Ramsi Tick loved music since his early days in Buffalo. In true ‘rags-to-riches’ fashion, he went from a modest upbringing to spearheading an incredible concert series that you may know nothing about.
“It’s one of those ‘best kept secrets,'” Peter Angelakos, Ramsi P. Tick Concert Series volunteer told me, “but we don’t want it to be a secret.”
Tick wanted to offer Buffalo the chance to view world-class musical talent by masterful performers. After looking for venues, Holy Trinity Church answered the call. Tick passed away in 1989, but Phil Rehard, Concert Manager at UB, felt that the series was too important to simply end.
The series is completely funded by subscription ticket sales, and every penny goes to the artists.
“Unfortunately, the church had to make some tough decisions,” Angelakos said. “But we’re taking it to Nichols, and it’s been the perfect marriage.”
This season boasts an impressive list of musical talent, kicking it off on December 4th with the Grammy Award-winning Orpheus Chamber Orchestra. Performing with them is Albrecht Mayer, principal oboist for the Berlin Symphony Orchestra, and who will follow his performance in Buffalo by performing at Carnegie Hall the following night.
The series is followed by Romanian pianist Radu Lupu on Tuesday, February 9th 2010, violinist Jennifer Koh with pianist Shai Wosner on March 2nd 2010, and vocal ensemble Chanticleer on Tuesday, April 6th 2010.
In addition to the performances, Nichols students will have the opportunity to meet with the musicians, and even be allowed to attend rehearsals.
For more information and on how to get tickets, click here.
“These are world-class performers. It’s an honor to bring them to Buffalo in this sort of venue,” Angelakos said.
(Top photo: Orpheus Chamber Orchestra. Photo by Larry Fink, Studio 535).