Schenectady-Saratoga Symphony Orchestra Concert III: Voices of Freedom

This evocative program explores the intersection of literature and music.

• Debussy’s “La Cathédrale Engloutie” — inspired by medieval legend and Albert Le Grand’s writings, conjures the image of a sunken cathedral rising from the sea.
• Schwantner’s “New Morning for the World: Daybreak of Freedom” — weaves excerpts from Martin Luther King Jr.’s speeches into a stirring orchestral tribute.
• Corigliano’s “Mr. Tambourine Man” — a unique and powerful reinterpretation of Bob Dylan’s iconic lyrics.

Special guests include French soprano Mia Mandineau and Schenectady's first poet laureate, Adonis Richards!

Don’t miss the pre-concert talk with Artistic Director/Conductor Glen Cortese at 2 p.m. at Proctors! It’s an excellent way to learn more about the music and an opportunity to ask questions about the performance. All are invited to attend.

Tickets are $17–$24. Children under 18 are free when accompanied by a ticketed adult.

Run time: 2 hours

Adonis Richards: Also known as Sincerely, Donnie, The Quiet Storm, and the Ghostwriter, Adonis Richards is an Afro-Latino poet, writer, DEIB advocate, and restorative practices advocate. He currently serves as the program coordinator for the Office of Intercultural Affairs at Union College. He is currently, as of September 2025, the Inaugural Poet Laureate of Schenectady, New York.

He holds a Bachelor’s in Political Science and a Master’s in Education, Technology, and Leadership, earned over six years at SUNY Potsdam. He is pursuing a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership and is expected to graduate with his Ed.D. in 2028.

Beginning his writing journey in 2016 after performing a piece at a hip-hop show, Adonis has written three poetry books and established his media and writing company, Lucid Writers. He hosts open mic nights alongside DJTGIF at The Fuze Box, titled "You Me and Poetry," in collaboration with the Honey Dripper International Poetry Collective. He facilitates workshops for all ages, primarily focusing on youth, teaching Literacy, SEL, and restorative practices through poetry. He has written for several organizations and magazines, including Lake George Living, the Albany Proper, and Your Schenectady News. His passions include writing, playing basketball, and gaming, and he is an advocate for men’s mental health.

You can find Adonis on social platforms:
- Instagram: Sincerely_Donnie or Lucidvoicesmovement
- Website: Lucidvoices.org
- Writing platforms: Medium.com/Adonis
- Facebook: Adonis Richards or Lucid Writers or Lucid Voice

Mia Mandineau: French soprano Mia Mandineau is quickly becoming recognized for her beautiful voice, sensitive artistry, and compelling stage presence. Ms. Mandineau joined Detroit Opera as a Resident Artist for the 2025–26 season. She will appear in "The Handmaid’s Tale" by Ruders and "Apartment House 1776" by Cage, along with numerous concerts throughout the Detroit area.

During the 2024–25 season, Ms. Mandineau performed Fiordiligi in Hillman Opera’s production of Mozart’s "Così fan tutte," Micaëla in the Washington National Opera Orchestra and City Choir of Washington’s concert production of Bizet’s "Carmen," Flora Bervoix in the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra’s concert production of Verdi’s "Traviata," Irene Adler in the world premiere of Glen Cortese’s opera "221B: A Sherlock Holmes Opera," and Mother Abbess in "The Sound of Music" at the Rockefeller Arts Center (NY).

Ms. Mandineau was a District Winner and Regional Finalist in the 2024 Metropolitan Opera’s Laffont Competition. That same season she joined the Wolf Trap Opera Company as a Studio Artist and performed a principal role in the world premiere of Bentz & Feng’s opera "Having Guests for Dinner." She is the founder of the YouTube channel "L’Opéra et ses Zouz" and has enjoyed partnerships with the Opéra de Paris, the Festival d’Aix-en-Provence, the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, the Opéra National de Bordeaux, Detroit Opera, OperaVision, and national French radio and television.

Ms. Mandineau was awarded a Fellowship to SUNY Fredonia School of Music and obtained her master’s degree in Vocal Performance in 2025 under the tutelage of Don Marrazzo. She completed her bachelor’s degree at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam (CvA) and her Artist Certificate at the Musical Horizons Conservatory in Athens.