Each December, people from all over the Greater Capital Region of Albany, New York gather for a festive Christmas program that truly captures the spirit of the holiday: giving of your time, talents and treasure to help others in their hour of need. It’s called Melodies of Christmas, and behind the celebratory tone of each performance lies the serious goal of helping kids with cancer live long and healthy lives.
The site of Melodies is the beautiful and historic Proctor’s Theatre in Schenectady, New York. Each year there the talented young men and women of the Empire State Youth Orchestra and Chorale come together to perform a very diverse set of music featuring traditional carols as well as lesser known classical pieces. In addition, several special guests performing their own original music participate in the program. Melodies of Christmas is sponsored by local businesses including Price Chopper and Freihofer’s and is shown several times on Albany’s local CBS affiliate, CBS6 Albany on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Several CBS6 Albany personalities emcee the event each year.
However, it is whom the concert benefits that truly sets it apart as a valued and honored tradition in the Capital Region. All ticket proceeds of each concert go to The Children’s Hospital at Albany Medical Center’s unit for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders. The unit was recently renamed the Melodies Center in honor of the annual event that has brought in so many valuable dollars for research and treatment.
The only things more impressive than the skill and devotion of the singers and musicians are the courage and determination of the kids that have fought cancer and lived to tell the tale. I won’t spoil the performance for anyone. I will only state here that if you come and enjoy this special holiday treat you will have an opportunity to look into the eyes and the beaming faces of those whom have benefited from the Melodies Center. Their gaze into the audience as they rise and sing usually doesn’t leave a dry eye in the house.
Melodies of Christmas has a very special place in my heart. In 2005, I brought my wife, Mandi there for the concert and proposed to her at intermission. We go back every year and count it as one of our most beloved traditions during the Christmas season.
Melodies of Christmas is scheduled for Thursday, December 15 through Saturday December 17, 2011 at 7:00 P.M. each night. There is also a Sunday, December 18, 2011 performance at 3:00 P.M. Tickets can be purchased for $25 from the Proctor’s Theatre Box Office at (518) 346-6204.