Live at the Library Concerts a Hit

On March 11 and April 26, we spread a little music magic in the University Library as we launched the LIVE @ The Library performance series in collaboration with the UAlbany Music Department. What began as a hopeful idea between Dr. Michael Lister (Music Program Director), Hilary Cumming (Lecturer), and me quickly became something much more than we ever could have expected - a shared space where sound, scholarship, and community met in a way that felt both completely unexpected but somehow a natural fit. 

Over the course of an hour, more than fifty attendees filtered in and out - students, faculty, and staff paused in the middle of a busy Wednesday to take in performances by the Minerva Ensemble, Chamber Singers, and the UAlbany Community Chorale. The room exploded with big brass sounds and soaring vocals. Every note seemed to settle into the space, transforming a familiar study area into something that felt immersive and alive. 

Beyond the performances themselves, the event opened new doors for connection and discovery within the University Library. We curated a selection of music scores and novels from our collection that tied into some of the performed pieces. For many of our music students in attendance, this was their first introduction to some resources they hadn't realized were available to them, and watching that moment of recognition was just as impactful as the music itself. Add in custom buttons, music-themed stickers, and the hum of good conversation, and the afternoon struck a chord in more ways than one.

This partnership is only just beginning, and the possibilities ahead are truly exciting. Conversations are already underway about expanding the series, perhaps even welcoming a "rock band" formed from the Marching Great Danes in the fall. With so many ensembles, performers, and creative directions to explore, it feels like we're just starting to find our rhythm!