At the final M&T Bank Classics concert of the season, four BPO musicians and one staff member were recognized publicly for their long service to the orchestra.
Violinist Mary Louise Nanna is celebrating 50 years with the orchestra. She is among the few native Western New Yorkers in the orchestra, and is also a member of the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame. In addition to her work with the BPO, she is the founder and director of Ars Nova.
Principal harp Suzanne Thomas is also celebrating 50 years with the orchestra. She received a B.M. and Performer’s Certificate from the Eastman School of Music, and continued her studies at the Fontainebleau School in France. She is well-known in the area as a teacher and chamber musician.
Violinist Diana Sachs is celebrating 40 years with the orchestra. A Denver native, she received a BFA in music from Stephens College and a Master’s Degree from Indiana University. She has taught at Kinhaven Music School in Vermont, and performed at the Grand Teton Music Festival in Wyoming, and is an avid chamber musician.
Violinist Andrea Blanchard Cone is celebrating 30 years with the orchestra. She is a graduate of Eastman School of Music, and was adjunct faculty at the University at Buffalo for many years. She performs frequently with Western New York chamber groups. Her husband, Doug Cone, is also a BPO musician.
Principal Music Librarian Patricia Kimball is also celebrating 30 years of service to the orchestra. Every piece of music that makes it to the stage comes through Pat’s library – this includes acquisition, maintenance, preparation and distribution of all parts as well as vital assistance in the artistic planning process.