WORLD PREMIERE
Inspired by the life of St. Francis of Assisi, marking the 800th anniversary of his death.
Sister Margaret Carney, OSF, STD, librettist

JoAnn Falletta, conductor
Claudia Christian, narrator
Anna Schubert, soprano
Edward Nelson, baritone
James Darrah, director
Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus
Members of the UCLA Chorus
James Bass, director

Experience a major world premiere as the BPO brings Richard Danielpour’s Francis to life—an expansive new oratorio inspired by the life of St. Francis of Assisi, marking the 800th anniversary of his death. Blending orchestra, chorus, soloists, and narration, this work explores compassion, humanity, and the search for meaning through a story that continues to resonate today.

Led by JoAnn Falletta, this large-scale work brings together orchestra, chorus, soloists, and narration in a deeply expressive exploration of compassion, transformation, and shared humanity. With a libretto by Sister Margaret Carney and featuring Claudia Christian as narrator, the performance unites the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus and members of the UCLA Chorus in a powerful collaboration.