The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra Presents a Masterclass with Violinist Tai Murray

When violinist Tai Murray comes to town during the week of Nov. 10, she will not only entertain, but will educate.

On Wednesday, Nov. 12, she will give a masterclass from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Kleinhans Music Hall, 3 Symphony Circle as part of the Buffalo Philharmonic's free masterclass series which presents talented guest artists in educational settings. Three performers have been selected from a pool of applicants. Violinists Sarah Rice of Buffalo State College, Mandela Namaste of Williamsville East, and Gigi Monachino from the Eastman School of Music will perform and receive feedback from Murray. Students and members of the community are invited to attend to learn more about violin technique and performance, and to observe as Murray imparts her wisdom. Attendance is free of charge, but a reservation is required. It can be made at bpo.org.

Murray will speak to students at the Buffalo Academy for the Visual and Performing Arts at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14 as part of the "Success Looks Like Me" program of the Communities of Giving Legacy Initiative, a fund of the Community Foundation of Greater Buffalo. The program provides low-income youth of color with opportunities to interact with successful adults who reflect the multi-cultural, multi-ethnic richness of Western New York and our nation. Murray will talk about the path she took to become one of her generation's most successful and sought-after concert violinists. The program will be live-streamed so that students at other schools may watch. Free tickets will be available to any BAVPA student wishing to attend the BPO's Saturday night's performance.

Murray first gained national attention at 15, when she tied for first place in the inaugural Sphinx Competition. The Competition's aim is to encourage excellence among black and Latino string players. Since then, she has won an Avery Fisher Career Grant and was named a BBC New Generation Artist. She has toured throughout North America and Europe as an orchestral soloist, a recitalist, and a chamber musician. Her third disc in as many years was just released.

Murray's Buffalo Philharmonic debut concerts will take place at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 14 and at 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15. Former BPO Music Director Maximiano Valdes will conduct Ginastera's Pampeana No. 3 and Franck's Symphony in D minor, as well as Murray's solo piece, Lalo's Symphonie Espagnole. Tickets are available by calling716-885-5000 or at bpo.org.

Photo Courtesy of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra