In celebration of its 50th anniversary, the Landmark Society of Genesee County is teaming up with the Genesee Symphony Orchestra for a special concert 4 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 8.
The concert will feature two slideshows of Genesee County's historic and architectural gems, each set to a different musical piece. Photographers whose work will appear include Howard Owens, Genesee County Historian Larry Barnes, Landmark Society President Lucine Kauffman, Laurie Baker Oltramari and others.
"It's partly a nostalgic look back," Kauffman said. "There are pictures of buildings that have been lost (as a result of urban renewal). But it ends on a positive note. There is still a lot left in Genesee County that is historically and architecturally significant."
Kauffman said one of the goals of this event is to raise awareness of and pride in this heritage among Genesee County residents, and to encourage good stewardship of what we have.
First, the audience will be treated to Ottorino Respighi's "Church Windows" and a slideshow of windows from various Genesee County churches -- including, among many others:
- St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church (Resurrection Parish), Ellicott St. in Batavia
- Temple Emanu-El, Bank St. in Batavia
- St. James Episcopal Church, Route 5 in Batavia
- Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, Route 20 in Darien Center
- North Bergen Presbyterian Church, North Bergen Road in Bergen
- Indian Falls United Methodist Church, Route 77 in Corfu
- St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church (Our Lady of Mercy Parish), Route 19 in Le Roy
Next, they will enjoy Charles Ives' "Three Places in New England." The first movement of this song will be set to a slideshow of various Genesee County barns, celebrating the County's agricultural roots. The second movement will accompany images of old Batavia and of buildings being knocked down during urban renewal. Finally, the third movement will score a slideshow of Genesee County sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including:
- Stafford Four Corners Historic District
- Historic Batavia Cemetery
- Alexander Cobblestone Town Hall
- Richmond Memorial Library
- Augustus S. Tryon House (Le Roy)
- Batavia VA Medical Center
- Gifford-Walker Farm (Bergen)
The concert will begin at 4 p.m. at Genesee Community College's Stuart Steiner Theater, at 1 College Road in Batavia. Tickets are $15 for adults, $7 for students, $10 for seniors and $35 for families (parents and children 12 and under).
People may purchase tickets at the door or in advance at the following locations:
- GoArt!, 201 E. Main St. in Batavia
- Roxy's Music Store, 228 W. Main St. in Batavia
- Batavia Senior Center, 2 Bank St. in Batavia
- Bank of Castile, 29 Main St. in Le Roy
- Online at www.geneseesymphony.com/tickets
Photos: Friday's rehearsal. By Howard Owens.
To purchase prints, click here.
