By Joyce Kryszak
Buffalo, NY – The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra presents a night of inspirational and patriotic music Friday night to raise money for those devastated by hurricanes in the Gulf Coast.
For many people, music has the power to heal. The BPO is hoping that one very special night of music will literally have the power to help heal thousands of lives ripped apart by Hurricane Katrina. All proceeds from the relief concert are being donated to the hurricane relief effort through the Salvation Army.
Robert Franz is the new resident conductor for the BPO. Franz says the concert is a wonderful expression of the orchestra's talent.
"It really is incredible when you imagine that we can do what it is that we do best, and this music, as powerful as it is on any given day, will be is even more so when you consider that everyone there will be helping everyone in need down south," said Franz.
Franz will lead the BPO in a program of inspirational and patriotic pieces. Joining them will be the BPO Chorus, and American Idol star,John Stevens. Also featured will be Congressman Brian Higgins. Franz says the Congressman will narrate a moving work by American composer Aaron Copland.
"I had the idea that I thought that this is always a good time to kind of remember who we are, so I sort off put pieces together that kind of help people go through that process with us," said Franz. "So, we're going to be performing first of all Copland's 'Lincoln's Portrait,' which is an incredible piece that Aaron Copland wrote which actually uses the words of Abraham Lincoln."
The BPO invites the community to come and enjoy a beautiful night of music that will support the hurricane relief effort. A minimum donation of $10 is suggested. All proceeds, including concessions will be given to aid the victims. Doors open at 7:00 Friday night at Kleinhans, with the concert beginning at 8:00.