Program hopes to engage young business leaders, students.
A different kind of performance experience, putting the audience up close and personal with the spectacular musicians of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, will be achieved through their classical new showcase of INFORMance on Thursday February 11th.
This informal show is a mixture of several unique compositions that, while serving as entertainment, will also be informational. Over the course of the night, the youth present, and the entire community, will be educated on specific instruments used in the show and about the importance of music in our society.
Joseph Young, who was given the honor of being one of the BPO’s American Conducting Fellows, is the leader of this one-of-a-kind show. The League of American Orchestras has allowed Young to carry out his conductor-training in the early stages of his professional career with the BPO while giving him the chance to set up his own enriching programs and performances.
“I have really enjoyed my experience in Buffalo so far, and it’s going by so fast. But I think there are still some exciting things to come,” says Young.
As a child, Young began his musical training in 6th grade, when he picked up a trumpet for the first time. From then on he has been completely captivated by music and the way it has improved his life for the better, opening doors to numerous opportunities.
“I enjoyed many social and learning opportunities that came with participating in musical activities,” said Young. “I learned about teamwork, motivating myself and others, and how to be a leader. All of these attributes are so important in adult life, and it’s a way to encouraging kids about the many possibilities they have. So I think it’s important for communities and schools to create access for kids to play instruments at a very young age.”
Throughout the night the ensemble will play compilations from a Mozart Overture, a Haydn Symphony and what Charles Ives called a Cosmic Drama. A solo will also be performed by Principal bassoonist Glenn Einschlag.
“To the general public, the bassoon is possibly the least known of the woodwind family,” explains Young. “So I’m looking forward to accompanying Glenn and possibly introducing some people to him and his instrument.”
The concert will be housed in the Mary Seaton Room of Kleinhans, literally placing the audience closer to the music and giving them an intimate look at the musicians as they play.
“It’s amazing to experience music in the balcony of the Concert Hall at Kleinhans, but to really see up close the engagement of musicians as they perform is something spectacular in itself–the energy can be really contagious!” Young says.
The Buffalo Niagara Partnership, along with Buffalo Niagara 360, are joining in to support this event, which will be a significant networking opportunity bringing future business leaders and innovators together with talented and awe-inspiring musicians.
At the start of the night, there will be a networking cocktail hour from 5:30 to 6:30PM, with free appetizers and drink vouchers for guests. Following this, the BPO will conduct their interactively enjoyable performance from 6:30 to 7:30PM.
“It’s a concert–I hope–where the audience can be fully engaged in the experience from the beginning to the end,” says Young.