Music history is the story of premieres—Beethoven's concerto debut in Vienna, Rhapsody in Blue, The Rite of Spring. And nowhere is it more exciting than when the next generation takes the stage: students, making their debuts in the hall renowned for some of the greatest acoustics in the world.

Combine that with the enormous wealth of music programs here in the Capital Region, Mid-Hudson & Berkshires, and you have a festival of music as only the young can bring it: from piano trios to the Polovtsian Dances, from Renaissance folias to mass saxophones, from an orchestra to a harpsichord to a choir, they bring their energy and excellence to a program that spans centuries and a debut that will only ever happen this once.

A debut that will only ever happen this once.

Be there to enjoy and support them! Students from Queens College CUNY, SUNY Schenectady, UAlbany, UMass Amherst, Marist College and RPI, curated and hosted by your WMHT-FM hosts live on stage and recorded for broadcast on both WMHT TV and radio. Next Generation Festival 2026 is presented by WMHT and the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall.