Monday, December 1, 2014

50th Birthday Concert: November 8, 2014

Music filled the West End Presbyterian Church on Saturday, November, 8, for Bloomingdale School of Music's 50th Birthday Concert. With over 500 people in the audience and over 150 performers, it was the biggest concert in BSM's history, bringing together students, alumni, faculty, staff, parents and board members for one giant celebration concert. West End Presbyterian Church was the place where it all began 50 years ago with 50 cent piano lessons! Thank you to all of you who made it such a success!

The performance was hosted by Peter Schickele (PDQ Bach) while concert highlights included a trumpet fanfare by Britten played antiphonally, JS Bach's Brandenburg 3rd Concertoperformed as a faculty/student collaborative performance, a guitar quartet performed by BSM faculty, an organ remembrance for David Greer, the school’s founder and an orchestra remembrance for Lawrence Davis, the school's more recent Executive Director. Students performed a piano duet, an exciting percussion trio and a solo flute piece written by 11 year old Gabriel Nichols, was performed by BSM's new Executive Director, Erika Floreska.

The big grande finale was a performance of Ode to Joy by Beethoven conducted by guest artist Adam Glaser and performed by 150 people, including all the members of the BSM ensembles, and a whole host of alumni, faculty, and friends who had joined in just for this event.

A New York City Council Proclamation from our CM Helen Rosenthal was read by board members, alumni, staff, students, and faculty with the City Council “gratefully honoring Bloomingdale for fostering greater harmony throughout New York City.” Board President and BSM Alumni Ken Michaels spoke, along with alumni, Jay Epelman, John Sanchez, Khaya Cohen and Executive Director, Erika Floreska. The speeches reflected on the school's strong community and its commitment to access-- the core of BSM's mission and values.

And of course, what birthday celebration doesn't end with cake and singing?!

Below are some photo highlights including some back stage pictures.

Dress Rehearsal

 
























Concert Preparation






The Celebration Begins






































HAPPY 50th BIRTHDAY

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