BSW Soirée: A Night of Music, Community, and Impact

On March 28th, Asbury Hall was filled with music, conversation, and connection as Buffalo String Works welcomed over 125 guests to its spring benefit, the BSW Soirée! The evening raised $14,154 to support free, high-quality music education for refugee, immigrant, and historically marginalized youth in Buffalo.

Guests enjoyed a vibrant mix of performances, including the Love Supreme School of Music Faculty Ensemble, the dynamic Comienzos, and the premiere of Aka, a brand-new composition written especially for BSW students by Burmese composer and UC Berkeley PhD candidate Wai Hin Ko Ko. Performed by teaching artists and volunteers, Aka was a powerful centerpiece of the evening.

Aka was inspired by the traditional music of Myanmar’s different cultures, many of which are shared by students at Buffalo String Works. This piece reflects the mission of BSW: giving students the space to explore and share their own voices. By playing music from their heritage, students can think about who they are and what they can become. “The title ‘Aka’ means ‘dance’ in Burmese, but it represents more than movement, it is the rhythm of identity, a bridge between heritage and the present… From the energetic Kachin and martial-influenced Shan to the contemplative Mon and powerful Rakhine, each musical moment carries cultural significance. The Karenni’s funeral song honors loss, while the Karen’s folk tune captures childhood joy.” – Wai Hin Ko Ko

Throughout the night, conversations buzzed with energy and reflection. Guests shared personal connections to Buffalo String Works, offering stories of impact, inspiration, and hope. The feeling of community, where everyone believes in the power of music, was felt in every corner of the room.To all who made the Soirée such a meaningful evening, thank you. And to the broader BSW community, thank you for continuing to support the students, families, and teaching artists who make this work so special!