Beyond Buffalo A Celebration of Multiculturalism in Music and Dance is an original composition featuring six musicians and seven dancers who will come together to showcase several international styles or music with their accompanying distinct styles of dance. 

“Exploring different cultures musically has interested me since my early twenties. 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 travelled 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 ten 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.” - Moshe Shulman
 
More on Moshe Shulman
Russian-born Israeli/American composer, violin, viola, bandoneon and accordion player, Moshe Shulman (b.1978) lives in Buffalo, NY where he and his wife, Miranda, raise a family of three children. His recent compositional rewards include: 2020 NYSCA grant to write children ballet; 2015 Fromm Foundation Commission from Harvard University which resulted in “Seven Prophetesses” for voice, harp and string quartet. .

Featured Musicians:                Featured Dancers and Styles:
Christine Davis - flute                Erico Ansuade - (Ghana) 
Megan Kyle - oboe                Riesa Avanti - (Balinese)
Michael Tumiel - clarinet            Gaitrie Devi S.- (Indian)    
Doron Laznow - bassoon            Kenzie - (belly dance)
Ivan Docenko - piano                Monica Karwan - (modern)
Ben Cohen - percussion            Phil Wackerfuss - (modern)
                                                        Isabella Guerrucci - (ballet)

This composition is made possible by 2025 New York State Council on the Arts Individual Artist Commission Award and Artpark.