UB, Buffalo Philharmonic present Tim Fain in multimedia violin project and master class

A charismatic violinist with a passion for new music, a groundbreaking multimedia program, and a centuries-old violin combine in a program that pushes the boundaries of classical music. The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and the University at Buffalo, along with media sponsor WNED, will present violinist Tim Fain's innovative and critically acclaimed "Portals" project at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 25, in the Drama Theater in the Center for Performing Arts on the University at Buffalo's North Campus in Amherst. Tickets range from $15 to $30 and are available by calling the Slee Hall box office at 716-645-2921.

Tickets to the concert and a post-concert reception with Fain, hosted and sponsored by Clement and Karen Arrison, are $75 and may be purchased by contacting the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra at (716) 242-7825 no later than Jan. 18.

Fain appeared in the 2010 film "Black Swan," and has performed with orchestras around the world as a solo artist. His "Portals" project explores human longing for connection in the digital age through music, dance, film and spoken word. It was born out of collaboration between Fain and Benjamin Millepied, the choreographer for "Black Swan."

As Fain plays his violin, actors, dancers and other musicians accompany him on screen. "Portals" features the works of several composers, with the centerpiece being a new work by Phillip Glass specifically written for Fain. The project has been profiled in Vanity Fair, The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times.

A master class and Q-and-A session with Fain will take place at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, in the Mary Seaton Room at Kleinhans Music Hall, 3 Symphony Circle, Buffalo. It is free and open to the public. The Mary Seaton Room will be given a coffeehouse feel, with complimentary hot beverages and pastries.

Three local music students have been chosen to receive coaching. Mandela Namaste is a sophomore at Williamsville East High School and a student at Buffalo Suzuki Strings. Teagan Faran is a junior at Williamsville East High School and performs with the Greater Buffalo Youth Orchestra. Amirah Muhammed serves on the BPO youth outreach committee, and is a homeschooled 11-year-old who studies at the Muhammad School of Music. Fain will also answer questions from the audience. Anyone wishing to attend the master class can reserve a free space at www.bpo.org.

Fain performs on a 1717 violin, which was made by Francesco Gobetti in Venice. The violin is on loan to him from Clement and Karen Arrison through the Stradivari Society of Chicago. Karen Arrison serves on the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra's board of trustees and spearheaded the efforts to bring Fain to Western New York.