Stewart Copeland: Police Deranged for Orchestra and tributes to David Bowie and Def Leppard highlight the 2021-2022 BPO Rocks series presented by Calspan
BUFFALO, N.Y. — Following an earlier announcement of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra’s Classics and Pops series, today the orchestra announces the lineup for its 2021-2022 BPO Rocks series, presented by Calspan. Known for its rollicking tributes to the best of classic rock, the boundary-breaking concert series has become one of the BPO’s most popular. This year’s series is a British invasion, featuring tributes to enigmatic glam rocker David Bowie (Jan. 28), 80s heavy metal legends Def Leppard (June 4), and the man himself, Stewart Copeland in a can’t-miss celebration of the band he founded with Sting and Andy Summers, The Police (Oct. 29). Bradley Thachuk, music director of the nearby Niagara Symphony Orchestra (Ontario), known for his dexterity in conducting both the classical and rock genres, will lead the David Bowie and Def Leppard performances at Kleinhans Music Hall.
“It’s great to be rocking with the BPO once again,” said Thachuk. “These concerts are not only thrilling tributes to some of the best rockers in history, but it’s exciting to see new audiences at Kleinhans who may be experiencing the BPO for the first time. And what an orchestra, to be able to play classics, pops, rock and everything in between—that’s true mastery!”
2021-2022 BPO Rocks Series
On Fri. Oct. 29, 2021 at 7:30 p.m., your BPO presents Stewart Copeland: Police Deranged for Orchestra, a high-energy orchestral celebration of legendary rock star and composer Stewart Copeland and his career as the founder of one of rock’s most beloved bands, The Police. With more than 60 million records sold worldwide, six GRAMMY awards, and induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, The Police—founded when Copeland recruited Andy Summers and Sting in 1977—have been a defining force in rock music for over forty years. Police Deranged for Orchestra is bursting with The Police’s biggest hits, including ‘Roxanne,’ ‘Don’t Stand So Close To Me,’ and ‘Message in a Bottle.’ With Copeland on drums, three singers, guitarist and your BPO, these unique compositions—also arranged or “deranged” by Copeland—give new life to classic songs and select hits from the career of one of the generation’s greatest and most influential artists.
Next, your BPO pays homage to The Music of David Bowie on Fri. Jan. 28, 2022 at 7:30 p.m. Following the popular tribute concert in March of 2016 after the artist’s passing, and the packed repeat performance at Canalside that summer, Jeans ‘n Classics rejoins your BPO for a celebration of the life and legacy of the flamboyant rock legend in a one-of-a-kind tribute to his astounding career. Experience outstanding vocalist Jean Meilleur along with a full rock band for this exhilarating musical odyssey that showcases the extraordinary range of Bowie’s musical career. This one-night-only performance features Bowie’s mega hits, like ‘Space Oddity,’ ‘Changes,’ ‘Under Pressure,’ ‘Heroes,’ ‘Rebel Rebel,’ ‘Fame,’ ‘China Girl’ and more all performed alongside the virtuosity of your BPO.
Finally, from Windborne Productions and producer Brent Havens, your BPO will present the world-premiere of The Music of Def Leppard on Sat. June 4, 2022 at 7:30 p.m. Relive the incomparable 80s heavy metal look and sound of a live Def Leppard concert experience with MiG Ayesa on lead vocals, a full rock band, and your BPO. This not-to-be-missed tribute includes hits like ‘Pour Some Sugar on Me,’ ‘Photograph,’ ‘Rock of Ages,’ ‘Hysteria,’ and ‘Love Bites,’ electrifying the most die-hard Leppard and 80s rock fans.
Popular music add-ons from the BPO Pops series
Pop and rock fanatics can Compose-Your-Own 4-concert package, or choose the Ultimate Rock 5-concert package with the following BPO Pops series performances:
Your BPO and powerhouse singer Rashidra Scott perform Whitney Houston: The Greatest Love of All on Sat. Nov. 13 at 7:30 p.m. for, a Windborne Productions tribute to Whitney’s biggest hits, including ‘How Will I Know,’ ‘Where Do Broken Hearts Go,’ ‘I Will Always Love You,’ and more.
On Sat. Mar. 12 at 7:30 p.m., The Music of John Denver Starring Jim Curry is back by popular demand! Jim Curry’s voice and stories are a wonderment to behold, with hits like ‘Annie’s Song,’ ‘Rocky Mountain High,’ ‘Sunshine on My Shoulders,’ ‘Take Me Home Country Roads,’ and so much more.
Subscriptions available now!
Savvy music lovers in Western New York already know that a BPO subscription is always your best value. Subscribers save substantially on handling fees, receive priority access to special events before they are made available to the general public, and can take advantage of the most flexible ticket exchange program in the region. To subscribe, call (716)885-5000, visit bpo.org, or stop by the Kleinhans Box Office between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. Single tickets to all BPO events will go on sale following Labor day.
The health and safety of everyone who attends live events at Kleinhans Music Hall remains the BPO’s top priority. The BPO will continue to follow all local, state and federal COVID-19 guidelines. More information at bpo.org/safety-protocols.
Media inquiries: Contact Patrick O’Herron, vice president, marketing & communications