TROY, N.Y. — Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s (RPI) Rensselaer Orchestra and the Empire State Youth Orchestra’s (ESYO) Symphony Orchestra are thrilled to announce their second annual side-by-side concerts, “Fluid Realities.” The first of two collaborative performances was held at Troy Savings Bank Music Hall on March 30. The second will take place as a free concert at the Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center (EMPAC) at RPI on April 5. 

This unique collaboration unites talented student musicians from two distinct institutions, fostering artistic growth and musical excellence through shared performance experiences. It bridges past and future, with RPI orchestra members who once played in ESYO mentoring current ESYO students who aspire to follow in their footsteps. By combining the technical expertise and innovative spirit of RPI students with the energy and passion of ESYO’s young musicians, “Fluid Realities” exemplifies the power of music to bring people together, transcend boundaries and create transformative experiences for performers and audiences alike.  

Audiences will experience the intensity of Hector Berlioz’s “Symphonie Fantastique,” a vivid orchestral work that blurs the line between dreams and reality with its wild, fantastical journey inspired by Berlioz’s unrequited love for actress Harriet Smithson. Also featured is Samy Moussa’s “Elysium,” a contemporary work offering vast, transcendent soundscapes that shift between earthly and otherworldly realms, described by conductors as a kaleidoscopic metamorphosis of chords and tonality—perfect for newcomers to modern classical music.  

Two promising young soloists will take center stage. The March 30 performance will highlight cellist Abi Norsworthy, winner of the 2025 Lois Lyman Concerto Competition, performing Robert Schumann’s “Cello Concerto in A Minor,” a deeply expressive piece with seamless flow and shifting moods. The April 5 performance will feature RPI student oboist Gianna Scire '25, winner of the 2024 Rensselaer Concerto Competition, performing Thomas L. Read’s “Oboe Concerto,” showcasing a New England composer’s unique voice. 

“This collaboration is a great opportunity for our students to step outside their usual musical environment and push their musical and expressive boundaries,” said Robert Whalen, Rensselaer Orchestra conductor. “Performing alongside the talented musicians of ESYO challenges our students in the best way—it pushes them musically, strengthens their ensemble skills and reminds them of the power music has to connect people across different backgrounds. The RPI students are inspired by ESYO’s energy, and we hope to mentor these young musicians for relationships that extend beyond the concerts.”

"Music is a core part of my experience at RPI, just as much as my engineering studies, research, and leadership roles,” said Gianna Scire '25. “It provides balance, fuels creativity, and enhances my problem-solving skills in ways that extend far beyond the stage or classroom. This partnership with ESYO highlights how STEM and the arts complement each other, proving that music isn’t just an extracurricular—it’s essential to personal and academic growth." 

Concert Details:   

Free Concert: April 5, 2025, at 2 p.m. at EMPAC, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute – Conducted by Robert Whalen, Rensselaer Orchestra conductor, with guest conductor Etienne Abelin.  

RSVP in advance here.  

The community is invited to experience an extraordinary symphonic event on April 5 at EMPAC, where music transcends boundaries, reshaping perception and time. Don’t miss this powerful collaboration and celebration of young musical talent.