Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara will present a ceremonial check for $3 million in state funding to the Empire State Youth Orchestra (ESYO) during their 2025–26 season-opening performance, Ignition: Rising Through Sound, at Proctors Theatre in Schenectady.

The funding, secured by Assemblyman Santabarbara in the FY2025–26 New York State Budget, will support the development of ESYO’s new, state-of-the-art Youth Music Center in the Village of Scotia – an investment that will expand opportunities for young musicians across the Capital Region.

WHEN: Today, Saturday, October 25, 2025

• Check Presentation: 2:45 p.m.
• Concert Begins: 3:00 p.m.

WHERE: Proctors Theatre

432 State Street, Schenectady, NY 12305

WHO:

• Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara (39th District)
• Empire State Youth Orchestra Leadership and Student Musicians
• Local Officials and Community Guests

WHY:

This investment marks a major milestone for ESYO and the region’s arts community. The $3 million allocation will fund a new acoustically sensitive, energy-efficient HVAC system at ESYO’s future Youth Music Center – creating a healthy, sound-optimized environment for hundreds of young musicians and expanding access to inclusive, affordable music education programs.

The check presentation will take place just before the start of ESYO’s Ignition: Rising Through Sound performance, featuring the Symphony and Repertory Orchestras in a powerful program celebrating youth, artistry, and community connection.