Music from America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America combine with immigration stories to explore musical language, musical forms, rhythms, and melodies from different cultures.
Invincible Eagle
by John Philip Sousa
March through history in this musical connection to Buffalo.
The Magic Flute Overture
by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
The Magic Flute is Mozart’s most popular opera and the second most performed opera throughout the world.
MUSICAL FORM
Become familiar with traditional sonata form in music by Mozart.
Grades 5-8 suggested
Africa, Mvt. III “Land of Superstition”
by William Grant Still
William Grant Still’s musical expression of his heritage and African culture.
CULTURAL INFLUENCE & MUSICAL EXPRESSION
This symphonic poem celebrates the importance of stories, myths and folklore in African cultures.
Grades 5-8 suggested
“Feast” from Arabic Suite
by Agnes Bashir
Celebrate the musical traditions of Iraqi culture through song and dance!
CULTURAL INFLUENCE & MUSICAL EXPRESSION
Agnes Bashir’s music incorporates traditional Arab melodies, rhythms and dance.
Grades 5-8 suggested
Flower Drum Song from Feng Yang from Folk Songs for Orchestra
by Huang Ruo
Folk songs reflect the life, culture and soul of a civilization.
CULTURAL INFLUENCE & MUSICAL EXPRESSION
Huang Ruo blends his traditional Chinese and Western educational training in his musical compositions.
Grades 5-8 suggested
Brasil
by Ary Barroso
One of the most representative works of the country of Brazil, this popular song is responsible for ushering in a new genre of samba.
CULTURAL INFLUENCE & MUSICAL EXPRESSION
Discover the cultural importance of music and dance in Brazil.
Grades 5-8 suggested
Ellington Fantasy
by Duke Ellington
Composer Duke Ellington is famous for popularizing American jazz music.
The Star-Spangled Banner
by John Stafford Smith
words by Francis Scott Key
Our nation’s anthem brought to life on stage.
Musical Heritage
Hear from fellow students and BPO musicians about their own heritage and music culture, as well as their personal journeys from far-away lands to the United States.
YOUR MUSICAL HERITAGE
Discover your family’s heritage and explore the culture’s music traditions.
Grades 5-8 suggested
Fernanda Lastra
born in Argentina
Dalia Alsayadi
born in Yemen
Anya Shemetyeva
from Russia
Xiaofan Liu
born in China
Jayson Williams
born in Buffalo, NY
Nguzo Taleshiwe, aka Satre Brown
born in Tanzania
Ariela Granados
born in El Salvador
#PlayOnWNY
Choose and practice an instrument along with BPO musicians through the #PlayOnWNY series featuring 70+ videos.
#SingOnWNY
Learn the fundamentals of singing with the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus.
Symphony Hall Pass
Designed to be a flexible season concert pass for high school students to enjoy BPO performances at a discounted rate. Only $29 per student and free for Buffalo Public School students.
BPO Teaching Artists
Bring unique arts engagement into your classroom or virtual learning through the dynamism of the BPO’s professional musicians.
Music Education Resources
Access additional music education resources.
Education Sponsors
Education programs are made possible through generous annual donations and significant investment from the BPO.