This weekend, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra ushers in a February concert lineup aligned with their ongoing commitment to inspire, educate, and entertain a vast range of audiences within and beyond Western New York. Whether Buffalonians seek a joyful outing with loved ones, a romantic date night, or the immersion of symphonic masterpieces, February’s events offer uplifting experiences and opportunities for all ages to connect with the power of live orchestral music.
Following the BPO’s January 31 concert with Chicago’s Jason Scheff, renowned film score conductor Anthony Parnther joins the orchestra for selections of his favorite cinematic works in The Sound of Cinema, the evening of Saturday, February 1. Parnther, conductor for the recordings of celebrated soundtracks including Oppenheimer, Encanto, The Mandalorian, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and Arcane, is joined by the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus and soprano Holly Sedillos, whose vocals have been recorded in soundtracks for Wicked, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, and other famous films. This performance features music from Avatar: The Way of Water, Lawrence of Arabia, Star Wars, and more.
The morning of February 1, BPO Little Kids shares interactive music for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers, including sing-alongs and introductions to orchestral instruments, in Kleinhans’ Mary Seaton Room. Crafted to nurture young minds and encourage early love for music, this program repeats the following Saturday, February 8. Both performances are sold out.
On Valentine’s Day weekend, February 14-15, jazz singer and pianist Tony DeSare performs the adored hits of Frank Sinatra in Sinatra in Love, accompanied by the full orchestra. A romantic journey through Sinatra’s vast catalog, the concert promises an experience filled with love, nostalgia, and the melodies that made Sinatra a musical icon. Following Saturday’s performance, the celebration continues with the annual Sweetheart Dance in the Mary Seaton Room, featuring music by Buffalo-based act, Big City Horns. Dance admission is included with attendees’ concert tickets.
In a new tradition after last concert season’s Rachmaninoff Festival, Music Director JoAnn Falletta, the BPO, and special guests present a two-weekend festival of orchestral works by beloved Romantic-era composer, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. On February 7-8, esteemed Canadian pianist Sheng Cai makes his BPO debut in Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 2, and on February 21-22, Polish cellist Marcin Zdunik plays Tchaikovsky’s Variations on a Rococo Theme alongside the orchestra’s performance of Tchaikovsky’s sixth symphony, “Pathétique”.
Zdunik also gives a solo recital on Thursday, February 20 at the Clement House (786 Delaware Ave.) in his Buffalo debut performance, with a personally curated program of cello works by Polish composers and his own improvisations.
For a complete list of concerts, visit bpo.org/events. Tickets can be purchased online at bpo.org, in-person at the Box Office in Kleinhans Music Hall, or by calling (716) 885-5000.
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