Buffalo Community Orchestra showcases ‘American Spirit’

The Buffalo Community Orchestra is set to bring two performances of “The American Spirit” to local audiences over the next two weeks.

Shows are set this coming Sunday at Buffalo High School and next Sunday, May 5, at St. Michael-Albertville High School.

The orchestra, which is comprised of local residents, including two from Monticello — Kyle Anderson on trumpet and Michael Gutman on violin — will be celebrating America in its new program, performing three iconic pieces.

The BCO will be performing Copland’s famous “Lincoln Portrait,” a narrated piece that provides a historical look at famous folksongs and several of Lincoln’s famous speeches, including the Gettysburg address.

The concert also includes “Ellis Island: The Dream of America,” a multimedia experience that follows the story of seven immigrants from seven different countries as they traveled to the United States, told through music, narration and historic images.

Narration for these pieces will be provided by Bradley Greenwald and Mo Perry.

The orchestra will also be performing “Ashokan Farewell,” a waltz composed by American folk musician Jay Ungar.

Music director and conductor Hisham Bravo Groover will be leading both performances.

The first show is slated for 4 p.m. Sunday, April 28 in the performing arts center at Buffalo High School, located at 877 Bison Boulevard in Buffalo. It will be preceded by a chat with the conductor at 3 p.m.

Tickets will be available in advance online, at Buffalo Books & Coffee and at the door.

The second performance is scheduled for Sunday, May 5 at 4 p.m., also with a pre-show conductor chat at 3 p.m., in the St. Michael-Albertville High School Auditorium at 5800 Jamison Ave NE in St. Michael.

Tickets will be available online and at the door of the concert.

Tickets for each show are $15 for adults; $12 for seniors; and free for students,

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.bcomn.org.