The Albany Symphony fulfills its mission by performing, commissioning, and recording the work of established and emerging American composers. Founded in 1930, the Symphony is privileged to serve a diverse regional audience covering more than seven counties of New York and parts of three states. Our annual programming includes a nine concert Classics Series with performances throughout New York’s Capital Region, each featuring a recent or world première composition by a living composer; the annual American Music Festival, our capstone multi-day celebration of new music, including a performance by the new music ensemble Dogs of Desire; a Family Series with costumed cast which inspire new generations of symphony patrons; and holiday and pops concerts, in collaboration with area youth performing arts groups. Our flagship education programs, Adopt-a-School and Meet the Maestro, bring musicians into classrooms for interactive music education, and Literacy-through-Songwriting, our in-school composer residency program, works with students on songwriting, storytelling, improvisation, teamwork, and self-expression.