BUFFALO, N.Y. — In the spirit of providing comfort and hope to all affected by the recent mass shooting tragedy in the Buffalo community, today the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and the BPO Diversity Council announce A Concert for Healing on Sunday, July 24, 4:00 p.m. at the Johnnie B. Wiley Pavilion (1100 Jefferson Ave.). This free performance, conducted by Maestro JoAnn Falletta along with Assistant Conductor Jaman E. Dunn, will feature the full orchestra and local vocalists Sirgourney Cook and Rev. Julian Armand Cook performing music that allows for moments of quiet reflection and celebrates the resiliency of the City of Good Neighbors, including Adolphus Hailstork’s Three Spirituals and Fanfare on Amazing Grace, and William Grant Still’s Mother and Child.
“Our BPO musicians share in the devastation and grief that this recent tragedy has brought to our community, and are eager to give back in the way we best know how—through our music,” said Maestro JoAnn Falletta. “We recognize the healing power of music in the most troubling of times. We wish to extend our hearts and bring together the entire community through this special performance.”
“Our community has been through so much and deserves a respite from the devastation,” said Cedric Holloway, Director of the Johnnie B. Wiley Pavilion. “The BPO has generously offered to provide an artistic opportunity for our families. It’s an excellent time for us to heal through music. The BPO has been, and continues to be, a great partner for the Johnnie B. Wiley Amateur Athletic Sports Pavilion.”
Comprised of community leaders, BPO staff, and musicians, the BPO Diversity Council was formed in May 2016, formalizing the orchestra’s longstanding commitment to inclusivity, diversity, equity, and access within the BPO. A Concert for Healing is one of several events and initaitves the Council has organized this season to engage with the Western New York community in meaningful ways.
“The BPO is here for the community, the entire community,” said BPO Diversity Council Chair Rev. Melody Rutherford. “Our community is still reeling from this recent devastating act. It is so important in this moment for us to unite our minds, our bodies, and our souls through our universal language of love, music, and provide hope and healing to all who need it.”
A Concert for Healing is free and open to the public. No tickets or reservations are required. The concert is part of a collaborative weekend of music on the East Side of Buffalo, which includes the longstanding Gospel Fest on July 23 at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park. Patrons with questions are encouraged to call the BPO Box Office at (716) 885-5000 between the hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. Information on the full program will be available at bpo.org.