Buffalo Philharmonic to perform annual 'Exceptional Holiday Concert' for people with developmental disabilities

It's fast becoming a holiday tradition.

At 10:15 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 13, approximately 275 people will attend the sold-out "Exceptional Holiday Concert." Groups from Bornhava, CHC Learning Center, Heritage Centers and Buffalo Public School No. 84 were invited to enjoy the music at this special concert, taking place in the Mary Seaton Room at Kleinhans Music Hall, 3 Symphony Circle, Buffalo.

For this concert, the orchestra will be on the same level as the audience. The program will feature dancers, visuals and audience interaction, providing audience members with multiple ways to connect to familiar holiday music. BPO Resident Conductor Stefan Sanders will lead the performance.

"We are very proud to offer this program, which is designed with the unique needs of this audience at the forefront. After last year's inaugural concert we heard the most positive comments from everyone involved, especially the musicians, who were honored to be a part of it," said Robin Parkinson, director of education and community engagement.

The concert is an extension of the BPO Kids for Exceptional Kids program, now in its third year. Operated in cooperation with Women and Children's Hospital, the program's goal is to make the BlueCross BlueShield BPO Kids concerts more accessible to children with autism-spectrum disorders and other developmental challenges. Ingram Micro is the sponsor of "The Exceptional Holiday Concert."