White Buffalo

Composed By Henry Hoffacker

This piece was originally written for the Young Composers Challenge, earning 4th place recognition.

White Buffalo is an homage to the Lakota prophecy of the White Buffalo. In their culture, a white buffalo born in the wild represents a rebirth, ushering in a time of environmental harmony and rebalancing. A white buffalo was born in the wild in Yellowstone National Park, although it hasn't been seen since.

In 2021, I visited the Lakota Reservation at Wounded Knee and learned a lot about their history and struggles. I asked what I could do to help and my Lakota friend said, Tell our stories. This is my effort to share the significance of the White Buffalo, a powerful part of the Lakota culture, to the wider world.  

This piece is playable by an advanced full orchestra. It requires good endurance and accuracy with speed in the high violins as the most limiting part. It also has two cello solos beginning and ending the piece making it perfect if your orchestra has a outstanding cellist.