This summer, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra proudly continues their tradition of performing across Western NY in their annual Summer Series. From July 3 to August 3, the orchestra will present ticketed and free concerts in a variety of venues throughout the Buffalo-Niagara region. With music ranging from classical masterworks and movie scores to the rock hits of Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin, this series brings the delights of experiencing a live orchestra directly to the community.
BPO Assistant Conductor Fernanda Lastra will lead the orchestra’s free 7:00pm park performances at several locations: Clarence’s Main Street Town Park on July 17, sponsored by Kelly Schultz Antiques; North Park Academy in Buffalo on July 24, sponsored by Delaware District Council Member Joel Feroleto; Lewiston’s Academy Park on July 27; and Tonawanda’s Niawanda Park on July 28, sponsored by NYS 140th District Assembly Member Bill Conrad. These concerts will preview music programmed throughout the orchestra’s 90th anniversary season, which begins in September.
On Saturday, July 20 at 7:00pm, BPO Music Director JoAnn Falletta will conduct the free Concert for Unity at First Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, featuring the Buffalo United Community Choir. This performance, presented with support from National Grid, continues the BPO’s commitment to provide music that uplifts, heals, and unifies the Western NY community. Earlier in the month, an ensemble of BPO string players will give a free performance outside of Buffalo Central Terminal on July 11 at 6:00pm.
The season’s ticketed events offer an exciting variety of concert experiences. After the Buffalo Bisons game on July 3, Ron Spigelman will conduct the BPO at the annual Independence Eve Celebration, under the lights and fireworks at Sahlen Field (milb.com/buffalo). The orchestra will return to the Ellicottville Summer Music Festival at Holiday Valley on July 7, performing Music of The Who & Led Zeppelin with Jeans ‘n Classics by the slopes (ellicottvilleny.com). The musicians will also take Outer Harbor’s Terminal B stage for two performances: The Musical Magic of Harry Potter on July 19, and The Music of The Tragically Hip with The Strictly Hip and conductor Bradley Thachuk on August 1. These Outer Harbor concerts have free general admission with ticket reservations required, and VIP packages are available to purchase
(buffalowaterfront.com).
The BPO will make two appearances at Artpark’s Mainstage Theater this year (artpark.net). First, on July 14, renowned opera director Gil Rose will lead the orchestra in Puccini’s Greatest: A Gala Opera Concert, starring three-time GRAMMY Award-winning soprano Latonia Moore, tenor Won Whi Choi, and baritone Michael Chioldi with the Artpark Festival Chorus. Then, on August 3, the orchestra will conclude their Summer Series with The Machine performing The Music of Pink Floyd, marking the grand finale of a memorable summer of music.
For the full list of concerts, click here.
