Deia Elwadi, a Rochester poet and “Soulfood Sudanese,” weaves her dual heritage – Southern U.S. and North Sudanese – into powerful verses. Her journey began at 13, a refuge for her inquisitive spirit. By 15, she was a spoken word artist sharing her raw voice until motherhood, her “ultimate initiation,” led to a period of rediscovery. Motherhood reconnected her to her inner child, reigniting her passion for poetry with a deeper understanding of life’s complexities.

Elwadi’s work serves as a mirror to the human experience, fearlessly exploring personal narratives, societal taboos, and the full spectrum of emotions. Her poetry is a healing force, mending ancestral connections and honoring her heritage. She navigates life with vulnerability and resilience, finding solace in humor and nurturing her inner child.

Elwadi’s voice has resonated on national stages with the Buffalo slam team, Pure Ink Poetry, and internationally, showcasing her global reach. Dedicated to nurturing young voices, she leads workshops that promote authenticity and empower youth to own their stories. Her aim is to spark meaningful conversations, encourage vulnerability, and embrace the “Extremely REAL” within ourselves. Through her “Deiaisms,” she invites listeners to explore her personal philosophies.

Vivienne Liu is 10 years old and began her piano journey at the age of five. She has been studying under the guidance of Mary Handley. With a deep passion for music, she has developed strong technical skills and expressive artistry.

Since she was five, she has performed in numerous solo, collaborative, and chamber music concerts, gaining valuable performance experience and refining her musical expression. She has been selected to appear in Buffalo Philharmonic masterclasses and pre-concert recitals. She has also participated in several BRAVO Chamber Music Workshops, further expanding her musical skills through ensemble playing.

Vivienne is preparing for her Grade 10 Piano and Grade 9 Music History and Harmony examinations with the Royal Conservatory of Music. Vivienne is the daughter of David and Jessie Liu of Amherst, and has a younger sister, Annaly, who studies cello with BPO Principal Cellist Roman Mekinulov.

Oliver Santora is a 13-year-old pianist from Kenmore, NY. He began his musical studies at the age of four after becoming fascinated with classical music, and he is a student of Mary Handley.

Oliver has performed in numerous solo, collaborative, and chamber music concerts, and is currently the pianist with the Greater Buffalo Youth Orchestra. He has been selected to appear in Buffalo Philharmonic masterclasses and pre-concert recitals, and has performed in several BRAVO Chamber Music Workshops and Vision Possible Charity Concerts.

Oliver is preparing for his Grade 10 Piano, Grade 9 Music History, and ARCT Harmony examinations with the Royal Conservatory of Music. He is the son of Joey and Jennifer Santora of Kenmore, and has an older brother, Sam, who is a financial analyst. Oliver is thrilled to be performing with the BPO.