NEWSLETTER
Mostly Modern’s FAB5 Fundraiser Supports Performance, Education and
Community Programs
Saratoga Springs, N.Y. — Hundreds of flickering candles, live music and a fairly spooky finale will set the stage for a fundraiser supporting Mostly Modern Projects (MMP), the Saratoga Springs-based nonprofit working to bring the music of today’s classical composers to audiences, musicians, and communities around the world. FAB5: Concert by Candlelight & Fall Fundraiser will take place on Friday, October 30, 2026 at 7 pm at Saratoga Arts in Saratoga Springs.
MMP’s FAB5 will present an all-candlelit concert featuring calming and restorative music, with selections from the ensemble’s newly released album, Unwind, alongside contemporary classical works and reimagined popular favorites including Bridgerton, Bjork, Phantom of the Opera, Prince’s Purple Rain, and more. And with Halloween just around the corner, the evening will take a darker turn for its finale with a performance of Michael Jackson’s Thriller, including Vincent Price’s iconic spoken-word dialogue performed by Saratoga’s own Spencer Sherry.
Proceeds from the event will support Mostly Modern Projects, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that champions living composers and creates opportunities for musicians and audiences to experience modern classical music in fun, new, and accessible ways.
“There’s something about live music by candlelight that immediately changes the experience,” said Victoria Paterson General Director, Mostly Modern Projects. “It feels intimate, a little mysterious and really draws you into the music. We wanted this evening to be beautiful and restorative, but also fun and fitting for October. Most importantly, it’s an opportunity for people to enjoy a memorable night out while supporting the work Mostly Modern Projects does throughout the year.”
FAB5 is one example of how Mostly Modern Projects is reimagining what modern classical music can look and sound like for today’s audiences. Led by Broadway violinist Victoria Paterson and featuring world-class talent, the ensemble pairs a traditional string quartet with famed Japanese drummer, Hiroyuki Matsuura to perform everything from brand-new works like Unwind to pop, Broadway, film and television favorites. Through programs ranging from Bridgerton Live and Best of Broadway to family and educational performances, FAB5 creates an accessible entry point into MMP’s larger mission of bringing the music of today to new audiences in engaging and unexpected ways.
One of those ways includes the Mostly Modern Festival, held each June at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, where musicians work alongside distinguished faculty and professional artists while performing music by living composers.
The organization works to take modern music beyond the traditional concert hall, bringing performances and programs to hospitals, senior centers, children’s programs, parks and other community spaces throughout New York State and beyond.
Founded in 2005, MMP uses performances, education, community outreach and professional recordings to create opportunities for contemporary composers and musicians while introducing new audiences to modern classical music.
For the FAB5 concert, beer and wine will be available in the art gallery throughout the candlelit fundraiser, with one complimentary drink ticket included with admission.
Ticketing details are available
at https://mostlymodernprojects.org/event/mostly-moderns-fab5-by-candlelight/.
Images to accompany this release may be found here.
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About Mostly Modern Projects:
Mostly Modern Projects (MMP) celebrates living composers and the world of modern classical music through performances, education, community outreach and professional recordings. Its projects include the Mostly Modern Festival each June at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs and Mostly Modern Festival | The Netherlands in Middelburg, Zeeland. Founded in 2005, Mostly Modern Projects is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to championing living composers, nurturing artistic talent & innovation and connecting audiences with the music of our time.