Dynamic music and visuals combine for exciting 91st season

The Schenectady-Saratoga Symphony Orchestra presents “Realize” in October

Kicking off the 91^st season, the Schenectady-Saratoga Symphony Orchestra will present “Realize,” a spectacular performance accompanied by a visual presentation alongside the music of Prokofiev’s “Piano Concerto #3,” Adamo’s “Overture to Lysistrata” and Respighi’s “Fontana di Roma” and “Pini di Roma.”

The dynamic sounds interwoven with bright on-screen visuals bring audience members on a journey of the impactful power of a symphony orchestra.

Joining the performance will be guest artist Lisa Leonard. She has been hailed as a pianist who “communicates deep artistic understanding through a powerful and virtuosic technique,” and has enjoyed a diverse career as chamber musician, soloist and educator.

Leonard says, “I would encourage audiences to just feel. I think sometimes, people place to much importance on understanding what they hear.”

The guest artist describes Prokofiev’s music as “hundreds of colors that include bright, even neon hues that explode again and again.”

“There’s constant interplay between the piano and orchestra with a lot of shared material. It also showcases the athleticism of the piano and pianist. There are many spots where I can see Simone Biles flipping through the air as the music bounces from one phrase to the next,” she added.

Audience members have two opportunities to enjoy SSSO’s first show of the season, Saturday, Oct. 19 at Zankel Music Hall in Saratoga Springs and Sunday, Oct. 20 at Proctors in Schenectady.

For tickets and more information visit the Box Office at Proctors in-person or via phone at (518) 346-6204 Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. or visit sssony.org.

Don’t miss the pre-concert talk with Leonard and Artistic Director/Conductor Glen Cortese at 6 p.m. before each performance! It’s an excellent way to learn more about the music and an opportunity to ask questions about the show. All are invited to attend.