Buffalo Native's Composition Featured in Philharmonia Concert: April 28

Buffalo State’s Philharmonia Orchestra presents its final concert of the 2014-2015 year featuring the world premiere of a work for cello and orchestra, as well as the performance of three choral ensembles, on Tuesday, April 28, at 7:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center at Rockwell Hall. Paul Ferington conducts.

The orchestra will premiere Buffalo born-composer Christopher Rogerson’s Nocturnal Prayer for Cello with guest cellist Brook Speltz as soloist. Rogerson wrote the piece in memory and honor of Buffao State benefactor and amateur cellist Donald Nelson, Ferington said.

Rogerson has been recognized as one of America’s up-and-coming composers, receiving major commissions from prestigious musical organizations around the country. Locally, his work has been commissioned by the Buffalo Chamber Music Society and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. Speltz is a New York-based cellist who studied at the Curtis Institute and Juilliard School of Music.

The concert also will feature Buffalo State’s Chamber Choir and Chorale and the Choir of Westminster Presbyterian Church in John Rutter’s Mass of the Children and John Work’s The Singers.

Tickets are $10 and are available at the Rockwell Hall Box Office, by phone at (716) 878-3005 or online. Students, faculty, and staff are admitted for free, but must obtain a ticket.