Approaching the final programs of their 2023-24 concert season, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra is thrilled to perform some of the season’s most anticipated works with a vast array of
guest artists, celebrated locally and abroad. From iconic classical masterworks and a heartfelt Memorial Day tribute, to a double concerto performed by renowned brothers and a mesmerizing display of magic, the BPO’s season promises a memorable conclusion.
This Friday and Saturday, BPO Concertmaster Nikki Chooi takes center stage with his brother, internationally recognized violinist Timothy Chooi, for a special performance of Bach’s Concerto for Two Violins in Chooi Brothers & Bach. This opportunity to hear the Chooi brothers duet also highlights Timothy’s virtuosity in Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto No. 1, complemented by JoAnn Falletta and the orchestra performing Brahms’ rare and unique Serenade No. 2.
On May 11 and 12, the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus and vocalists from SUNY Fredonia join Falletta and the orchestra for Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, in honor of the 1824 work’s bicentennial. Famous for its “Ode to Joy” finale, orchestras throughout the world are paying tribute to the iconic symphony this year – the last Beethoven ever wrote. Renowned singers Jaclyn Grossman, Hannah Shea, John Tiranno, and Lester Lynch also add their voices to the choral symphony. Further, Concertmaster Nikki Chooi performs Sibelius’ Violin Concerto, showcasing the immense talent he adds at the helm of the orchestra.
In a Memorial Day weekend tradition, the BPO performs Signature Stars and Stripes in honor of our nation’s defenders on May 24 and 25. The program welcomes back the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus, joined by the Silver Creek High School Chamber Choir, in addition to vocalist Dee Donasco and pianist Jeffrey Biegel. Biegel will perform Peter Boyer’s “Rhapsody in Red, White & Blue” in its New York premiere, as part of a 50-state initiative to commemorate the centennial of the Gershwin classic, “Rhapsody in Blue.” Free tickets are available for active and veteran military personnel who present their military I.D.
In the Classics series finale on June 1 and 2, Falletta leads the BPO and Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus in the long-awaited performance of Mahler’s “Resurrection” Symphony, featuring esteemed soprano Ilana Davidson and the return of internationally celebrated mezzo soprano Susan Platts. Falletta comments, “The BPO musicians and I have been waiting for several years to perform Mahler’s magnificent Resurrection Symphony for you, and we are thrilled to close our Classics series with this towering and life-affirming work.”
Ending the season with a bang, master illusionist Michael Grandinetti joins the orchestra for his critically acclaimed magic act in Symphony of Illusions, set to film score classics by John Williams and more played live by the BPO. This Special series performance is one night only, on June 8.
Other BPO events throughout May and June include the annual Side by Side Concert with students of the Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts on May 7, a “Play it Forward” luncheon on June 7 to fundraise for the Friends of the BPO’s Young Musician Scholarships, a performance at University at Buffalo’s June in Buffalo festival on June 9, and Opening Doors on June 21, a fundraiser to support the BPO’s efforts in building diversity in orchestral music, featuring the presentation of the 2024 BPO Diversity Council IDEA Award.
Following this concert season, the BPO’s milestone 90th anniversary season kicks off in September. The full season lineup can be found at bpo.org/events, and subscription packages are available now at bpo.org/subscriptions.
For a complete list of concerts and details, visit bpo.org/events. Ticket prices for select concerts start at $20 and can be purchased online at bpo.org/tickets, in-person at the Box Office in Kleinhans Music Hall, or by calling (716) 885-5000.
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