The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra is proud to partner with The Travel Team to create unforgettable Patron Tours with Maestro JoAnn Falletta!
You might not be aware that our very own Maestro JoAnn Falletta travels all over the world every year to conduct dozens of orchestras in their home cities’ music halls. To showcase our Maestro, further engage BPO patrons, and create meaningful connections to the orchestral world at large, the BPO’s Patron Tour program was born!
When you purchase a travel package for a BPO Patron Tour, you have taken your first step towards a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Perfectly curated, our Patron Tours include:
- VIP concert tickets
- 4 or 5-star hotels
- Exclusive guided tours
- Behind-the-scene visits to historic landmarks
- Dining at fine local restaurants
- Spending meaningful time with JoAnn in a small group setting*
- Creating unforgettable bonds with fellow BPO friends and supporters.
There is typically a Patron Tour every year and tour locations are personally selected by JoAnn. She carefully chooses cities and regions that she believes our patrons would enjoy, coupled with unique orchestral experiences.
For more information about the BPO Patron Tours, contact Wendy Diina, Director of Special Projects & Associate Director of Development, at (716) 242-7826 or wdiina@bpo.org.
*Tour sizes are between 18-30 people, dependent on location. Prices vary in range but have typically been in the $3,500-$5,500 range. Airfare is not included however the Travel Team works with you on booking on flights for the best price. There is a tax-deductible contribution included in every travel package to help support the BPO.
Past BPO Patron Tours
Nashville, 2020
In January 2020, BPO friends traveled to Music City U.S.A to experience Maestro JoAnn Falletta conduct the Grammy® Award-winning Nashville Symphony. During their 4-night stay, our BPO friends also enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour of the historic Grand Ole Opry, an intimate concert at the world-famous Bluebird Cafe, a private VIP tour of the world-renowned Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, an exclusive visit and demonstration at Hatch Show Print, bourbon tastings at Bella Meade Plantation, a fantastic meal at the world famous Martin’s BBQ, and dining and cocktails at Nashville’s greatest restaurants.
Bogotá, Colombia, 2019
In spring of 2019, BPO friends traveled to the capital city of Bogotá, Columbia to watch Maestro JoAnn Falletta conduct the Orquesta Filarmónica de Bogotá at the Jorge Eliécer Gaitán Theatre. Their 5-day/4-night excursion included a welcome dinner hosted by Mariana Botero-Chason and Mark Chason that featured authentic food and unique cocktails of the region, a guided tour of the Monserrate Sanctuary, adventures in the historic La Candelaria neighborhood, a gastronomic tour featuring many of Colombia’s authentic and traditional dishes as well as a visit to a local farmer’s market where they gathered their own ingredients for a cooking class featuring ajiaco soup under the direction of a Colombian chef.
Florida Friends Tour, 2019
Over the years the full orchestra has traveled to various cities in Florida to visit our snow bird friends. While there are typically no formal Patron Tours for our Florida concerts, the BPO and Travel Team are happy to work with you on a personalized trip that would include time with fellow BPO patrons and JoAnn.
Poland and Prague, 2018
In March 2018, the musicians of the BPO made history. For the first time in 30 years, and for only the second time in the orchestra’s existence, the BPO mounted an international tour. Our BPO friends joined us for this historic moment and adventured to Warsaw to bear witness to the BPO performing under the baton of JoAnn Falletta at the Beethoven Easter Festival. The Patron Tour traveled from Warsaw to Krakow, and onwards to Prague where the tour concluded. While the BPO concert in Warsaw was certainly, by far, the highlight of the Patron Tour, pierogi making classes, tastings of delicious local fare and libations, and visits to historical landmarks rounded out this unparalleled and very special trip.
Patron Tour Testimonials
“At 85 I reflect on my love affair with the BPO. I was vice chair in the ‘80s and chaired the annual fund drive. That said, the last few years have been the highlight of this love affair. Season tickets and pre-concert dinner at Henry’s are special but nothing matches the joy of traveling with the great JoAnn Falletta and our superb orchestra to Poland and Florida and seeing JoAnn conduct in Nashville. Those special times with her and with new and old friends make memories to last a lifetime. I cannot wait until our next adventure together.” – Thomas Beecher
“In all of my travels throughout the world, none have equaled the sense of satisfaction and pride that I felt when I was among fellow patrons at the Beethoven Festival in Warsaw, Poland when Music Director JoAnn Falletta conducted the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra for an international audience that clearly loved the concert performed by JoAnn and the BPO.” – Mike D’Ambrosio
“We delivered BUFFALOVE to Poland and in return we received the gifts of music, friendship, and lifelong memories. While we brought Buffalo to Poland, we came home with Poland in our hearts.” – Mary Anne Rokitka
“I’ve been fortunate to have joined the BPO on several trips – Florida, Poland and Bogotá. Not only are they filled with wonderful music, they give you an opportunity to get to know JoAnn and the musicians on a personal level. The bonus is the deep friendships that have formed because of a common bond of travel, experience and passion for our beloved BPO”. – Nicole Swift
“Great music and eye popping adventures with BPO fans following our marvelous star, JoAnn Falletta!” – Mariana Botero-Chason & Mark Chason, Hosts of the Bogotá Patron Tour
“BPO trips are special because of the world class musical performances and access to unique experiences that would not be available to you on your own. It’s a truly memorable time with customized tours, events with the local community and the camaraderie of fellow music lovers.” – Lynne Marie Finn
“From Colombia coffee tastings and the Botero Gold Museum visit in Bogotá, to pierogi making in Poland and BPO concerts in famous and modern concert halls, the Patron Tours provide it all. But my favorite part as a BPO musician was taking part in these incredible experiences with our audience members and making new friends at the same time. As an extra bonus, I was able to bring my wife, Jamie and interact with some of the fun BPO staff that were also along for the ride. The accommodations, cuisine and experiences were top notch. If you are looking for a life changing event that you will never forget, consider a BPO Patron Tour!” – Mark Hodges, Principal Percussion, BPO
“My trip to Poland along with donors, board members, and friends of the BPO was very meaningful to me both professionally and personally. As a musician I remember that only the greatest American orchestras like the Chicago Symphony, New York Philharmonic, Pittsburgh Symphony, etc. visited Poland. So performing in my homeland with the BPO made me feel like part of some incredibly special, unforgettable musical event. Besides, what can be more exciting and wonderful for musicians than making beautiful music while traveling with the people we love! – Jacek Muzyk, Principal French Horn, BPO