The Buffalo State Philharmonia concludes its season with "Americana–With Hearts Fortified," Thursday, April 28, at 7:30 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center at Rockwell Hall. President Aaron Podolefsky will act as the concert's guest narrator.

Including the works of such noted American composers as Aaron Copland, Morton Gould, Randall Thompson, and others, the program also celebrates the political and literary achievements of Abraham Lincoln and Walt Whitman. President Podolefsky will narrate Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address to the accompaniment of Randol Bass’s "A New Birth of Freedom." Paul Ferington, lecturer of music and director of the philharmonia, will conduct.

The concert will feature the Buffalo State Chorale, under the direction of John Fleischman, and Buffalo State Chamber Choir, under the direction of Victoria Furby, performing Thompson’s "The Testament of Freedom."

Composed of Buffalo State faculty and students, area professional musicians, local music educators, and community enthusiasts, the Buffalo State Philharmonia made its debut in fall 2009.

The concert is free and open to the public.

Related:
Listen to WNED interview with Paul Ferington.
View Buffalo State Philharmonia photo gallery.
Watch video of the Buffalo State Philharmonia in performance.