Buffalo State Philharmonia and Choirs Concert: May 1

The Buffalo State Philharmonia will perform with the Buffalo State Chorale, Chamber Choir, and the Grand Island Community Chorus in a free concert titled “Music of the Stage,” featuring operatic interludes and musical theater pieces on Tuesday, May 1, at 7:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center at Rockwell Hall.

The orchestral and vocal musicians will perform opera excerpts of Wagner, Verdi, and Mascagni, and musical theater selections from Phantom of the Opera, Carousel, and The Sound of Music.

“This concert will give our students an opportunity to perform important repertoire from famous operas and musicals that they will need to know as future professional musicians,” said Paul Ferington, Philharmonia music director. “This is the first time we have performed a ‘side by side’ with another choral group outside of the college, and we’re very excited about this new venture.”

Soloists include soprano Holly Bewlay, assistant professor of music, and mezzo soprano Cassondra Conrad, the 2012 Buffalo State College Young Artist Competition winner.

The concert will be repeated on May 6 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Stephen's Catholic Church, 2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island. This concert will include the church’s large organ as part of the performance. (716) 878-3005. www.buffalostate.edu/pac.