Get ready to be uplifted by the power of Gospel music as the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra (BPO) presents a special concert featuring the legendary Lady Tramaine Hawkins on October 18 at 7:30 PM. This incredible evening promises a spiritual journey filled with soulful melodies and heartfelt performances.
Led by conductor Dr. Henry Panion III, whom Hawkins described as “a fabulous director, conductor, and a person that is just so full of joy and wonderful to work with. He put the arrangements together for these classics that I have been singing all of my life, and we’re just thrilled to present them to the people in Buffalo, New York.”
Tramaine Hawkins, born into a musical family, began singing at age four in her grandfather’s church. She recorded her first single at ten. She later joined the Edwin Hawkins Singers and achieved success with the million-selling hit “Oh Happy Day.”
Additionally, she is known for her recordings of “Changed,” “Going Up Yonder,” and the Grammy-winning “Fall Down (Spirit of Love).” Her vocal power and emotional depth can be heard on her recordings of “The Potter’s House,” “What Shall I Do,” and “In the Morning Time.” If you have never heard her before, start with her live recording of “I Never Lost My Praise.”
The program, with special orchestral arrangements, was created specifically for Hawkins.
“Some time ago, Dr. Henry Panion, a good friend of mine, who is the best in the world in terms of putting orchestras together, and creating awesome arrangements for all kinds of music genres. He came to me and said, ‘Tremaine, what do you think about doing your classical gospel songs with an Orchestra?”
Hawkins liked the idea, and they have performed this program many times to great acclaim. “We have taken it all over the country,” shared Hawkins.
Hawkins and Panion will also collaborate with the Buffalo United Community Choir, who will join the performance. The Buffalo United Community Choir (BUCC) was formed to unite the Buffalo-Niagara region by bringing together voices from across the community. The 100-member choir includes participants from around 50 local churches and organizations and is led by three artistic directors: Ella Robinson, Karen Saxon, and George Brown.
Whether you’re a longtime Gospel music enthusiast or new to the genre, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to experience the uplifting spirit of this inspiring performance.
A Gospel Symphony Celebration with Lady Tramaine Hawkins will be presented at Kleinhans Music Hall on Friday, October 18, at 7:30 PM. Tickets are available here.