Glens Falls Symphony Conductors Contest 2025
The Glens Falls Symphony is renewing a beloved tradition!
The Conductor's Contest RETURNS! at this year’s Holiday Pops “Celtic Holiday” Concert on Sunday, Dec. 7, 4 pm, Hudson Falls High School Auditorium.
Three candidates will be campaigning for your "VOTE" to decide who will get to conduct "Sleigh Ride" live on stage at the concert!
Meet the Candidates:
-Paul Bricoccoli, Glens Falls Business Owner
My name is Paul Bricoccoli, and I’m very excited to take part in the GF Symphony Guest Conductor Contest. I was born and raised in GF and graduated from Glens Falls High and subsequently University of Buffalo. My wife, Johnna, and I, with our 2 daughters, Sofie, 15, and Livia, 10, reside in Queensbury. I am one of the owners of The Talk Of The Town and The Bullpen Tavern. My partners and I have been in business together for over 30 years, and we all share a love for our community. I enjoy volunteering with various charity organizations, and if the opportunity to make a fool of myself arises to help in any way, I always take advantage. My oldest daughter, Sofie, plays the cello with the GFHS Orchestra and Chamber and has gotten very good. She really can’t understand how her father, with absolutely no musical background, could do something like this. She’s very much looking forward to my attempting to conduct a real orchestra. We certainly enjoy the Symphony performance every 4th of July celebration at Crandall Park. If embarrassing myself helps the Symphony, I’ll be very happy!
-Lauren Cygan, Executive Director, Glens Falls Branch of the Saratoga Regional YMCA
Hello! My name is Lauren Cygan, and I will be vying for votes in the form of $10 donations to support the Glens Falls Symphony! If I get the most votes, then the orchestra will have the pleasure of being conducted by a woman who feels a special connection to the people and organizations that make "Hometown USA" such an incredible place to live, work, and play. She enjoys giving back to the community, is a member of the Rotary Club of Glens Falls, and serves on the Board of Directors of the Tri-County United Way.
-Jonathan Newell, Musician, composer/pianist, rock guitarist, bassist, singer, and impresario, Executive/Artistic Director of the Strand Theatre in Hudson Falls, NY.
Jonathan Newell’s background includes a BA from Ithaca College and a dual MA from Hunter College and studies at the Juilliard School, with previous faculty roles at various institutions. Career highlights include a New York piano debut at Carnegie Hall, co-producer of Ballet Meets The Beatles at Alvin Ailey Theatre, Kaye Playhouse, and The Egg. His compositions have received numerous grants and national public radio features. He performs over 100 times per year throughout the Northeastern US with The Jonathan Newell Band, Better Off Led, and Across The Pond. He lives in Lake George, NY, with his wife Jennifer and their children Brandon, Evan, and Lauren. “I am dedicated to presenting the performing arts in Northeastern New York to foster community, creativity, and economic development.”
Previous Contest Candidates and Winners
Robert Rosoff
Cathy Dede
Tom Murphy
Ray Agnew