SUSAN SCHUMAN is an active accompanist and coach in the Western New York area, known for her work with soloists and ensembles. Since 1995, Susan has been a frequent performer in the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra; playing piano, celesta, harpsichord and organ. She has performed as rehearsal accompanist for many renowned artists including Sherrill Milnes, Renee Fleming, Benita Valente, John Villars, and Tatiana Troyanos. Susan has worked as the BPO's vocal soloist rehearsal accompanist for many conductors, including Joanne Falletta, Maximiano Valdes, David Lockington, Robert Page, Julius Rudel and Marvin Hamlisch. She has worked with Keith Lockhart, conductor of the Boston Pops, as rehearsal accompanist for the BPO's performance of Porgy and Bess; and was requested by conductor John Head to be rehearsal accompanist for the BPO's concert version of My Fair Lady and Fiddler on the Roof. One of the more memorable concerts was a performance of Bernstein's "Prelude Fugue and Riffs" with guest soloist Richard Stoltzman. Susan has also been accompanist for the JoAnne Falletta International Guitar Competition since its inception in 2004. A graduate of the University of Buffalo with a degree in piano performance, she has also attended Ithaca College and Harvard University.
Susan has been an active accompanist of faculty, graduate and undergraduate degree recitals at the University of Buffalo, Fredonia College and Canisius College and, as of the fall of 2008, Buffalo State College. She has accompanied high school vocal and instrumental soloists at New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Festivals since 1976, and has been an accompanist for the NYSSMA All-State Conference and the Music Educators National Conference (MENC) Choruses. She has also accompanied numerous All-County and Area All-State Festival Choruses.
Susan joined the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus as rehearsal accompanist in December 2008. Susan is Director of Music/Organist at Knox United Presbyterian Church in Kenmore since 1991. She also coaches privately. |
