Artpark celebrates 'Beyond Buffalo: A Celebration of Multiculturalism in Music and Dance'

On Sunday evening, Artpark & Company hosted the world premiere of Buffalo composer Moshe Shulman's "Beyond Buffalo: A Celebration of Multiculturalism in Music and Dance.” The event took place on the Emerald Grove stage, and featured original composition with six musicians and seven dancers working together to showcase several international styles of music and accompanying, distinct styles of dance.

Shulman

••••••••

Prior to the performance, Artpark & Company quoted Shulman as saying, “Exploring different cultures musically has interested me since my early 20s. Recently, it dawned on me that I don’t have to travel far to explore new ideas of expression, because so many exist here, in my own city of Buffalo and its surroundings.

••••••••

‘Beyond Buffalo’ is written and dedicated to all the dancers of the Greater Buffalo area that I chose for this project: those who were born here, and those who traveled from near and far. This suite showcases the expressions of many cultures and genres, and exhibits their unique musical elements. It also attempts to present the reality that, within differences, there is an underlying unity. For example, the same melody can exist in different styles of music; a rhythmical pattern can find itself in two seemingly opposite genres; a ballet dancer can have an inspiring duet with an African dancer.

••••••••

“This is not a multicultural piece, like a salad of unrelated ingredients, but rather handpicked elements of music from different parts of the world spread over 10 different dishes. Every ingredient tells a story; every flavor dances on your palate. I hope you enjoy this banquet, served up by a woodwind quartet, piano, percussion, and, of course, dance.”

••••••••

Shulman, a Russian-born Israeli-American composer, violin, viola, bandoneon and accordion player, was awarded a 2020 NYSCA grant to write a children’s ballet; and 2015 Fromm Foundation Commission from Harvard University, which resulted in “Seven Prophetesses” for voice, harp and string quartet.

His composition in Lewiston was made possible by a 2025 New York State Council on the Arts Individual Artist Commission Award, and by Artpark.