The Muhammad School of Music’s String ensemble performs with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. Maestro Henri L. Muhammad at the podium conducting. (Photo: Jim Hunter)

BUFFALO (FinalCall.com) - Kleinhan's Music Hall in Buffalo, New York shimmered with piercing brightness as Muhammad School of Music (MSOM) celebrated its 10th Anniversary with a historic Gala Concert in late May.

The evening was full of virtuosic artistic talents featuring special guests the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, the Western New York Chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop of America, the Buffalo City Ballet, operatic tenor soloist Michael Toby, and actress Beverly Todd. Dressed in elegant black and gold brocade concert gowns and tuxedos, MSOM students as young as four years old, under the direction of founder and maestro Henri L. Muhammad, performed with grace, poise, and charm to numerous standing ovations and encores.

The Muhammad School of Music’s class of 2009. (Photo: East Coast images)

The evening began with a VIP Reception featuring performances by the MSOM Mini Maestros, MSOM Twinkle Stars, and three vocal solos by Opera Tenor Michael Toby. Concert goers then made their way into the main hall for the performance. The kinetic energy in the symphony hall intensified when the lights dimmed and the Gospel Music Workshop sang a spirit rousing acappella rendition of “King Jesus is Listening.” The program also featured a newly choreographed ballet to the music of William Grant Still's ‘Afro American Symphony' performed by the Buffalo City Ballet.

Beverly Todd

The audience was electrified by a powerful and commanding performance of the Saint Saens Violin Concerto featuring Henri L. Muhammad and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. However, to top off the evening in grand fashion, was a finale like none other—the MSOM String Ensemble, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Operatic Tenor Michael Toby, and the Gospel Music Workshop Chorus performing the Ode to Joy from Beethoven's Ninth Symphony conducted by Maestro Henri L. Muhammad. Following the seemingly endless standing ovation, Maestro Muhammad lead the orchestra, chorus, and MSOM violinists in an encore performance of the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's Messiah. It was truly a Night of Brilliance and in the words of attendee Bessie Patterson –”Fabulous, Fantastic, Awesome, and Incredible.”

Author and Columnist Eva M. Doyle wrote a review of the concert for the Buffalo Criterion Newspaper. Mrs. Doyle states, “The young people who comprise the Muhammad School of Music, represent the cream of the crop of Buffalo's youth. Led by the dynamic and very talented Henri L. Muhammad, the Muhammad School of Music is at the top of the classical music world as a performing ensemble.” Bravo to Muhammad School of Music for 10 years of Classical Music Excellence!

(Make a donation to Muhammad School of Music and receive a complimentary DVD of the 10th Anniversary Gala Concert (minimum donation $25). For more details please call or write to: Muhammad School of Music, P.O. Box 936, Buffalo, New York 14205; (716)881-5088, (716)570-5064; email: info@muhammadschoolofmusic.net; or visit: www.muhammadschoolofmusic.net.)