Cultural Affairs Announces Fall 2026 Events
September 22, 2026
Hudson Valley Community College’s Cultural Affairs Program offers a diverse lineup of performances, lectures and cultural programs during the fall 2026 semester, including a six-concert Lunchtime Concert Series featuring musicians performing music from around the world.
The semester’s programming also includes a Shakespearean theater production, lectures exploring history and cultural traditions, and events celebrating Día de los Muertos, Hispanic Heritage Month, and Asian heritage.
Lunchtime Concert Series
The fall Lunchtime Concert Series features six performances showcasing a variety of musical styles and traditions. All concerts begin at noon in the Bulmer Telecommunications Center Auditorium and are free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items to donate to the Viking Cupboard Food Pantry.
Three concerts in the series — Maria Z Ensemble on Oct. 1, Fiesta del Norte on Oct. 8 and Brazil Choro Trio on Oct. 15 — are part of Cultural Affairs’ celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. The performances will showcase musical traditions from Spain, Mexico and Brazil.
Matthew Ardizzone
Thursday, Sept. 17
A classical guitarist, Ardizzone became the first guitarist to earn a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the Eastman School of Music. He has performed throughout North America and currently serves as associate dean of graduate studies at Eastman.
Maria Z Ensemble
Thursday, Oct. 1
Nylon-string guitarist and composer Maria Zemantauski will perform with the Maria Z Ensemble, featuring Sten Isachsen on mandolin and guitar, Bob Buckley on bass and Brian Melick on percussion. The ensemble blends Spanish classical, flamenco and American fingerstyle influences.
Fiesta del Norte
Thursday, Oct. 8
Fiesta del Norte, an authentic mariachi ensemble, will perform traditional Mexican folk and popular music, including mariachi music from Jalisco, Norteñas from Chihuahua and Marimba music from Chiapas. The performance will include stories and cultural insights from director Dave Giardina and complements the college’s annual Día de los Muertos exhibit.
Brazil Choro Trio
Thursday, Oct. 15
The Brazil Choro Trio will bring Brazilian choro music to campus in a performance led by guitarist Stephen Guerra, who performs and teaches Brazilian choro throughout the United States and Brazil.
Scott Hopkins Trio
Thursday, Nov. 5
Banjo player and educator Scott Hopkins will perform with his trio, blending traditional bluegrass influences with contemporary interpretations. Hopkins has released two solo banjo projects and has collaborated with a range of acclaimed bluegrass musicians.
Jeanine Ouderkirk
Thursday, Nov. 19
Jazz vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Jeanine Ouderkirk will perform a selection of jazz standards from the Great American Songbook and showcase the art of scat singing. Ouderkirk, a Saratoga Springs native, released her debut album, “Nightingale,” in 2025.
Other Fall Cultural Affairs Events
“Measure for Measure” presented by Will Kempe’s Players
Wednesday, Sept. 16 at 7 p.m.
Maureen Stapleton Theatre
Will Kempe’s Players will present William Shakespeare’s “Measure for Measure,” a story of disguises, mistaken identities, romance and unexpected twists that explores justice, power, morality and mercy. The performance is free and open to the public.
Día de los Muertos Altar Exhibit
Tuesday, Oct. 6-Friday, Oct. 30
Marvin Library
An annual Día de los Muertos altar exhibit will be on display in the Marvin Library Learning Commons Atrium. The exhibit features an ofrenda, a traditional altar honoring departed loved ones and ancestors. An opening event will be held Oct. 6 with refreshments and is free to attend.
Day of the Dead Discussion with Prof. Malú Benton
Tuesday, Oct. 20 at 1 p.m.
Marvin Library Multipurpose Room
Professor Malú Benton will lead an interactive discussion about the Mexican tradition of Día de los Muertos. The free program will explore important aspects of the tradition and include Mexican food.
Indian Classical Music with Veena and Devesh Chandra
Thursday, Nov. 12 at 6 p.m.
Maureen Stapleton Theatre
Award-winning mother-and-son duo Veena and Devesh Chandra will perform Indian classical music featuring sitar and tabla. Their performance combines rich melodies and rhythms rooted in improvisation, drawing from Indian classical and folk traditions. The event is free to attend.
NYSCA Artist & Apprentices: The Art of Eastern Heritage
Saturday, Nov. 21 at 2 p.m.
Maureen Stapleton Theatre
Asian Arts New York and Hudson Valley Community College will present a multidisciplinary program featuring traditional Asian heritage arts. The event will include live demonstrations, performances, artist talks and audience engagement highlighting the relationship between master artists and apprentices. Featured traditions include Indian Bharatanatyam dance, Tai Chi fan, Chinese water sleeve dance and guqin music. The event is free to attend.
More Information
For additional information on Hudson Valley’s Cultural Affairs programming, visit www.hvcc.edu/culture or contact Cultural Affairs Coordinator Tom Torrisi at t.torrisi@hvcc.edu or (518) 629-7170.