Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra’s 2021-2022 season welcomes patrons back to Kleinhans Music Hall
Re-engagements by celebrated soprano Renée Fleming, master trumpeter Chris Botti, Tony Award® winner Leslie Odom, Jr., and GRAMMY Award-winning saxophonist Kenny G lead the season
BUFFALO, NY — After an unprecedented year where our living rooms became concert halls as the BPO presented a nearly entirely broadcast season, today Music Director JoAnn Falletta, Principal Pops Conductor John Morris Russell, and the musicians, board and staff of the BPO announce a 2021-2022 concert season that welcomes audiences back to Kleinhans Music Hall. From favorite masterworks to world premieres, to a diverse array of contemporary artists, and the best of Broadway, Hollywood and the radio, the BPO’s 2021-2022 concert season will fill hearts with joy, as only the thrill of live music can.
Following their postponements last season due to the pandemic, America’s leading soprano, Renée Fleming, sparkles as the Classics series finale (Sat. June 11), and the return of too-cool-for-words trumpeter Chris Botti highlights the Pops series on Valentine’s Day weekend (Sat. Feb. 12). Other season highlights include the eight most famous notes in classical music, Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony (Fri. Sep. 24 & Sat. Sep. 25); the return of the legendary big band, the Glenn Miller Orchestra (Fri. Sep. 17 & Sat. Sep. 18); BPO concertmaster Nikki Chooi’s turn at the “Mount Everest” of violin concertos, Brahms’ Violin Concerto (Sat. Oct. 23 & Sun. Oct. 24); audience favorite Joyce Yang tackling the infamous Grieg Concerto for Piano (Fri. Nov. 5 & Sat. Nov. 6); Rashidra Scott and Windborne Productions’ one-night-only tribute to the iconic Whitney Houston (Sat. Nov. 13); guest conductor Keith Lockhart of the Boston Pops with Gershwin’s love letter to the City of Light, An American in Paris (Sat. Nov. 20 & Sun. Nov. 21); a semi-staged performance of Mozart’s great comedic opera, The Magic Flute (Sat. Jan. 22 & Sun. Jan 23) with the SUNY Fredonia Hillman Opera Program; Jim Curry’s acclaimed tribute to The Music of John Denver (Fri. Mar. 11 & Sat. Mar. 12); and the return of violin phenom Augustin Hadelich with the technically mesmerizing Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto (Sat. Mar. 19 & Sun. Mar. 20).
The BPO has a longstanding commitment to presenting diverse programming, supporting diversity among its artists, and engaging with every part of the Western New York community in a meaningful way. This season, transgender activist, educator and concert pianist Sara Buechner returns to show her prowess in Saint-Saëns’ Piano Concerto No. 2 (Sat. Oct. 9 & Sun. Oct. 10); a commission by composer Jessie Montgomery, Coincident Dances (Fri. Feb. 4 & Sat. Feb. 5), pays homage to the hustle and bustle of New York City; Canadian pianist Stewart Goodyear performs the driving and dramatic Piano Concerto of Adolphus Hailstork, a Rochester, New York native (Fri. Feb. 18 & Sat. Feb. 19); Carlos Simon’s The Block (Fri. Apr. 1 & Sat. Apr. 2) paints a portrait of African American culture in urban cities and the rural south; Jonathan Bailey Holland’s Motor City Remix (Fri. Apr. 8 & Sat. Apr. 9) is a vibrant ode to his home city of Detroit; and composer Wang Jie’s The Winter that United Us (Sat. June 11), written specifically for the BPO and Kleinhans Music Hall, closes the Classics season.
Special commissions this season include a lively and percussive Classics season opener, Daren Hagen’s Bandanna Overture (Fri. Sep. 24 & Sat. Sep. 25); Gabriela Frank’s Three Latin American Dances (Sat. Nov. 20 & Sun. Nov. 21), which pays homage to her South American heritage; former BPO music director Michael Tilson-Thomas’s “From the Diary of Anne Frank” (Fri. Jan. 14 & Sat. Jan. 15), an evocative musical narration of the story of Anne Frank; Kenneth Fuch’s Point of Tranquility (Sat. Mar. 19 & Sun. Mar. 20), inspired by abstract expressionism; Russell Platt’s Symphony: Clyfford Still (Sat. Apr. 23 & Sun. Apr. 24), a musical interpretation of abstract impressionist works by Still that hang in the Albright-Knox Art Gallery; and David Ludwig’s Concerto for Violin and Orchestra (Fri. May 13 & Sat. May 14) written for his new wife, violinist Bella Hristova, who performs it.
Special performances by Leslie Odom, Jr. (Fri. Mar. 25), who received an Oscar nod for his portrayal of Sam Cooke in the film One Night in Hollywood and a Tony Award® for his turn as Aaron Burr in the original Broadway cast of Hamilton, and the multi-GRAMMY Award-winning king of smooth jazz, iconic saxman Kenny G (Wed. June 1), round out a season that truly includes something for every musical taste.
“We are just so thrilled to be back to make live music for the entire Western New York community once again,” said Falletta. “The musicians and I have missed our audiences dearly. We are so proud of our broadcast concerts from this past year, but nothing compares to a live performance in the warmth and beauty of Kleinhans Music Hall. To share that raw emotion, that power, that inspiration with our cherished patrons is something that cannot be replaced.”
New this year, Saturday evening performances move to an earlier start time of 7:30 p.m. The popular dinner service at Henry’s at Kleinhans will begin taking reservations at 5:00 p.m., with a newly designed table d’hote service. The Friday morning Coffee Concert series – select Fridays at 10:30 a.m., and Sunday matinee series – select Sundays at 2:30 p.m., remain options for those who prefer a daytime concert.
The annual BPO gala will move from its traditional spot at the top of the season to the grand finale, in conjunction with Renée Fleming’s can’t-miss performance. Dinner and ticket packages will be announced at a later date. Inquiries can be made to the BPO’s special events line at (716) 242-7824. Proceeds from this special fundraiser will benefit the BPO’s re-emergence from the pandemic.
The BPO has developed a safety plan and protocols for Kleinhans Music Hall in accordance with New York Forward guidelines for Large Scale Performing Arts and Entertainment venues, and will continue to follow all local, state, and federal health and safety guidelines. For the latest information, visit bpo.org/safety-protocols.
Major support for the BPO is provided by M&T Bank, Calspan, Elderwood, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Keybank. Government support is provided by Erie County, the New York State Council on the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts.
2021-2022 BPO Classics Series
BEETHOVEN’S FIFTH
Fri Sep 24, 10:30am
Sat Sep 25, 7:30pm
JoAnn Falletta, conductor
Fabio Bidini, piano
The powerful phenomena of classical music’s eight most famous notes in Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony contrast with the lighthearted and playful Ravel Piano Concerto in G, featuring the jazz-tinged influences of George Gershwin, and performed by BPO favorite, Fabio Bidini. The world premiere of the Bandanna Overture by Daron Hagen presents a lively and percussive Classics season opener, sure to thrill and delight returning audiences.
MAHLER & SAINT-SAËNS
Sat Oct 9, 7:30pm
Sun Oct 10, 2:30pm
JoAnn Falletta, conductor
Sara Buechner, piano
Rachel Mikol, soprano
Critically-acclaimed pianist Sara Buechner returns to perform the glittering, extravagant Saint-Saëns Piano Concerto No. 2 in G minor, which the composer completed in just 17 days, while Western New York native, soprano Rachel Mikol, eloquently interprets an entrancing portrait of heaven in Gustav Mahler’s Fourth Symphony.
NIKKI CHOOI PLAYS BRAHMS
Sat Oct 23, 7:30pm
Sun Oct 24, 2:30pm
JoAnn Falletta, conductor
Nikki Chooi, violin
Mendelssohn’s “Italian” Symphony No. 4 captures his happy impressions of a youthful journey through Italy in a program featuring the haunting, syncopated Tangazo by Piazzolla, and highlighting BPO concertmaster, Nikki Chooi, tackling the “Mount Everest” of the repertoire, Brahms’ Violin Concerto.
GRIEG PIANO CONCERTO
Fri Nov 5, 10:30am
Sat Nov 6, 7:30pm
JoAnn Falletta, conductor
Joyce Yang, piano
The beguiling and brilliant keyboard flourishes of Grieg’s Concerto for Piano and Orchestra in A minor, the composer’s only piano concerto, are executed by the flawless Joyce Yang in her return engagement with the BPO. The lighthearted musical imagery is extended with the “Classical Symphony” No. 1 in D major by Prokofiev, an appealing nod to Haydn and the 18th century, which also inspired Stravinsky’s Pulcinella Suite, originally scored as a one-act opera with sets designed by Picasso.
GERSHWIN & BARBER
Sat Nov 20, 7:30pm
Sun Nov 21, 2:30pm
Keith Lockhart, conductor
Philippe Quint, violin
Maestro Keith Lockhart of the Boston Pops joins virtuoso Philippe Quint, who debuts with the BPO on the romantic, reflective, and storied Barber Violin Concerto. Contemporary composer Gabriela Frank’s Three Latin American Dances pays homage to her South American heritage. The program concludes with George Gershwin’s An American in Paris, his iconic, jazz-infused, epic love letter to the City of Light.
JOANN’S CLASSICAL CHRISTMAS
Fri Dec 10, 10:30am
Sat Dec 11, 7:30pm
JoAnn Falletta, conductor
Sirgourney Cook, soprano
Maestro JoAnn Falletta, vocalist Sirgourney Cook, and your BPO present timeless music that celebrates the spirit of the season. You will be treated to all of your traditional classical Christmas favorites and even more, and feel yourself wrapped in holiday nostalgia.
NEW WORLD SYMPHONY
Fri Jan 14, 10:30am
Sat Jan 15, 7:30pm
Teddy Abrams, conductor
Conducting phenom Teddy Abrams leads your BPO in former music director Michael Tilson-Thomas’s “From the Diary of Anne Frank,” an evocative musical narration of young Anne Frank’s hopes and visions for the future to her sobering final moments. Contrasting the program is Antonin Dvořák’s New World Symphony, his well-known ovation for North America with its gorgeous melodies inspired by African-American spirituals and Native American music.
MOZART’S THE MAGIC FLUTE
Sat Jan 22, 7:30pm
Sun Jan 23, 2:30pm
JoAnn Falletta, conductor
Your BPO and the SUNY Fredonia Hillman Opera Program join to celebrate Mozart’s birthday with his beautiful fairy tale in a semi-staged performance of the cherished, lighthearted masterpiece, The Magic Flute. Including the instantly-recognizable “The Queen of the Night” aria, this special 2-hour production will be sung in English for opera fanatics and newcomers alike to enjoy.
BEETHOVEN & RACHMANINOFF
Fri Feb 4, 10:30am
Sat Feb 5, 7:30pm
David Alan Miller, conductor
Orion Weiss, piano
Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini is a breathtaking kaleidoscope of color played by the incomparable Orion Weiss, a favorite BPO artist. The work is paired with the impressive triumph of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7, which he, himself called “one of the happiest products of my poor talents.” The energy of the two masterworks is mirrored in the multicultural rhythms of Jessie Montgomery’s Coincident Dances, a modern work inspired by New York City’s frenetic pace.
CLASSICAL FIREWORKS
Fri Feb 18, 10:30am
Sat Feb 19, 7:30pm
JoAnn Falletta, conductor
Stewart Goodyear, piano
Enescu’s Rumanian Rhapsody No. 1 portrays the ebullient and lively folk sounds of Eastern Europe, which juxtaposes the driving, dramatic Piano Concerto by Adolphus Hailstork, a Rochester, NY native, performed by Canadian pianist Stewart Goodyear. Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony, depicting a battle with fate, rounds out a brilliantly energetic program.
PROKOFIEV’S PIANO
Fri Mar 4, 10:30am
Sat Mar 5, 7:30pm
JoAnn Falletta, conductor
Alexander Malofeev, piano
Originally written for opera from poet Alexander Pushkin’s satirical fairytale of trial, heroism, and love, Glinka’s Overture to Ruslan and Ludmila is ebullient and effervescent, a perfect complement to the demands of Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3 in C major, which require dexterity and blazing virtuosity of the soloist, played by rising young artist Alexander Malofeev. The rarely-performed Symphony No. 2 of Scriabin, displaying his growing fascination with mysticism fully realized in The Divine Poem and The Poem of Ecstasy, completes the program.
TCHAIKOVSKY & THE MERMAID
Sat Mar 19, 7:30pm
Sun Mar 20, 2:30pm
JoAnn Falletta, conductor
Augustin Hadelich, violin
GRAMMY Award-winning violinist Augustin Hadelich returns to the BPO to tackle the dramatic and technically mesmerizing Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto. Zemlinsky’s The Mermaid is a lavishly scored underwater fantasy based on Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale of the mermaid who sacrifices herself out of unrequited love for a prince. The world premiere of composer Kenneth Fuch’s Point of Tranquility is inspired by abstract expressionism’s ‘washes of color.’
SCHUMANN’S CELLO
Fri Apr 1, 10:30am
Sat Apr 2, 7:30pm
Elizabeth Schulze, conductor
Oliver Herbert, cello
Robert Schumann’s Cello Concerto in A minor was written in a brief two weeks of 1850, shortly before he was institutionalized, but rarely performed before the end of the 19th century. Similarly, Franck’s Symphony in D minor, his only symphony, both melancholy and luminous, was originally considered too avant-garde and radical, but became his most popular work after his death. Contemporary composer Carlos Simon’s The Block is based on the late visual art of Romare Bearden, whose work reflects African-American culture in urban cities and the rural American south.
MAJESTIC MENDELSSOHN
Fri Apr 8, 10:30am
Sat Apr 9, 7:30pm
William Eddins, conductor
Drew Petersen, piano
Mendelssohn’s “Scottish” Symphony No. 3 tells the tale of the composer’s travels through the highlands, and audiences will delight at the return of Drew Petersen to perform Mendelssohn’s Piano Concerto No. 1 in G minor with its “Sturm und Drang” and dazzling virtuosity. The two monumental works are complemented by a high-spirited homage to the city of Detroit, contemporary composer Jonathan Bailey Holland’s Motor City Remix.
BRAHMS’ GERMAN REQUIEM
Sat Apr 23, 7:30pm
Sun Apr 24, 2:30pm
JoAnn Falletta, conductor
Nicole Cabell, soprano
Lester Lynch, baritone
Crane School of Music Chorus
Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus, prepared by Adam Luebke
Brahms’ German Requiem was composed after the death of his beloved mother as a gentle benediction, offering comfort and hope for the living. As music inspires life, so art inspires music, as with the world premiere of Russell Platt’s Symphony: Clyfford Still, a musical interpretation of abstract impressionist works by Still that hang in the Albright-Knox Art Gallery.
RACHMANINOFF & KODÁLY
Sat May 7, 7:30pm
Sun May 8, 2:30pm
JoAnn Falletta, conductor
Roman Mekinulov, cello
This thrilling program opens with Kodály’s Summer Evening, an idyll for chamber orchestra. Bloch’s Shelomo, Hebraic Rhapsody for Cello and Orchestra, a meditative, haunting rhapsody played by principal cellist Roman Mekinulov, is titled after the Hebrew name for Solomon and the lessons of life he pondered. Bloch proffers words of hope – “an ardent prayer that one day, men will know their brotherhood, and live in harmony and peace.” The brilliant Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances round out this can’t-miss program.
ENIGMA VARIATIONS
Fri May 13, 10:30am
Sat May 14, 7:30pm
JoAnn Falletta, conductor
Bella Hristova, violin
Your BPO is delighted to present the most famous of English compositions, Elgar’s Enigma Variations, the composer’s loving miniature portraits of his family and friends, always witty and radiant. Kodály’s Symphony in C major, oft-neglected, conjures up nostalgia for his Eastern European homeland, and the theme of love carries through to David Ludwig’s Concerto for Violin and Orchestra written for his new wife, violinist Bella Hristova, about the ritual of marriage.
RENÉE FLEMING RETURNS!
Sat Jun 11, 7:30pm
JoAnn Falletta, conductor
Renée Fleming, soprano
Selections by Renée Fleming highlight the gala season finale, centered around Richard Strauss’s Four Last Songs, four songs of a five song cycle never completed at the end of his illustrious life. The reflective farewell is touching and profound, enhanced by the sublime performance of Ms. Fleming. The program opens with the world premiere of Wang Jie’s The Winter that United Us, composed as a gift for Kleinhans Music Hall and your BPO, celebrating the city of Buffalo.
2021-2022 BPO Pops Series
GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA
Fri Sep 17, 10:30am
Sat Sep 18, 7:30pm
Nick Hilscher, conductor
The world-famous Glenn Miller Orchestra, paired with your swinging BPO, celebrate the return of POPS to Kleinhans with a high-energy concert of hot big-band jazz.
DANCING IN THE STREET – MUSIC OF MOTOWN
Sat Oct 2, 7:30pm
John Morris Russell, conductor
Shayna Steele, vocals
Chester Gregory, vocals
Bernard Holcomb, vocals
Principal Pops Conductor John Morris Russell is back, with Motown hits made famous by Marvin Gaye, The Four Tops, Martha Reeves, Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, The Temptations, and the one-and-only Stevie Wonder. Iconic hits like Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, I’ll Be There, Dancing in the Street, I Heard It Through the Grapevine, My Girl, and Superstition highlight an evening of classic soul.
TANGO CALIENTE
Sat Oct 16, 7:30pm
Bradley Thachuk, conductor
A night of seductive, fiery tango classics with sizzling soprano Camille Zamora and dazzling bandoneón virtuoso Hector Del Curto. Award-winning and internationally-acclaimed Argentinian dancers Celina Rotundo and Hugo Patyn join the BPO for an evening dedicated to the dance of romance —prepare to fall in love!
BEWITCHING BROADWAY
Sat Oct 30, 7:30pm
John Morris Russell, conductor
Broadway favorites in a Halloween revelry from shows such as Sweeney Todd, Phantom of the Opera, Rocky Horror Picture Show, Little Shop of Horrors, Jekyll & Hyde, Young Frankenstein, and Wicked. Come in costume for an evening of fiendish fun and fabulous frolic!
WHITNEY HOUSTON: THE GREATEST LOVE OF ALL
Sat Nov 13, 7:30pm
Brent Havens, conductor
Rashidra Scott, vocals
Whitney Houston’s powerful voice touched our hearts and inspired our souls. Join your BPO and powerhouse singer Rashidra Scott for this 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.
JOHN MORRIS RUSSELL’S HOLIDAY POPS
Thu Dec 16, 10:30am
Fri Dec 17, 10:30am
Sat Dec 18, 7:30pm
Sun Dec 19, 2:30pm
John Morris Russell, conductor
George Brown, vocals
Zoe Scruggs, vocals
Celebrate the holidays with “Mr. Christmas,” Maestro John Morris Russell, and festive Pops favorites with your BPO. Gather the family to enjoy Western New York’s favorite holiday tradition—as inspirational and joyous as it is heart-warming and fun. Sensational singers Zoe Scruggs and George Brown join your BPO for a seasonal celebration as eclectic and varied as the Queen City of the Lakes herself, with everyone’s favorite carols, seasonal pop, gospel, and jazz. For kids from one to ninety-two!
STAR TREK v. STAR WARS
Sat Jan 29, 7:30pm
John Morris Russell, conductor
Experience the full splendor of the original orchestral scores from the two greatest sci-fi franchises of all time. Music by legends like James Horner, Jerry Goldsmith, Michael Giacchino, and John Williams highlight an evening that includes “backstage” stories, trivia, and movie lore from half a century of television and film adventures. May the Force be with you? Live long and prosper!
A CHRIS BOTTI VALENTINE
Sat Feb 12, 7:30pm
Chris Botti, trumpet
Botti is back for a sweet Valentine serenade! The master trumpeter and entertainer is one of the most brilliant and inspiring forces on the contemporary music scene—a Buffalo fan favorite with the lush sound of the BPO.
THE MUSIC OF JOHN DENVER STARRING JIM CURRY
Fri Mar 11, 10:30am
Sat Mar 12, 7:30pm
Ron Spigelman, conductor
This unforgettable tribute to the legendary John Denver is back by popular demand, with hits like Annie’s Song, Rocky Mountain High, Sunshine on My Shoulders, Take Me Home Country Roads, and so much more. Jim Curry’s voice and stories are a wonderment to behold.
SULTANS OF STRING
Sat Mar 26, 7:30pm
Ron Spigelman, conductor
Canada’s JUNO Award-nominated cultural ambassadors of world music serve up their signature genre-bending mélange of Spanish Flamenco, gypsy jazz, Middle Eastern folk, and Cuban rhythms that bring audiences to their feet with the irresistible urge to dance!
GOSPEL ACCORDING TO SWING WITH BYRON STRIPLING
Fri Apr 29, 10:30am
Sat Apr 30, 7:30pm
Byron Stripling, conductor, trumpet, vocals
A jubilant concert experience bursting with the spirit of gospel music, and bubbling with the influences of jazz and blues, including He’s Got the Whole World, Go Tell It On the Mountain, and Amazing Grace. From Mahalia Jackson to Aretha Franklin, through the influences of Bessie Smith and Duke Ellington, this stirring concert will set your soul on fire!
STAR-SPANGLED SALUTE
Fri May 27, 10:30am
Sat May 28, 7:30pm
Bradley Thachuk, conductor
Experience Western New York’s premier Memorial Day tradition as the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus joins your BPO in a program filled with inspiring music and red, white and blue pageantry.
2021-2022 BPO Special Performances
LESLIE ODOM, JR.
Fri Mar 25, 7:30pm
Ron Spigelman, conductor
The multi-talented, Tony® and GRAMMY-winning Leslie Odom, Jr. lights up the Kleinhans stage in this one-night-only performance with your BPO! The spectacular symphonic show of the Hamilton star features the best of Broadway and the American songbook, from jazz standards to poignant medleys.
AN EVENING WITH KENNY G
Wed Jun 1, 7:30pm
Chart-topping sax legend Kenny G debuts his iconic blend of R&B, pop, and Latin music over a jazz foundation in this special engagement with your BPO featuring hits from his three-decade, GRAMMY-winning career. Don’t miss this unparalleled evening of indelible melodies and instrumental perfection!
Subscriptions now available!
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. First-timers can receive a discount of up to 30 percent on Pops and up to 50 percent on Classics subscriptions. Packages range from five concerts to full series of Pops or Classics. With multiple options available and the ability to customize, there is a subscription option to fit every need. 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.
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ABOUT BUFFALO PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA
The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra Society, Inc. provides a resident, professional, major symphony orchestra of artistic excellence and integrity to enrich the quality of life in Western New York through the presentation of live symphonic music and other musical events which educate and entertain the broadest possible audiences within and beyond the Western New York region. Since 1940, the orchestra’s permanent home has been Kleinhans Music Hall, a National Historic Landmark designed by Eliel and Eero Saarinen with an international reputation as one of the finest concert halls in the United States. Since its inception in 1935, the BPO has served as Buffalo’s cultural ambassador. JoAnn Falletta is the Music Director of the GRAMMY Award-winning orchestra, which presents more than 120 Classics, Pops, Rock, Kids and Youth concerts each year. For more information, visit bpo.org.
ABOUT JOANN FALLETTA
JoAnn Falletta is internationally celebrated as a vibrant ambassador for music, an inspiring artistic leader, and a champion of American symphonic music. Upon her appointment as Music Director of the Buffalo Philharmonic, Falletta became the first woman to lead a major American ensemble. She has since been credited with bringing the Philharmonic to a new level of national and international prominence. The orchestra has become one of the leading recording orchestras for Naxos and returned twice to Carnegie Hall in 2004 and again in 2013. In 2018, the BPO made their first international tour in three decades, to perform at Warsaw’s prestigious Beethoven Easter Festival where Falletta made history as the first American woman to conduct an orchestra at the Festival. She and the BPO have been honored with numerous ASCAP awards, including the top award for Adventurous Programming. Other accomplishments include the establishment of the orchestra’s Beau Fleuve label, the founding of the JoAnn Falletta International Guitar Concerto Competition in partnership with WNED, and the national and international broadcast of concerts on NPR’s Performance Today, SymphonyCast, and the European Broadcasting Union. With a discography of 115 titles, JoAnn is a leading recording artist for Naxos. Her discs have won four GRAMMY Awards and received twelve nominations. Ms. Falletta is the artistic advisor to the Hawaii Symphony and has held the positions Principal Conductor of the Ulster Orchestra, Principal Guest Conductor of the Phoenix Symphony, Music Director of the Long Beach Symphony Orchestra, Associate Conductor of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, and Music Director of the Denver Chamber Orchestra and The Women’s Philharmonic. For more information, visit joannfalletta.com.
ABOUT JOHN MORRIS RUSSELL
A master of American musical style, John Morris Russell has devoted himself to redefining the American orchestral experience. Now in his sixth year as Principal Pops Conductor of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, he follows in the footsteps of Marvin Hamlisch and Doc Severinsen. The wide-range and diversity of his work as a conductor, collaborator and educator continues to reinvigorate the musical scene throughout Buffalo and across the continent. Maestro Russell also serves as conductor of the Cincinnati Pops, one of the world’s most iconic and beloved pops orchestras, with which he has toured both domestically and internationally. His six recordings with The Pops include “American Originals: 1918” which earned a 2020 GRAMMY Award nomination for Best Classical Compendium. As Music Director of the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra in South Carolina, he leads the classical subscription series as well as the prestigious Hilton Head International Piano Competition. As a guest conductor, Mr. Russell has worked with many of the most distinguished orchestras in North America, including The Cleveland Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic, New York Philharmonic, as well as the Toronto and Vancouver Symphony Orchestras.
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