Mendelssohn Club of Albany Announces Annual Spring Concert

DELMAR, NY (04/12/2023) (readMedia)-- The Mendelssohn Club of Albany will perform its traditional spring concert at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 19th in the New York State Education Building's historic Chancellor's Hall.

"The club is thrilled to continue our long tradition of performing at Chancellor's Hall, singing a program that blends old favorites with several fresh compositions and arrangements," said Mendelssohn Club President Claiborne Walthall. "Folk music speaks to a wide range of experiences and cultures, and we're excited to share this music with some great folks-our audience."

"Folk Music – Songs of the People" will feature a wide range of traditional folk songs and other familiar pieces. To help celebrate the arrival of spring, The Kennedys will join the club as special guests. Pete and Maura Kennedy are wonderful writers, musicians, and performers. Recognized for their harmonies and instrumental prowess, the Kennedys blend elements of country music, bluegrass, Western swing and janglepop.

Tickets for the concert are available in advance for $22, or $20 per ticket for groups of ten or more. To purchase tickets in advance, please contact tickets@mendelssohn.org for more information. Walk-in tickets may also be available.

The New York State Education Building is located at 89 Washington Avenue in Albany. The entrance to Chancellor's Hall is located near the corner of North Hawk Street and Washington Avenue. Covered parking is available one block from the State Education Building.

In keeping with another long tradition, the Mendelssohn Club will also perform at the annual Tulip Festival on Saturday, May 13.

About The Mendelssohn Club: A Capital Region tradition since 1909, the 60-voice male chorus is the area's longest continuously performing arts group. The club is composed of men from the Capital District, Hudson Valley, and Berkshire regions, and performs a full range of male choral selections from around the world. The conductor of The Mendelssohn Club is Jason Dashew. Mr. Dashew earned a Bachelor of Music degree from SUNY Fredonia and a Master of Arts from SUNY Albany. He currently serves as the director of choral activities at Bethlehem Central High School in Delmar, New York. In addition to conducting five choral ensembles, he also teaches music theory and directs the annual spring musical productions for Bethlehem's middle and high schools. Mr. Dashew also directs the youth choirs at the First United Methodist Church in Delmar. Pianist Michael Clement serves as the club's accompanist. Mr. Clement trained at the Eastman School of Music, the University of Arizona, and the University of Southern California. He has performed concerts throughout the U.S., and has served as music director of Opera Excelsior, vocal coach at the College of Saint Rose, accompanist at Skidmore College, and music director of Emmanuel Baptist Church, Albany, New York.