May
27
Star-Spangled Salute
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.
Find out more »May
28
Star-Spangled Salute
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.
Find out more »June
1
An Evening with Kenny G
With a recording career that spans almost three decades and 23 albums, Grammy-Award winning saxophonist Kenny G will join your Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra onstage for a performance featuring jazz favorites and more!
Find out more »June
3
Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert
The fourth and original episode, when young Luke Skywalker encounters Jedi Obi-Wan Kenobi, and joins hotshot pilot Han Solo to rescue Rebel leader Princess Leia and destroy the Empire’s Death Star.
Find out more »June
4
The Music of Def Leppard
Windborne Music rocks another outstanding recreation of one of the most successful British heavy metal bands of the 80s, joining the BPO for hits like Rock of Ages, Pour Some Sugar On Me, Foolin', and Armageddon It.
Find out more »June
11
Renée Fleming Returns!
Selections by Renée Fleming highlight the gala season finale, centered around four songs of a five-song cycle Richard Strauss 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 a world premiere composed as a gift for Kleinhans Music Hall and your BPO, celebrating the city of Buffalo.
Find out more »September
17
Midori Returns
JoAnn Falletta conducts superstar violinist Midori in her return engagement with the BPO performing the lush and lyrical Korngold Violin Concerto. Fandangos is a colorful showpiece for orchestra that provides the perfect season opener, and the epic Scheherazade tells the story of the Arabian Nights and the 1,001 Tales, featuring concertmaster Nikki Chooi.
Find out more »September
23
Doo Wop Project
The stunning resurgence of pop a cappella traditions today has roots in the music of the 1950s and 1960s. The tight harmonies and soaring melodies of groups like The Imperials, The Belmonts, and the Platters influenced generations of singers from The Beach Boys and The Temptations to Boyz II Men, Pentatonix, and Maroon 5. Join your BPO, The Doo Wop Project, and John Morris Russell for a retrospective of high-impact harmonies.
Find out more »September
24
Doo Wop Project
The stunning resurgence of pop a cappella traditions today has roots in the music of the 1950s and 1960s. The tight harmonies and soaring melodies of groups like The Imperials, The Belmonts, and the Platters influenced generations of singers from The Beach Boys and The Temptations to Boyz II Men, Pentatonix, and Maroon 5. Join your BPO, The Doo Wop Project, and John Morris Russell for a retrospective of high-impact harmonies.
Find out more »September
30
The Lukas Foss Legacy
In commemoration of his 100th birthday, we celebrate the life and works of Lukas Foss, music director of the BPO from 1963 to 1970, and a transformative force in the Buffalo arts scene.
Find out more »October
1
The Lukas Foss Legacy
In commemoration of his 100th birthday, we celebrate the life and works of Lukas Foss, music director of the BPO from 1963 to 1970, and a transformative force in the Buffalo arts scene.
Find out more »October
8
Gladys Knight
The legendary seven-time GRAMMY Award-winning Empress of Soul performs with your BPO for one unforgettable evening, bringing a treasure trove of her famous hits including Love Overboard, I Heard It Through the Grapevine, and Midnight Train to Georgia.
Find out more »October
14
Tchaikovsky Piano No. 1
Taiwanese-American conductor Mei-Ann Chen makes her BPO debut with an epic musical journey of ages past.
Find out more »October
15
Tchaikovsky Piano No. 1
Taiwanese-American conductor Mei-Ann Chen makes her BPO debut with an epic musical journey of ages past.
Find out more »October
16
Symphonic Spooktacular
An oogie, woogie, super spooky performance of the trickiest, treatiest Halloween hits. Wear your costume and join the parade across the Kleinhans stage!
Find out more »October
19
The Chevalier
Written and directed by Bill Barclay, the true story of three immigrants whose lives are intertwined by the pending French Revolution - Marie Antoinette, W.A. Mozart, and Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, the first classical composer of color. The BPO concert and theatre performance, featuring four actors and solo violin, highlights Bologne's extraordinary life and compositions.
Find out more »October
21
The Music of Moody Blues
Some of the very best singers and instrumentalists in the U.K. come together to create the ultimate tribute to the greatest classic rock band of a generation, capturing hits such as Nights in White Satin, Tuesday Afternoon, Go Now, and Isn't Life Strange.
Find out more »October
22
Celebrating Sondheim
Stephen Sondheim possessed the incomparable ability to shine a bright light on the human condition through his music and lyrics. Join your BPO and a cast of Broadway singers as we present an unforgettable evening of Sondheim song from shows for which he wrote the music and lyrics, including Sweeney Todd, Company, Follies, Into the Woods, West Side Story, and Gypsy, as well as a nod to his great mentor, Oscar Hammerstein II.
Find out more »October
28
Symphonie Fantastique
One of the most internationally-celebrated trumpet players, Pacho Flores brings his unique energy and beautiful sound colors to two contrasting trumpet works: the jubilant and familiar Haydn Concerto, and a simmering new concerto by Mexico's Arturo Márquez. Rounding out the program is Hector Berlioz's wild journey through the highs of romantic obsession, the lows of love lost, and the nightmare that ensues in Symphonie Fantastique.
Find out more »October
29
Symphonie Fantastique
One of the most internationally-celebrated trumpet players, Pacho Flores brings his unique energy and beautiful sound colors to two contrasting trumpet works: the jubilant and familiar Haydn Concerto, and a simmering new concerto by Mexico's Arturo Márquez. Rounding out the program is Hector Berlioz's wild journey through the highs of romantic obsession, the lows of love lost, and the nightmare that ensues in Symphonie Fantastique.
Find out more »November
4
Prohibition
Set your watch back 100 years to the time of dimly lit cabarets and speakeasies of New York, Paris, Berlin, London, Chicago, Atlantic City, and Buffalo! Experience the roaring 1920s in all its decadence, with vintage imagery and jazzy favorites from Irving Berlin, Edith Piaf, Josephine Baker, and more.
Find out more »November
5
Prohibition
Set your watch back 100 years to the time of dimly lit cabarets and speakeasies of New York, Paris, Berlin, London, Chicago, Atlantic City, and Buffalo! Experience the roaring 1920s in all its decadence, with vintage imagery and jazzy favorites from Irving Berlin, Edith Piaf, Josephine Baker, and more.
Find out more »November
12
Elgar & Kodály
Walton's overture paints a portrait of an English seafaring town in the early twentieth century, replete with peg-leg street fiddlers and rowdy taverns. The Elgar is soaring and wild, performed splendidly by Spain's Asier Polo, while In Memoriam: Gabriel Fauré is a moving tribute to Schmitt's teacher and mentor. Finally, Háry János tells the tale of the oft-embellished heroic exploits of a day-dreaming soldier.
Find out more »November
13
Elgar & Kodály
Walton's overture paints a portrait of an English seafaring town in the early twentieth century, replete with peg-leg street fiddlers and rowdy taverns. The Elgar is soaring and wild, performed splendidly by Spain's Asier Polo, while In Memoriam: Gabriel Fauré is a moving tribute to Schmitt's teacher and mentor. Finally, Háry János tells the tale of the oft-embellished heroic exploits of a day-dreaming soldier.
Find out more »November
18
Yo-Yo Ma
For one night only, experience Yo-Yo Ma, one of the best-known classical musicians of our time, in his return with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.
Find out more »November
19
The Music of ABBA
Mamma mia, here we go again! Relive the 1970s in all its gold lamé glory with one of the world's most popular and best-selling ABBA tribute shows, Arrival from Sweden! Experience all of ABBA's greatest hits, from Dancing Queen, Take A Chance on Me, and SOS, to Money Money Money, Waterloo, and many more.
Find out more »November
26
Back to the Future in Concert
Great Scott! Let the DeLorean take you back in time with the ultimate '80s sci-fi classic and its award-winning score by composer Alan Silvestri, magnificently played live by your BPO in sync with the blockbuster film.
Find out more »December
8
Celtic Woman
Celebrate Ireland's rich musical and cultural heritage through the Grammy-nominated, angelic voices and instrumental virtuosity of four talented musicians, performing an array of timeless Celtic tunes, contemporary works, and classic holiday favorites in an unforgettable evening with your BPO.
Find out more »December
9
JoAnn’s Classical Christmas
An annual holiday favorite, Maestro Falletta celebrates the season with centuries of classical treasures.
Find out more »December
10
JoAnn’s Classical Christmas
An annual holiday favorite, Maestro Falletta celebrates the season with centuries of classical treasures.
Find out more »December
11
Jingle Bell Jam
A family tradition of festive frivolity including a seasonal souvenir for kids! Santa helps conduct and leads the holiday sing-along.
Find out more »December
15
John Morris Russell’s Holiday Pops
Deck the concert hall with holly jolly fun as Principal Pops Conductor John Morris Russell returns for four festive performances filled to the brim with holiday music favorites, a timeless carol sing-along, and maybe even a visit from the "man with the bag" himself... if you're nice!
Find out more »December
16
John Morris Russell’s Holiday Pops
Deck the concert hall with holly jolly fun as Principal Pops Conductor John Morris Russell returns for four festive performances filled to the brim with holiday music favorites, a timeless carol sing-along, and maybe even a visit from the "man with the bag" himself... if you're nice!
Find out more »December
17
John Morris Russell’s Holiday Pops
Deck the concert hall with holly jolly fun as Principal Pops Conductor John Morris Russell returns for four festive performances filled to the brim with holiday music favorites, a timeless carol sing-along, and maybe even a visit from the "man with the bag" himself... if you're nice!
Find out more »December
18
John Morris Russell’s Holiday Pops
Deck the concert hall with holly jolly fun as Principal Pops Conductor John Morris Russell returns for four festive performances filled to the brim with holiday music favorites, a timeless carol sing-along, and maybe even a visit from the "man with the bag" himself... if you're nice!
Find out more »January
13
Chopin & Shostakovich
Marcelo Lehninger, music director of the Grand Rapids Symphony, joins your BPO for an homage to master composers across the ages.
Find out more »January
14
Chopin & Shostakovich
Marcelo Lehninger, music director of the Grand Rapids Symphony, joins your BPO for an homage to master composers across the ages.
Find out more »January
20
The Music of Deep Purple
Legendary rock vocalist Joe Retta fronts a full band and your BPO performing fan favorites by Deep Purple, Whitesnake, and Rainbow unlike you've ever heard them before.
Find out more »January
21
Latin Fire
A passionate and energetic celebration of Hispanic orchestral music, Latin Fire features virtuosic fireworks from your BPO, sure to warm you up on a cold winter's night! Curated and conducted by Enrico Lopez-Yañez, Principal Pops Conductor of the Nashville Symphony, this sizzling program includes Tico-Tico no Fubá, Bésame Mucho, Granada, Carmen Suite, Libertango, Brasil, y mucho más!
Find out more »January
28
Mozart Masterpieces
Our annual celebration of Mozart's birthday features a double concerto, the Symphonie Concertante, with concertmaster Nikki Chooi and principal violist Caroline Gilbert. The "Paris" Symphony is one of Mozart's most famous with its grand and thrilling opening, and his Coronation Mass gained acclaim as the preferred music for royal and imperial coronations in eighteenth-century Europe.
Find out more »January
29
Mozart Masterpieces
Our annual celebration of Mozart's birthday features a double concerto, the Symphonie Concertante, with concertmaster Nikki Chooi and principal violist Caroline Gilbert. The "Paris" Symphony is one of Mozart's most famous with its grand and thrilling opening, and his Coronation Mass gained acclaim as the preferred music for royal and imperial coronations in eighteenth-century Europe.
Find out more »February
3
Schumann’s Second
Guest conductor Ankush Kumar Bahl, music director of the Omaha Symphony, leads your BPO in a tour de force. "Testament" depicts the story of Meera Bai, a celebrated saint-poet from 15th century India. Paul Huang performs Bruch's Violin Concerto No. 1, and Schumann's Second Symphony, with its uplifting tone, is seen as the composer's triumph over his own sadness.
Find out more »February
4
Schumann’s Second
Guest conductor Ankush Kumar Bahl, music director of the Omaha Symphony, leads your BPO in a tour de force. "Testament" depicts the story of Meera Bai, a celebrated saint-poet from 15th century India. Paul Huang performs Bruch's Violin Concerto No. 1, and Schumann's Second Symphony, with its uplifting tone, is seen as the composer's triumph over his own sadness.
Find out more »February
10
Unforgettable: Nat & Natalie
Two legendary performers. Father and daughter. Nat and Natalie. Both Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole put their individual stamp on the jazz and pop music of their day and won multiple Grammys along the way. 'Unforgettable' celebrates Nat's 100th birthday and honors this incredible father-daughter duo whose flexible musical styles and undeniable talent continue to influence the best musicians of today.
Find out more »February
11
BPO Little Kids
A special Saturday morning session for our littlest listeners, age 0-5, with their caregivers. Join BPO musicians and community partners for fun musical activities designed specifically for tiny ears and growing minds.
Find out more »February
11
Unforgettable: Nat & Natalie
Two legendary performers. Father and daughter. Nat and Natalie. Both Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole put their individual stamp on the jazz and pop music of their day and won multiple Grammys along the way. 'Unforgettable' celebrates Nat's 100th birthday and honors this incredible father-daughter duo whose flexible musical styles and undeniable talent continue to influence the best musicians of today.
Find out more »February
24
Shakespeare’s The Tempest
In collaboration with the Irish Classical Theatre Company
A very special collaborative production of the last play William Shakespeare ever penned, The Tempest, with Jean Sibelius' imaginative and inventive score. Set on a remote and mysterious desert island, inspired by Elizabethan reports of the West Indies in the 16th century and imbued with a spirit of magic and superstition, The Tempest is Shakespeare's tumultuous play of betrayal, love, and forgiveness.
Find out more »February
25
Shakespeare’s The Tempest
In collaboration with the Irish Classical Theatre Company
A very special collaborative production of the last play William Shakespeare ever penned, The Tempest, with Jean Sibelius' imaginative and inventive score. Set on a remote and mysterious desert island, inspired by Elizabethan reports of the West Indies in the 16th century and imbued with a spirit of magic and superstition, The Tempest is Shakespeare's tumultuous play of betrayal, love, and forgiveness.
Find out more »February
26
Shakespeare’s The Tempest
In collaboration with the Irish Classical Theatre Company
A very special collaborative production of the last play William Shakespeare ever penned, The Tempest, with Jean Sibelius' imaginative and inventive score. Set on a remote and mysterious desert island, inspired by Elizabethan reports of the West Indies in the 16th century and imbued with a spirit of magic and superstition, The Tempest is Shakespeare's tumultuous play of betrayal, love, and forgiveness.
Find out more »March
4
Beethoven’s Eighth
Josep Caballé-Domenech, music director of the Colorado Springs Philharmonic, conducts your BPO and pianist Michelle Cann performing Price's exquisite Piano Concerto, along with the whimsical Burleske by Richard Strauss. Beethoven's short and spirited Eighth Symphony, and the frenzied and free-flowing Fate Now Conquers inspired by Beethoven, round out this brilliant program.
Find out more »March
5
Beethoven’s Eighth
Josep Caballé-Domenech, music director of the Colorado Springs Philharmonic, conducts your BPO and pianist Michelle Cann performing Price's exquisite Piano Concerto, along with the whimsical Burleske by Richard Strauss. Beethoven's short and spirited Eighth Symphony, and the frenzied and free-flowing Fate Now Conquers inspired by Beethoven, round out this brilliant program.
Find out more »March
10
Jefferson Starship
To tell the story of Jefferson Starship is to tell the story of rock and roll, from its roots as Jefferson Airplane, to 70s prog-rock and AOR, to Jefferson Starship, and the 80s split that created Starship. Today, original member David Freiberg is backed by a top-notch group of veteran musicians in the re-formed Jefferson Starship.
Find out more »March
11
Pops Goes Totally 80s
No need for a Walkman or a mixtape to relive your favorite '80s jams! Stu Chafetz, Principal Pops Conductor of the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra, leads your BPO in an evening of totally tubular '80s hits from Phil Collins, Rush, Michael Jackson, George Michael, and Billy Joel, as well as selections from blockbuster '80s flicks like Back to the Future, Ghostbusters, and more.
Find out more »March
17
Mendelssohn’s Violin
Dynamic violinist Sandy Cameron returns to perform one of the most beloved of all concertos, the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto, brimming with lyrical and technically-exciting passages. In Dances of Galánta, Kodály takes his inspiration from the thrilling folk music of Hungarian Gypsy bands, and Dvořák's dramatic and austere Seventh Symphony is fired by his Bohemian spirit.
Find out more »March
18
Mendelssohn’s Violin
Dynamic violinist Sandy Cameron returns to perform one of the most beloved of all concertos, the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto, brimming with lyrical and technically-exciting passages. In Dances of Galánta, Kodály takes his inspiration from the thrilling folk music of Hungarian Gypsy bands, and Dvořák's dramatic and austere Seventh Symphony is fired by his Bohemian spirit.
Find out more »March
24
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back in Concert
The battle for the galaxy intensifies in this thrilling episode of the unfolding saga, the second film of the original Star Wars trilogy.
Find out more »April
1
Dance the Night Away
A celebration of infectious grooves and dynamic moves with orchestral favorites from ballet to hip-hop, tap, tango, and swing. Award-winning dance ensembles including Darlene Ceglia's Dance Project and the African-American Cultural Center join the BPO for a night of bristling energy and virtuosity, JMR style! Classics by Rimsky-Korsakov, Strauss, and Brahms along with Celtic, Latin, and Jazz.
Find out more »April
15
Max Valdés Returns
Former BPO music director Maximiano Valdés returns to conduct a thrilling and eclectic program with Sterling Elliott, winner of the 2019 Sphinx Competition. Angélica Negrón, known for her use of atypical instrumentation like robotics and toys, introduces an inventive mechanical percussion ensemble, and Bruckner's rhythmically exciting Sixth Symphony makes use of the full breadth of orchestral colors.
Find out more »April
16
Max Valdés Returns
Former BPO music director Maximiano Valdés returns to conduct a thrilling and eclectic program with Sterling Elliott, winner of the 2019 Sphinx Competition. Angélica Negrón, known for her use of atypical instrumentation like robotics and toys, introduces an inventive mechanical percussion ensemble, and Bruckner's rhythmically exciting Sixth Symphony makes use of the full breadth of orchestral colors.
Find out more »April
22
Mozart’s Magic Flute
Your BPO and the SUNY Fredonia Hillman Opera program join to celebrate Mozart's beautiful fairy tale opera in a semi-staged performance of the cherished, lighthearted masterpiece. 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.
Find out more »April
23
Mozart’s Magic Flute
Your BPO and the SUNY Fredonia Hillman Opera program join to celebrate Mozart's beautiful fairy tale opera in a semi-staged performance of the cherished, lighthearted masterpiece. 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.
Find out more »April
28
Revolution: The Music of The Beatles
A magical musical and visual journey of The Beatles, featuring video, animation, and arrangements of over 25 top hits, including Ticket to Ride, Penny Lane, All You Need Is Love, Get Back, Here Comes the Sun, and Hey Jude.
Find out more »April
29
Hooray for Hollywood!
Breathtaking orchestral arrangements from the greatest music of television and film from years past, like the Tom and Jerry cartoon series, To Kill a Mockingbird, Out of Africa, and E.T., to contemporary classics from the Marvel Universe, The Mandalorian, Disney's Encanto, and more!
Find out more »April
30
Dan Brown Wild Symphony
Dan Brown, author of The Da Vinci Code, has created a uniquely entertaining multimedia symphony show based on his book of children's poetry featuring Maestro Mouse and his musical friends! Don't miss this 'mindful, humorous, musical, and unique' experience that will enchant both young and old!
Find out more »May
5
Brahms’ Fourth
Argentinian composer Alberto Ginastera's Estancia is based on a 1941 ballet that follows the romance between a city boy who falls in love with a country girl. José Lezcano's world premiere was written specifically for BPO principal double bassist Daniel Pendley and associate principal double bassist Brett Shurtliffe. Finally, Brahms' Fourth is melancholy yet comfortingly familiar - a monumental work known for some of the most radiant music of the nineteenth century.
Find out more »May
6
Brahms’ Fourth
Argentinian composer Alberto Ginastera's Estancia is based on a 1941 ballet that follows the romance between a city boy who falls in love with a country girl. José Lezcano's world premiere was written specifically for BPO principal double bassist Daniel Pendley and associate principal double bassist Brett Shurtliffe. Finally, Brahms' Fourth is melancholy yet comfortingly familiar - a monumental work known for some of the most radiant music of the nineteenth century.
Find out more »May
12
Classical Jazz
An exciting program that marries a classical masterpiece with two works rooted in the jazz world. Masterful violinist Regina Carter performs Schiff's Concerto, which pays homage to Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Sarah Vaughan, who changed our musical landscape. Duke Ellington's masterpiece is a jazz-fueled walk through Black and African-American history. Finally, Tchaikovsky's jovial Second Symphony is said to have been his favorite.
Find out more »May
13
Classical Jazz
An exciting program that marries a classical masterpiece with two works rooted in the jazz world. Masterful violinist Regina Carter performs Schiff's Concerto, which pays homage to Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Sarah Vaughan, who changed our musical landscape. Duke Ellington's masterpiece is a jazz-fueled walk through Black and African-American history. Finally, Tchaikovsky's jovial Second Symphony is said to have been his favorite.
Find out more »May
26
Patriotic Pops
A Memorial Day weekend tradition! Join Principal Pops Conductor John Morris Russell and your BPO in a red, white, and blue musical salute to our nation and the sacrifices of our honorable servicemen and women.
Find out more »May
27
Patriotic Pops
A Memorial Day weekend tradition! Join Principal Pops Conductor John Morris Russell and your BPO in a red, white, and blue musical salute to our nation and the sacrifices of our honorable servicemen and women.
Find out more »June
3
Beethoven & Strauss
With a thrilling world-premiere by contemporary composer Jessie Montgomery to open the program, audience favorite Norman Krieger returns with Beethoven's Fourth Piano Concerto, the ultimate unity of solo expression, imagination, and technicality. Then, Strauss' Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme musically captures the original Baroque play depicting the misadventures of a merchant who desperately wishes to join the aristocracy.
Find out more »June
4
Beethoven & Strauss
With a thrilling world-premiere by contemporary composer Jessie Montgomery to open the program, audience favorite Norman Krieger returns with Beethoven's Fourth Piano Concerto, the ultimate unity of solo expression, imagination, and technicality. Then, Strauss' Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme musically captures the original Baroque play depicting the misadventures of a merchant who desperately wishes to join the aristocracy.
Find out more »June
10
Verdi’s Requiem
Combining operatic drama, emotional solo moments, and the prowess of your BPO with vocals from the combined Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus and SUNY Fredonia School of Music Chorus, Verdi's Requiem is a thrilling masterwork that will leave you pinned to your seat!
Find out more »June
11
Verdi’s Requiem
Combining operatic drama, emotional solo moments, and the prowess of your BPO with vocals from the combined Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus and SUNY Fredonia School of Music Chorus, Verdi's Requiem is a thrilling masterwork that will leave you pinned to your seat!
Find out more »