Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus Announces Key Leadership Changes

Dr. Stephen Edge Appointed as New Board President

The Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus (BPC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Stephen Edge as President of its Board of Directors, effective July 1, 2024. Dr. Edge brings a wealth of experience to this role, having been an active member of the BPC community since 2017. He has served on the Board of Directors since 2019 and most recently held the position of Vice President from 2022 to 2024.

A native of Chicago, Dr. Edge attended Tufts University for his undergraduate studies and Case Western Reserve University for medical school. He came to Buffalo in 1992 and served as Chief of the Breast Cancer Service at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center for many years, later becoming VP for System Quality and Outcomes. Dr. Edge recently retired from Roswell Park as Professor Emeritus and is a Professor of Surgery at the University at Buffalo. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dr. Edge is deeply involved in the Western New York music community. He performs with the BPC, the Westminster Presbyterian Church of Buffalo Choir, in solo recitals, and in local opera productions with Buffalo Opera Unlimited.

On his appointment, Dr. Edge commented, "I am honored to be able to serve as BPC President. During my tenure I hope to build on our growing excellence in choral music, expanding quality and scope of the chorus and help the BPC meet its strategic goals in artistry and in presenting culturally relevant repertoire, diverse community engagement and youth education."

Immediate Past-President Nicole Tyrpak expressed her confidence in Dr. Edge's leadership: "I am incredibly proud of all the BPC accomplished during my two years as President. I can think of no better successor than Dr. Edge and have no doubt that, under his leadership, the legacy that we have established in the WNY community will continue to flourish and thrive."

As President, Dr. Edge will lead the Board of Directors in supporting the BPC's mission to provide the highest quality performances of choral music to the Western New York community while developing singers in the choral arts. 

Departure of Executive Director Dr. Madeline Harts

The BPC also announces that Dr. Madeline Harts will be stepping down from her role as Executive Director, effective July 5, 2024, to pursue a professorship in vocal arts.

As the organization's first Executive Director, Dr. Harts has played a pivotal role in shaping the BPC's operations and artistic direction since July 2022. Dr. Harts reflected on her tenure: "It has been a privilege to serve as the inaugural Executive Director of the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus. Guiding this Grammy Award-winning ensemble through the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, while simultaneously expanding its operational scope and artistic seasons, has been a rewarding journey. As I transition to a professorship in vocal arts, I depart with profound gratitude for my time with the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus and eagerly anticipate its continued success and growth in the years ahead."

The BPC is assembling a Search Committee to find a successor for Dr. Harts. The organization does not anticipate any changes to its upcoming seasons or current operations during this transition. While a formal job posting is not yet available, the BPC encourages interested individuals to stay connected with the organization for future announcements regarding this leadership opportunity.

Immediate Past-President Nicole Tyrpak expressed confidence in the organization's future: "I am incredibly proud of all the BPC accomplished during my two years as President and during Dr. Harts' tenure as Executive Director. I can think of no better successor than Dr. Edge to lead our Board, and have no doubt that under his leadership, the legacy that we have established in the WNY community will continue to flourish and thrive."