Faculty Among BPO Musicians Playing Carnegie Hall

Several Music Department faculty members will perform at the illustrious Carnegie Hall on Wednesday, May 8, with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra (BPO).

The BPO is one of five orchestras across the country invited to present a program during Carnegie Hall’s “Spring for Music” festival, which is designed to showcase innovative programming in classical music.

BPO Music Director JoAnn Falletta is conducting the program composed of Reinhold Gliere’s Symphony No. 3, Ilya Muromets and Giya Kanchell’s Morning Prayers from Life Without Christmas.

“May 8 will certainly be a proud day for the BPO and the Buffalo State Music Department," said Brad Fuster, music department chair and associate professor who performs percussion. "As a full-time faculty member and a part-time employee of the BPO, I am honored, flattered, and humbled to have been asked to perform and record this program at Carnegie Hall.”

Along with Fuster, participating faculty members are Mark Hodges, percussion; Kate Holzemer, viola; Dan Sweeley, French horn; Anna Mattix, oboe/English horn; Amy Glidden, Bob Prokes, and Rick Kay, violin; and Suzanne Thomas, harp.

This is not the first time Buffalo State has been represented at Carnegie Hall. Last November, classical guitarist and music lecturer Evan Drummond performed in the Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall alongside longtime friend and pianist Orlay Alonso.

“A New York City native, I’ve certainly seen dozens of performances in this venue, but it’s taken 40 years to have the opportunity to take the stage," said Fuster. "I am excited to share this experience with my fellow faculty members, the many extraordinary musicians in the orchestra, and JoAnn Falletta.”