About this Event
December 17, 2025, 7:00PM
First Presbyterian Church, 362 State St., Albany, NY
EARLY BIRD SPECIAL THROUGH NOVEMBER 15: General admission advance online tickets: $35 (tax included). Two front rows reserved: $45 (tax included).
LULLABY for the WORLD: a journey in search of peace, healing and empowerment through music. A collection of traditional lullabies from different corners of the world: Japan, Finland, Bosnia, Iran, Ukraine, Armenia, India, Kyrgyzstan, as well as Medieval France and Spain, framed by several original instrumental lullabies composed by Ian Maksin.
Maksin magically connects some of the most diverse elements of world music into a unique fusion, using his cello as the unifying force. Using loop pedal and other electronics, he augments the sound of his instrument into an entire cello orchestra creating a one-of-a-kind listening experience. He currently has over 300 songs from over 50 countries in 42 languages in his musical collection.
Portion of the proceeds from the ticket and new album merch sales will benefit the Leonid Foundation, a 501(c)(3) that help Ukrainian war refugee families.
BREAKING BOUNDARIES both musical and geographical, cellist, composer and multilingual vocalist IAN MAKSIN has created his own unique style by blending elements of different genres and traditional music from around the globe in a new way using his cello as the main unifying force.
ONE-MAN ORCHESTRA:In addition to cello, he used an electronic device called the loop pedal, which allows him to create "loops" or layers by recording and replaying his own playing in real time.
SINGING IN 42 LANGUAGES: What began as a hobby and a passion for linguistics and travel has become part of a unique concert experience. At this time Ian Maksin sings in 42 languages including Ukrainian, Russian, English, Farsi, Armenian, French, Italian, Arabic, Hebrew, Mongolian, Bambara (one of the tongues spoken in West Africa) and many other exotic languages. Most of this repertoire was amassed by Maksin during his world travels, jam sessions and collaborations with local musicians. Many of his original songs and instrumental compositions are also infused with flavors of ethnic music from countries and regions where he drew inspiration from: Mongolia, West Africa, Middle East, the Balkans, Andalusian flamenco.
THE GLOBAL MUSICIAN: Ian Maksin was born in the former USSR into a multinational family and grew up absorbing many cultures and traditions from an early age. He began playing guitar and piano at age 3 and cello at age 6 at the School for Gifted Children in Leningrad and then came to the USA at 16 to continue studies at the Manhattan School of Music in New York City. After working for many years in the classical genre including a three-year tenure with the New World Symphony in Miami Ian has decided to look for his own musical path. His diverse musical experience, including playing rock and blues guitar and passion for jazz and world music has allowed him to take the cello to a new dimension and develop his own distinct style as a musician and composer. In Ian's own words: "At some point I realized that music is much more than mere entertainment. Music is one of the most powerful and unifying forces in the world, capable of healing, inspiring, bringing people together and bringing peace among them. I believe that cello will save the world”
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
First Presbyterian Church, 362 State Street, Albany, United States
USD 35.00 to USD 50.00
