Buffalo Community Orchestra celebrates 30 years
The Buffalo Community Orchestra will celebrate its 30-year anniversary with a concert, “BCO Plays your Favorites,” on Sunday, March 2.
The BCO was established in July 1995 and has been a cornerstone of the arts in Buffalo. Composed of dedicated area musicians, the BCO strives to deliver high-quality musical performances and foster a love and appreciation for the arts with the local community. The BCO is considered one of the top community orchestras in Minnesota with over 60 members who come from a variety of backgrounds and musical experience.
The Early Years
In its beginning, a small group met at the home of Mary Ellen Lundstedt, a violinist who was a catalyst for the formation of a community orchestra in the mid-’90s. Lundstedt held the meeting to talk about the possibility of an orchestra and push for its formation.
Early rehearsals were held at the homes of orchestra members before moving into the Discovery Center. The first concerts were performed at Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo.
Today, orchestra members meet every Sunday to rehearse at Buffalo High School, and concerts are held in the Performing Arts Center, with some performances seeing standing-room only.
Leadership
The BCO states that they are blessed to have had the guidance and leadership of several talented conductors during its 30-year span. In all, twelve conductors have led the orchestra, the first being Mary Roberts Wilson, a flutist with the Minnesota Orchestra. BCO Conductors often hold “conductor chats” prior to performances, where they give a background on the pieces that the orchestra will be performing for that concert, and cue the audience on key parts to listen for. Some of BCO’s former conductors have gone on to lead at the national level.
“We get these amazing conductors. Each one offers something new. It’s sad to see them go but then we get another great one,” stated Linda Emmel, cellist with the orchestra. Emmel, a member from the early days stated that she hadn’t played the cello “in many years” when first asked to join. “I went just for the fun of it, and I’m still here. It’s so enjoyable.”
In August 2024, the BCO welcomed David Carrillo as its Music Director. Carrillo is a Costa Rican native-born into a family of musicians, who brings a rich heritage and passion for music to the orchestra. His leadership is anticipated to usher in a new era of musical excellence and community engagement for the BCO.
Community
With many groups that celebrate an achievement of a 30-year anniversary, it’s often the members who hold a passion for the group and the people in its community. Friendships are formed around a common goal, life-long bonds that bring the community together and keep it strong.
Orchestra member and cellist, Andrew Burgdorf, stated, “It’s such a vibrant community orchestra in every function of the word community. It’s all ages. It’s high schoolers on up to retirees. It’s a community in every sense of the word.”
The BCO offers opportunities for members to continue developing their skills, talents, and abilities. A violinist and orchestra member for many years, Dawn Yeis, began playing the violin in second grade, stating, “After you get out of high school, there’s often no real place to play and then you can pick it back up again.”
Performances and Events
The BCO performs five concerts each season, showcasing a diverse repertoire that appeals to a wide audience. A hallmark event is the annual “Concert in the Park” at Sturges Park in Buffalo, which is offered free to the public each summer and often draws a large crowd. Additionally, the orchestra collaborates with local ensembles, such as the wRight Ringers handbell choir and the Wright County Chamber Chorus, especially during the holiday season to deliver memorable and festive performances.
The orchestra aims to play a variety of musical styles, from classical to polka. Music pieces to be performed are selected each year by a committee. The BCO has also performed several composition debuts, as well as a commissioned piece written by Steve Amudson, an award-winning conductor and composer who serves as the Music Director of the Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra in Minneapolis.
Education
Education is a cornerstone of the BCO’s mission. Musicians young and old gain opportunities to develop their skills and perform in a full-orchestral setting. These folks come from a variety of backgrounds, drawn together by a love of music and the arts. BCO’s commitment to nurturing talent ensures the continued growth of each individual performer.
As part of its educational mission, the BCO provides scholarships to members who are looking to further their musical education and experience. Recipients of these scholarships are chosen from graduating members of the orchestra.
The Buffalo Community Orchestra stands as a testament to the power of music in uniting and enriching a community. Through its dedication to artistic excellence and community involvement, the BCO continues to be a cherished cultural asset in Buffalo.
Congratulations to the BCO for celebrating 30 years, and to the many members who are proud to be part of a vibrant musical community that strives to perform at the highest level.
Editor’s Note
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the orchestra is sustained through ticket sales, contributions from individuals and businesses, and grants from the Central Minnesota Arts Board. This support enables the BCO to host outstanding and memorable concerts.
