by sommelier and managing partner of Yono’s Josh Turo, along with caterer Michelle Hines Abram Thibeaut, paired with a performance of Caplan’s Tam o’ Shanter: A Musical Tale, by Musicians of Ma’alwyck with Scottish native Andy Patterson as narrator. With its cozy, inviting setting and rich cultural atmosphere, this event offers a warm and spirited tribute to Scotland—perfect for the Burns Night season. Tickets are $150.

Tam o’ Shanter at Gardner Earl Chapel, Oakwood Cemetery
Friday, January 30, 2026 | 5:00 PM
Oakwood Cemetery | 50 101st St, Troy

Just one week later, audiences can experience the dramatic side of Scottish music, literature, and folklore with a special performance of Tam o’ Shanter: A Musical Tale in the historic Gardner Earl Chapel at Oakwood Cemetery. The architecturally stunning setting creates the ideal backdrop for Burns’ tale of revelry, witches, and a midnight ride. This unique concert promises a thrilling evening of music, poetry, and storytelling, followed by a reception, and will raise funds to support the audio recording of Caplan’s piece, as well as the upcoming short film of the same name. Tickets are $25 general admission, $15 for students.

Musicians of Ma’alwyck will also offer several additional January performances of Tam o’ Shanter, including Tuesday, January 27 at the Strand Theatre in Hudson Falls and Saturday, January 31 at Conkling Hall in Rensselaerville. Contact these venues for ticketing information.

Holiday Gifting: with their blend of music, culture, and storytelling, tickets to these events make for memorable gifts—ideal for lovers of classical music, fans of Scottish heritage, fine spirits, or anyone seeking a unique winter experience in the Capital Region.

Join Musicians of Ma’alwyck to experience Scotland in the Capital Region this January!

Tickets are available at musiciansofmaalwyck.org.
Contact Caroline Brown, caroline@musiciansofmaalwyck.org, (518) 512-9479

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.

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.