2025 Glens Falls Symphony Springtime Gala Special Concert Performance by

Principal Percussionist, Nicholas Tariello

Nick Tariello Bio:
Nick Tariello is now in his ninth season as the timpanist and principal percussionist of the Glens Falls Symphony Orchestra. As a classical percussionist, he has also performed with the Albany Symphony, New World Symphony, Berkshire Symphony, and Playhouse Stage Company. In addition to performing, Nick has been a frequent guest conductor for the Empire State Youth Orchestra Percussion Ensembles and a guest percussion coach for the Skidmore College Orchestra. He received his Masters in Percussion Performance from Boston University and a Bachelors in Performance from the Eastman School of Music. His primary teachers have been Timothy Genis, Michael Burritt, Charles Ross, Richard Albagli, and Mark Foster. 

Exclusive GFS Q&A with Nick Tariello:

GFS: What first got you into classical music?

NT: When I was a kid, my parents would put on a VHS tape of a live performance of the neoclassical music group Mannheim Steamroller every year during the holidays. I watched drummer Chip Davis and percussionist Roxanne Layton perform and immediately knew I wanted to play those instruments. After taking percussion lessons in elementary school, I began to study privately with Richard Albagli of the Albany Symphony, who taught me classical music by having me perform a large volume of classical repertoire that he had transcribed to be performed on the marimba. I had never experienced such an intense spectrum of emotions and soul-searching from any other music I had listened to at that time in my life. It was then that I knew that classical music would be with me the rest of my life and that I would always strive to use it to positively shape the lives of others, even if only by a fraction of that which Mr. Albagli did for me.    

GFS: What is it like being under the Baton of Maestro Peltz?

NT: Charles has always been a fantastic conductor. He makes a point of welcoming and greeting each musician before each rehearsal cycle begins, showing care and consideration for everyone’s time while also getting the most out of the orchestra, no matter the repertoire. I have also enjoyed getting to discuss music on a more technical level with Charles due to his background in percussion!

GFS: What do you do off-stage that inspires on-stage?

NT: While I decided to pursue a music career, most members of my immediate family pursued careers in engineering, but their curiosity about how machines work did rub off on me. I enjoy the challenge of learning to fix or repair something, and that curiosity has come in handy when working with such a vast number of percussion instruments, many of which contain several moving parts. I always go to great lengths to “engineer” each instrument to remove extraneous sounds and obtain the most musical sound possible, and taking ownership of the finished product is one of the most rewarding experiences for me as a percussionist.

GFS: What is one message you would give to patrons and supporters of the GFS?

NT: Thank you for all of the years that you have helped classical musicians and classical music thrive in the Glens Falls community and beyond. Your support brings hope and gives a voice to the musicians of this orchestra, and they would not enjoy such fulfilling musical careers without it.