Homecoming Recital Kicks Off Music Concert Season

Singers and instrumentalists who graduated from Buffalo State’s music program will share their talents in a free performance on Tuesday, September 20, at 7:30 p.m. in the Louis P. Ciminelli Recital Hall at Rockwell Hall.

Part of the college’s Homecoming celebration, the Music Alumni Homecoming Recital is open to the public and will be followed by a reception.

“We offered this recital last year, and it was very successful,” said Emily Boyce, chair and associate professor of music. “We reached out to a number of our graduates and were thrilled with the enthusiastic response. It’s a credit to our dedicated faculty when such a high percentage of our alumni are working as professional performers and educators, including guitarist and SUNY Fredonia faculty member James Piorkowski, ’78.”

The other participating performers are: Colin Sperrazza, ’15, percussion; Ellen Pieroni, ’16, saxophone; Kim Carmina Harrison,’11, alto; and sopranos Aurora Boneberg,’08, Kristen Smigielski,’14, Kary Dobbs,’08, and Sarah Tripi,’15.

The Homecoming concert marks the beginning of an exciting season for the Music Department. On Wednesday, October 5, at 7:30 p.m., the public has the chance to see the Lomazov-Rackers Piano Duo. The performance is the 10th annual Lois R. Klein Piano Recital, which brings internationally recognized pianists to campus for performances and masterclasses.

On Wednesday, November 2, the much-admired George Caldwell Quintet will perform with a pre-concert presentation by students enrolled in the Community Arts Academy Jazz Workshops.

Additionally, this year the department is offering a Celebrate: Strings series along with several concerts highlighting women in the music profession. 

“Every year we try to provide a mix of concerts that embody  the many talents that make up the department—from the Wind Ensemble to the Digital Music Ensemble to the Philharmonia Orchestra—while simultaneously bringing in guests who reflect the widely varying paths open to student musicians,” Boyce said. “Our goal is to feature outstanding performers who are also recognized as outstanding educators. Music majors have the opportunity to learn from many of these visiting artists in masterclasses and be inspired by their musicianship.

The alumni recital is a great way to kick off the season because it showcases just how far our music graduates can go.”

For more information, call (716) 878-6401. View list of all upcoming concerts.