Proctors Collaborative Announces 2026-27 Passport Series – Music Haven at Proctors Collaborative

Music Haven’s international concert journey travels from Barcelona and Armenia to Ethiopia, Andalusia, West Africa and South Asia

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. (sept. 9) — Proctors Collaborative invites audiences to travel the world through music with the Passport Series: Music Haven at Proctors Collaborative.

The six-performance series brings internationally acclaimed artists to Proctors in Schenectady and Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga Springs, offering audiences an extraordinary range of musical traditions, contemporary perspectives, and cultural experiences. This season’s journey moves from the flamenco-infused streets of Barcelona to the ancient poetry of Armenia, the Ethiopian Israeli sounds of Gili Yalo, the Andalusian crossroads of Spain, the storytelling traditions of West Africa and the richly layered musical heritage of South Asia.

“Each Passport Series performance opens a door to a different part of the world,” said Mona Golub, producing artistic director of Music Haven and curator of the Passport Series. “Together, these artists remind us how music carries history, creates connection and continually reinvents itself.”

The journey begins with Maruja Limón at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, in the GE Theatre at Proctors. The acclaimed all-female sextet from Barcelona, Spain, infuses flamenco with Latin rhythms, salsa, pop, and electronic beats. The result is vibrant, danceable music that reflects the energy and imagination of contemporary Barcelona.

The series travels to Universal Preservation Hall for The Naghash Ensemble of Armenia 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5. Haunting vocals and ancient Armenian poetry will meet the resonant colors of duduk, oud, dhol, and piano. Led by composer John Hodian, the ensemble creates music that feels at once timeless, intimate and boldly contemporary.

The new year brings Gili Yalo to the GE Theatre at Proctors 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 4. Born in Ethiopia and now based in Israel, Yalo draws on traditional Ethiopian music while incorporating soul, funk, and jazz. His deeply personal music reflects a remarkable journey across continents and explores resilience, identity, and hope through hypnotic rhythms and a commanding voice.

The Passport Series returns to Universal Preservation Hall 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 6, with La Banda Morisca. Hailing from Andalusia, Spain, the award-winning ensemble explores the musical exchange among Spain, North Africa, and the Middle East. Drawing on the legacy of al-Andalus, the band combines traditional influences, flamenco spirit, and contemporary creativity in music alive with both history and forward motion.

Master kora player Yacouba Sissoko & Siya take the stage in the GE Theatre at Proctors 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 16 Rooted in the centuries-old musical and storytelling traditions of Mali and West Africa, Sissoko’s luminous kora playing becomes the foundation for an expansive sound that embraces jazz, pop and global influences. The performance promises an uplifting celebration of storytelling, collaboration and community.

The season concludes at Universal Preservation Hall 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 14, with Kiran Ahluwalia. A two-time Juno Award winner celebrated for her commanding, deeply expressive vocals, Ahluwalia draws from Sufi, Qawwali, ghazal, and Punjabi folk traditions to create contemporary songs that are both reflective and rhythmically infectious. Her music reaches across borders, incorporating influences from Mali as well as blues, rock, R&B, and jazz.

Together, the six performances continue the Music Haven tradition of “traveling the world one concert at a time,” inviting audiences to encounter extraordinary artists and discover the connections among cultures through music.

Single tickets for the 2026-27 Passport Series are on sale now. Audiences may also purchase a Passport Series pass and receive tickets to any three of the six performances for $100. Passes are available through the Box Office at Proctors at (518) 346-6204 or online at proctorscollaborative.org/passport-series.

2026-27 Passport Series schedule

Maruja Limón
7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24
GE Theatre at Proctors, Schenectady

The Naghash Ensemble
7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5
Universal Preservation Hall, Saratoga Springs

Gili Yalo
7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 4
GE Theatre at Proctors, Schenectady

La Banda Morisca
7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 6
Universal Preservation Hall, Saratoga Springs

Yacouba Sissoko & Siya
7:30 p.m. Friday, April 16
GE Theatre at Proctors, Schenectady

Kiran Ahluwalia
7:30 p.m. Friday, May 14
Universal Preservation Hall, Saratoga Springs