BPO Special Series
A GOSPEL SYMPHONY TRIBUTE
TO RICHARD SMALLWOOD
Friday, October 16, 2026 at 7:30 PM
Jonathan Taylor Rush, conductor
Buffalo United Community Choir
Ella E. Robinson, BUCC Artistic Director
Karen Saxon, BUCC Artistic Director
George Brown, BUCC Artistic Director
Miss Barbara's School of Dance Alumni
Adolphus Allen, organ
Michelle Thomas, keyboard
James Wingo, guitar
Anthony Cummings, bass
Preston Brown, drums
Program to be announced from the stage.
Patrons are asked to silence all electronic devices.
The use of cameras and recording devices is strictly prohibited.
About the BUCC:
Buffalo United Community Choir (BUCC) was founded in January 2023 by the BPO Diversity Council with a powerful mission: to unite the Buffalo-Niagara region through the transformative power of music. Drawing voices from across the area, this dynamic 100+ member choir brings together individuals from more than 50 local churches and organizations, embodying the strength, spirit, and diversity of the Buffalo community.
Under the artistic leadership of esteemed music directors Ella E. Robinson, Karen Saxon, and George Brown, BUCC made its debut at Buffalo United for Black History at First Shiloh Baptist Church. Since then, the choir has delivered stirring performances, including a featured appearance at the May 14th Remembrance event at the Johnnie B. Wiley Sports Pavilion, the national anthem at the Buffalo Bills last home game in the old stadium, and collaborative performances with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra at Kleinhans Music Hall and throughout the region.
The Buffalo United Community Choir proudly lives by its motto: “We lift our voices in song as ONE community.”
Participating churches and organizations include:
Antioch Church of God in Christ
Berea Church of God in Christ
Bethel AME Church
Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church
Buffalo Master Chorale
Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus
Calvary Baptist Church
Chapel at Crosspoint
Cold Spring Free Spirit Church
Community Music School
Elim Christian Fellowship Church
Emmanuel Temple Seventh Day Adventist Church
Faith Missionary Baptist Church
First Calvary Missionary Baptist Church
First Shiloh Baptist Church
Friendship Missionary Baptist Church
God’s Purchase Choir
Greater Refuge Temple of Christ
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
Hopewell Baptist Church
Humboldt Parkway Baptist Church
Lutheran Church of Our Savior
Miracle Missions Full Gospel Church
Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Buffalo
Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, Lackawanna
Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church
New Beginning Choral Ensemble
New Jerusalem Church of God in Christ
New Zion Missionary Baptist Church
Orchard Park Presbyterian Church
Our Savior Lutheran Church
Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church
Refuge Temple Church of God
Second Baptist Church, Buffalo
Second Baptist Church, Lackawanna
Soul Saving Revival Center
St. Bernadette Catholic Church, Orchard Park
St. Columba-Brigid Catholic Church
St. Joseph University Parish
St. Luke AME Zion Church
St. Martin de Porres R.C. Church
True Bethel Baptist Church
White Rock Baptist Church
Zion Dominion Global Ministries
Under the mentorship of Miss Barbara Glover, generations of dancers were connected through a shared love of dance, creating a lasting legacy that continues to inspire.
In 2023, Deatra White Paris and Rena Camp founded the Miss Barbara’s School of Dance Alumni, bringing together former students and friends to celebrate their shared history, artistry, and lifelong bonds.
This alumni dedication to Richard Smallwood is under the Artistic Direction/Choreography of Deatra White-Paris, Choreography by Megan A. Evans -Rakeepile, and Processional Bearer choreography by Preciouss Patterson. Celebrating the present, and inspiring future generations.
