I am going to take the liberty to put a different spin on the 2013-2014 Concert Series at Blessed Trinity. The official motto is ‘Beautiful Music in a Beautiful Space’ but I think there is another reason why these concerts are important. Yes you also will enjoy some fantastic music that will resonate both physically and emotionally, yes you will get to see an amazing architectural gem but for this season I would like people to think about these concerts in another light, as preservation. A year of concerts and columns.
The concert series held its first show on October 6th when we hosted The Buffalo Brass Choir. The concerts were organized by volunteers of the parish as a way to bring new eyes and minds to our church in a non-traditional way. I believe this has been very successful in showcasing our little gem to many new people. We have been blessed with this building and want all people to be able to enjoy its splendor, one way or another. And what better way than through music! Concerts are an ideal venue because a simple tour does not do Blessed Trinity justice. It was meant to inspire the soul, and that is something that does not often happen in 15 minutes. It takes time for the details and layers to soak in, combine that with music, a newly refurbished organ and one might find his or her spirit start to stir. But what does all this have to do with preservation? Kind of a lot actually.
As you may know, all of our concerts are free and open to public, although sometimes we suggest a donation. All donations received go into a separate fund that we call “Under This Roof.” It is money designated only to be used on the preservation and maintenance of our building. Last year we focused on the restoration of our Organ, which was completed just prior to Christmas! And it sounds fantastic!! When I said physically, I meant it literally. Many thanks to everyone over the last few years that helped and contributed with that endeavor. If you want to hear the organ in action I would recommend you come to a concert or mass and soak in the sounds. Just make sure if you are attending a concert, you choose one that will utilize that instrument, like the January 26th Concert. Oh right, back to the preservation issue.
Weather is a pain….
This year we have a new challenge facing us. During the various tours, it was noticed that a couple of the decorated terracotta column at the front entrance were cracking. Some repairs were made many years ago but are failing now. One column had actually started to shift in place as well. Something had to happen quickly. We therefore are working with a company to remove and restore two columns, as well as seal our spalling cornerstone. We felt that letting this go for another winter would only make the damages worse and we needed to act quickly. Unfortunately we had already spend this year’s budget on other maintenance around our buildings before we knew about this column problem. We have petitioned all our parishioners to come together to raise the money for these repairs ourselves, which will cost several thousand dollars. It doesn’t sound like a lot but it is a fair amount of money for our small congregation, which is why I thought about this year’s concert series and what a great opportunity it could be for anyone who loves music and architecture to have a hand in a preservation.
One way or another we are going to find a way to get this repair done, we have too! Our building is just too beautiful and important not to do this and do it right. That all being said, if anyone wishes to attend a concert and throw a few dollars into the kitty, you now know where it will be going to. One concert, one column at a time! Below are the details for the remainder of this year’s concert series.
Trinity Concert Series 2013 – 2014
Our venue is wheelchair accessible with plenty off-street parking. There are parking lot entrances off both Leroy and Dewey Avenues. We are only minutes away from Delaware Park, UB South Campus and easily accessible form the 33 via Main to Leroy Ave.
Sunday, December 8, 2013 at 3:00 p.m.
The Freudig Singers of Western New York
are serving up “A Christmas Pie”
The Freudig Singers, under the direction of Roland E. Martin, bring their special brand of joyfulness to the holiday season with your favorite carols, double-bassist, Sydney King, and a post-concert pie reception – all guaranteed to put you in the Christmas spirit! Suggested Donation: $10
Sunday, January 26, 2014 at 3:00 p.m.
Peter Gonciarz and Friends
Peter Gonciarz, Music Director at Our Lady of Pompeii Church, returns to play our newly refurbished
Tellers Kent organ in a program featuring both solo and chamber works. He’ll be joined by Blessed Trinity’s Music Director, Nick DelBello, on trumpet and other special (surprise!) guests.
Sunday, March 30, 2014 at 3:00 p.m.
The Buffalo Choral Arts Society
“I Will Sing With the Spirit”
We are pleased to welcome The Buffalo Choral Arts Society, under the direction of Marcia A. Giambrone. The program offers an eclectic mix of secular and sacred works befitting the spring and Lenten Season. Selections include compositions from classical sacred choral literature, spirituals, and poems set to music. The 100-plus-member community chorus has been voted Best Vocal Ensemble for the past two years in the Artvoice “Best of Buffalo” contest.
Sunday, June 1, 2014 at 3:00 p.m.
The Colored Musicians Club
“Swingin’ in the Aisles”
After too long an absence, musicians from The Colored Musicians Club, directed by George Scott, return with their exciting mix of jazz, blues, gospel and swing. Funds from this concert will be used to restore two historic Buffalo Landmark sites — Blessed Trinity Church and the Colored Musicians Club, part of the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor.
Get connected:
Blessed Trinity Church
contact@blessedtrinitybuffalo.org
317 Leroy Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14214
Phone (716) 833-0301