Bloomingdale School of Music announces a virtual community concert and spring benefit A Symphony of Bloomingdale: In the Key of Hope on Tuesday, April 13, 2020 at 7pm. A Symphony of Bloomingdale honors Erika S. Floreska, Bloomingdale School of Music Executive Director from 2014-2020, for her achievements in expanding access to arts education, and celebrates the power of music and our talented & dedicated community! There are several ways to participate, including donating to the benefit or attending one of the Bloomingdale spring events. The evening will be broadcast via Zoom, to register, please visit bsmny.org/springbenefit.

Each year, Bloomingdale School of Music organizes a spring benefit punctuated with inspiring performances by BSM students and faculty. This year’s event includes a variety of performances including songs from Rent and The Wizard of Oz as well as pieces by Bloomingdale’s Van Lier and Arena/D’Eletto Fellows. This annual event raises money for Bloomingdale’s programs and Student Scholarship Fund to provide scholarships for students who otherwise would not be able to afford it, and this year is more important than ever.

The benefit also honors members of society who have shown a commitment to high-quality music access. In her tenure at Bloomingdale, Erika S. Floreska raised over $1M for capital improvements to the 100+ year old brownstone including new air conditioning, upgraded percussion room, 2nd floor, and new pianos in the future. She connected BSM to the external community through new educational partnerships with local schools, head start and retirement communities as well as securing performance opportunities for BSM students throughout NYC. She expanded access through these partnerships, and extensive performance series by BSM’s acclaimed faculty provide free of charge to neighbors, family and friends. Her tenure was bookended by the 50th Anniversary concert in her first year where BSM was founded, and TV Makeover of the Concert Hall and backyard in her last year.

“During the last 56 years, New York City has moved through so many chapters of triumph, sorrow, and uncertainty, but Bloomingdale has been here through it all as a pillar for music, learning, joy, and community,” said Erika Atkins, Executive Director, Bloomingdale School of Music. “Music is not only a vital form of creative expression but a form of support and inspiration, that brings us together every day. I am thrilled to bring our community together to celebrate the power of music, and to honor my predecessor Erika Floreska for her incredible work moving the school forward into its next chapter and creating art access for young people across her career. I hope you are able to join us for this special night.”