Meet Our Conductor

Andrew Burger

Andrew Burger is a conductor, musician, instrumentalist, and performer from Niskayuna, New York. In addition to his position as Conductor of Excelsior Vocal Ensemble, Inc., he is the current Artistic Director of the Octavo Singers, and also serves as the Director of Music Ministries at the Niskayuna Reformed Church. Recent appointments include Director of Music, Academy of Holy Names, and Guest Artist, Schenectady-Saratoga Symphony Orchestra. 

Professional Accomplishments

Andrew brings with him an accomplished CV, the highlights of which include Adjunct Professor and former Director of Choruses at RPI, Section Leader for Albany Pro Musica, and Chorus Director for the Albany Symphony. He studied conducting at Bard College under the renowned James Bagwell, where he served as Assistant Conductor and Administrator, conducting the Bard Chamber Singers, Bard Symphonic Chorus, and The Orchestra Now. He was also the Conducting Fellow with Chorus America in Los Angelos. 

Musical Achievements

Hallmarks of Andrew’s tenure as Artistic Director of Northern Berkshire Chorale include Beethoven Mass in C, Bach Wachet Auf, Durufle Requiem, among other large choral-orchestral works. This ambitious programming together with his ‘teach passionately’ style leadership and artistic vision, has brought the respected community choir into a time of active membership and artistic growth.

During his time at the Niskayuna Reformed Church, Andrew has conducted numerous anthems and larger works including Faure Requiem, Maunder Olivet to Calvary, and Vivaldi’s Gloria. He has conducted the department’s first concert as part of the New York Sacred Sites events, featuring works historically relevant to the church’s 250-year history.

While at Bard College Andrew had the pleasure of conducting works such as Bruckner Te Deum among others and also served as rehearsal conductor for the department-wide performance of Handel’s Messiah.

Andrew received his bachelor’s degree in Music Education from The College of St. Rose. As a student, he won the Concerto Competition playing Gregson’s Tuba Concerto. While also a baritone soloist throughout the Capital Region, he also continues to maintain a voice lesson studio. 

And…

While not pursuing his accomplished and varied musical career, Andrew is the foreman and retail manager at his family’s business, a large and thriving vegetable farm and greenhouse in Niskayuna, New York.