Buffalo Philharmonic celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with free concert

The Buffalo Philharmonic and Wendell Rivera Latin Ensemble are joining forces to present “Viva la Musica,” a free concert celebrating Hispanic music and culture taking place at 2:30 p.m. Oct. 9 at Kleinhans Music Hall. BPO Associate Conductor Stefan Sanders leads this concert.

The first half of the concert features Spanish-inflected classical works, such as Chabrier’s “Espana” and Granados’ “Intermezzo” from “Goyescas.” The program takes you across the ocean to the New World with the works of Mexican composer Arturo Marquez and Cuban composer Ernesto Lecuona, then travels into the realm of Latin Jazz in the second half of the program when the Wendell Rivera Latin Ensemble joins the BPO.

“Whether it’s participating in Hispanic Heritage Month or the Garden Walk, or performing our West Side Connection educational program, we relish every opportunity to celebrate and connect with the neighborhood we call home,” said Daniel Hart, BPO Executive Director. “We’re pleased to work with Wendell Rivera once again, and look forward to welcoming the entire community for this free event.”

“Music is a vibrant and familiar part of Hispanic heritage. From Gloria Estefan to Christina Aguilera,  Hispanic influences run deep in many forms of music, with a profound effect on pop music. When I heard the BPO was going to perform a concert honoring this legacy, I knew immediately that it would make a wonderful addition to the already-full schedule of events taking place this month,” says Casimiro Rodriguez Sr. President of Hispanic Heritage Council of WNY Inc.

The BPO is grateful forNiagara District Common Council Member David Rivera’s support of this concert. Additional assistance was provided by the Hispanic Heritage Council of WNY Inc. and Friends of Hispanic Arts.

For more information, visit bpo.org or call (716) 885-5000.