Reporter Volume 25, No.22 March 24, 1994

Dear Members of the UB Community:

	Western New York's arts community has, as the saying goes, a
lot of heart. Area galleries, theatre companies, dance troupes,
literary organizations, and museums are energetic and innovative in
offering a remarkable array of opportunities for entertainment,
education, and inspiration. Our region's cultural institutions are
especially close to the hearts of the many UB faculty, staff, and
students who learn from and collaborate with local artists,
performers, and writers.
	The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra has long been at the true
heart of our arts community, and its members are important partners
and teachers for UB musicians. Yet, as most of us are well aware, the
BPO has struggled to retain talented players and maintain its
performance schedule over the past few seasons. It's a situation all
too familiar to many of America's finest orchestras.
	The BPO's budgetary difficulties are, to put it simply, dire.
Even the best efforts of the local governments and organizations that
have previously helped to fund the orchestra, combined with
cooperative endeavors by musicians and administrators to restructure
and redirect the Orchestra, cannot secure the Philharmonic's future.
All of us who have appreciated the Buffalo Philharmonic over the
yearsQand indeed all of us who place a high value on the arts in
Western New YorkQmust support the Orchestra strongly and actively if
it is to survive.
	In order to encourage such support, the university and the BPO
are jointly sponsoring UB Night at the Buffalo Philharmonic on
Thursday, April 14 at Kleinhans Music Hall. "Classics of the Silent
Screen," the evening's program, will feature the Nexus Percussion
Ensemble and will be conducted by Elizabeth Schulze. Faculty, staff,
students, and alumni can purchase tickets at a discount with a valid
ID through the UB Ticket Office (645-2353, 8 Capen Hall) and Kleinhans
Music Hall. Tickets and group rate information are available through
the UB Office of Conferences and Special Events in Crofts Hall
(645-3705) or Capen Hall (645-3414).
	There are several other ways in which interested faculty and
staff can help keep the BPO alive. Associate Professor Richard Hull of
the Department of Philosophy, who is coordinating a fund drive on
campus for the BPO, would no doubt be happy to hear from anyone who
would like to contribute to the Philharmonic's annual fund. Another
option is to purchase subscription tickets, either for personal use or
as gifts for friends who enjoy the Orchestra. One way or another,
however, it is nothing short of crucial that any of us who truly cares
about preserving the BPO take active steps now to offer our
assistance.
	Over the course of the past year, I have received a number of
letters and phone calls from UB faculty and staff as well as our
neighbors in the community at large, urging that the university assist
the BPO. All of us who believe that the Philharmonic is an important
partner for UB and a very special part of our community's life must be
a part of this effort. Please join me in making a personal commitment
to the future of Western New York's onlyQand much lovedQprofessional
orchestra.

Sincerely,


William R. Greiner