North Words: the composer behind "Get Out" brings music to ONNY – NCPR: North Country Public Radio

Apr 25, 2025 —
Michael Colburn is only the second person ever to take up the helm of conductor at the Orchestra of Northern New York. And in a lot of ways, it’s a job he’s been practicing for his whole life. In his many musical roles since obtaining degrees at SUNY Potsdam and Arizona State University, Colburn has been straddling the line between classic and modern. To wit, working as director of „The President’s Own“ Marine Corps band, Colburn found himself conducting classical performers like Yo Yo Ma and modern powerhouses like Beyoncé. 
He’s bringing that approach to his work at ONNY. While honoring the classics, he’s also looking forward. That’s why for this weekend’s Spring concerts in Potsdam and Watertown, he’ll be bringing the work of boundary stretching composer Michael Abels. Abels might not be a household name, but his music has been heard in cinemas around the world. Abels scored the films Get Out, Us, and Nope, the three features by director Jordan Peele. His music is also resonating in galaxies far, far away, having recently appeared in the Star Wars series The Acolyte on Disney+.
Abels is the force behind the titular piece of this weekend’s performances „Delights and Dances,“ composed for string quartet soloists and string orchestra. It features the Julia Trio + 1 as soloists. 
The orchestra performs Saturday evening at the Hosmer Concert Hall in Potsdam and Sunday afternoon at Trinity Episcopal Church in Watertown. You can find tickets here. 
Colburn spoke with North Words host Mitch Teich about how he’s been working to evolve the Orchestra of Northern New York for the last year. Also, Mitch and producer Ethan Shantie discuss fantasy bike racing, wine, and why falling asleep during The Shining is a bad idea. 
Don’t forget to follow North Words so you never miss a conversation. You can email Mitch with your feedback by writing to [email protected]. 

source