Benefit Concert
Join the BFO for a free benefit concert at Hancock United Church Of Christ in Lexington in support of their 49 local musicians who are keeping the music alive in their communities today!
Date and time: Sunday, April 30 · 2 - 3pm
Support the local musicians of Greater Boston! This free benefit concert on April 30th from 2:00 - 3:00 pm at Hancock United Church of Christ directly supports the 49 local BFO musicians who are keeping the music alive in their communities today. Our talented musicians are dedicated to breaking down the barriers to classical music and creating a one-of-a-kind experience for our audience. Together, we look forward to the BFO’s upcoming summer season, which provides employment opportunities for its professional musicians while presenting exciting and relevant classical music in innovative ways. Meet Co-Founders Alyssa Wang and Nicholas Brown, learn about the BFO’s latest initiatives, and see for yourself what BFO concerts are all about. Your support makes a difference!
PROGRAM
Bach, Sonata for Violin and Keyboard, No. 3 in E Major
Clara Schumann, Three Romances, Op. 22
Louis Cahuzac, Cantilène
Gershwin, Three Preludes
Jennifer Higdon, Dash
Experience classical music like never before with the Boston Festival Orchestra! Our innovative approach to classical music performances will take you on a journey through time, blending traditional classics with exciting new sounds and styles. From new interpretations of beloved classics to thrilling collaborations with contemporary artists, our orchestra delivers performances that will leave you breathless. Don't miss your chance to be a part of this musical revolution - visit our website for more information and to see how you can join the BFO community today!
Alyssa Wang, violin
Nicholas Brown, clarinet
Ruoting Li, piano
Alyssa Wang is a passionate and versatile conductor, violinist, and composer, and recent recipient of the St. Botolph Foundation Emerging Artist Award. She is the Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the Boston Festival Orchestra, as well as the Assistant Conductor for the Boston Ballet. Alyssa has served as Assistant Conductor for numerous institutions such as the New Hampshire Music Festival and the Colorado College Summer Music Festival. As a violinist, Alyssa has soloed with ensembles across the country and performs regularly with numerous Boston-based ensembles such as Boston Chamber Music Society and Boston Modern Orchestra Project. Recently, she was commissioned by the Chamber Orchestra of Pittsburgh to compose a Violin Concerto to be premiered in 2023. Alyssa earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Carnegie Mellon University as an Andrew Carnegie Scholar in 2016 under the tutelage of Andrés Cárdenes, and completed two Master’s Degrees in violin performance and conducting at the New England Conservatory. Learn more at alyssa-wang.com.
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Nicholas Brown is a Boston-based clarinetist, educator, and arts leader. He is a member of the Boston Lyric Opera Orchestra and New Bedford Symphony, and is Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Boston Festival Orchestra. Additionally, Nicholas is a substitute with such groups as the Chicago Symphony, Philadelphia Orchestra, Boston Philharmonic, and more.
As a soloist, Nicholas has appeared with the Boston Pops, Boston Festival Orchestra, and Symphony Nova, and will be featured with the Concord Orchestra in Fall 2022. He has performed on programs presented by the Library of Congress, Celebrity Series of Boston, Newport Music Festival, Morgan Library, Williams Center for the Arts, and beyond. He has won numerous awards from organizations such as St. Botolph Club Foundation, Boston Woodwind Society, Bay Chamber Concerts of Maine, Rossini Club of Portland, and Boston University.
Committed to accessibility and education, Nicholas focuses on removing traditional barriers surrounding the arts in Boston. Through a network of community partnerships, the Boston Festival Orchestra aligns with local charities to provide programming to communities who have been historically excluded from classical music. Further, he serves as a clarinet instructor at the North End Music & Performing Arts Center, a community music school oering “Music for All,” and is a Neighborhood Artist with the Celebrity Series of Boston.
Originally from Portland, Maine, Nicholas earned degrees with honors from New England Conservatory of Music and Boston University. His mentors include Thomas Martin, David Martins, John Bruce Yeh, and Ethan Sloane.
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Chinese pianist Ruoting Li is an eclectic artist who is eager to explore a wide range of musical styles and repertoire, both as a solo pianist and chamber musician. Currently based in New York City, Ruoting has been involved in numerous activities, such as outreach concerts, music producing, and new music recording. She made her Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall debut in November of 2019, and her Stern Auditorium debut in March of 2020. Both were well received, with special mention of her artistry. Most recently, Ms. Li was featured in a concert for the Library of Congress. Her passion for chamber music has also resulted in a fruitful and ongoing collaboration with the Boston Festival Orchestra.
Born in China, she began piano at the age of 6 and was admitted to the Central Conservatory of Music Middle School in Beijing when she was 11. In 2014, Ms. Li came to the U.S. and was awarded a full scholarship to attend the Manhattan School of Music, where she earned both Bachelor and Master of Music degree in Piano Performance under the tutelage of Dr. Solomon Mikowsky. Aside from live performance, Ruoting is currently involved as artistic advisor and producer for several ongoing recording projects.
Hancock United Church Of Christ
1912 Massachusetts Avenue
Lexington, MA 02421