Amaryn Olmeda Will Debut With Albany Symphony
The 19-year-old violinist will open the symphony's 2026-27 season on October 3 at the Palace Theatre.
Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Classical

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Violinist Amaryn Olmeda, winner of the 2021 Sphinx Competition, will join the Albany Symphony on October 3, 2026, to open the orchestra's new season. The performance at the Palace Theatre marks the debut of the soloist with the local organization.
Why it matters
This performance highlights the arrival of a rising classical talent in the local community as the symphony kicks off its 2026-27 schedule. The event underscores the orchestra's commitment to programming that blends classical staples with contemporary works.
Amaryn Olmeda began playing the violin at age 4 and made her orchestral debut at age 9. She achieved national recognition by winning the 2021 Sphinx Competition.
The players
Amaryn Olmeda
A 19-year-old violinist and 2021 Sphinx Competition winner who began her career at age four.
Albany Symphony
A professional orchestra based in Albany that is preparing to launch its 2026-27 season at the Palace Theatre.
Celka Ojakangas
A composer whose work, titled Shuffle, will receive its world premiere during the upcoming season opener.
The details
The program features Korngold's Violin Concerto in D Major, performed by Olmeda, alongside the world premiere of Celka Ojakangas' Shuffle. Rounding out the evening are performances of Rossini's William Tell Overture and Respighi's Pines of Rome.
Timeline
Amaryn Olmeda won the Sphinx Competition in 2021.
The Albany Symphony opens its 2026-27 season on October 3, 2026.
Amaryn Olmeda is scheduled to perform in Taiwan next season.
Industry Dynamics
Olmeda's rise mirrors the career paths of other young virtuosos who gain professional exposure through prestigious national platforms like the Sphinx Competition. This event signals a broader trend of symphony orchestras elevating emerging soloists to headline season openers.
Attendees can access the season opening concert at the Palace Theatre on October 3. Ticket availability and pricing details for this performance remain subject to the symphony's standard box office procedures.
The takeaway
Olmeda emphasizes the value of mentorship and collaboration as essential tools for any developing classical musician. Readers interested in the classical arts can look to this season opener as a primary example of how local institutions support the growth of the next generation of soloists.
Further reading
For more coverage of local performances, visit the Classical section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Times Union.
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