Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra's Fall Lineup: A Symphony of Diverse Sounds and Stories
The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra's upcoming fall season at Kleinhans Music Hall is a symphonic feast of diverse genres and narratives, featuring renowned artists and captivating performances. From the soaring piano of Sasha Malofeev playing Tchaikovsky to the dynamic gospel voices of Karen Clark-Sheard, each event promises a unique musical experience. Whether you're drawn to the orchestral brilliance of classical giants like Beethoven and Tchaikovsky, the cultural textures of Latin pop, or the cinematic magic of 'E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,' the BPO's fall lineup offers something for every musical taste and cultural appetite.
Tchaikovsky’s dramatic Piano Concerto No. 1 soars under Sasha Malofeev’s dazzling musicianship on Opening Night. Leonard Bernstein’s brilliant overture to the witty operetta Candide—inspired by Voltaire’s satire—contrasts Richard Strauss’ famed Der Rosenkavalier Suite, evoking an era of splendid waltzes, courting rituals, and romance.
An eclectic offering of popular tunes from contemporary culture, the silver screen, and musical theatre, performed by two outstanding entertainers who were Buffalo born-and-bred before hitting the big time on the international stage as well as Broadway.
Menacing timpani rolls set the tone for Rossini’s solemn Overture to Semiramide, a deceivingly upbeat narration of family rivalries. Bartók’s Dance Suite—featuring five original Hungarian folk soundscapes composed for the 50th anniversary of the merger of Buda and Pest—offers a vibrant musical journey. Chopin’s poetic Piano Concerto No. 1 stands as a sparkling showcase of virtuosity.
Your BPO welcomes the incomparable superstar for a jubilant evening of classic and contemporary Gospel music, blended with the joyful voices of the Buffalo United Community Choir.
Get on your feet with the greatest hits of the ’80s, ’90s, and ’00s Latin pop explosion! La Vida Loca celebrates artists including Enrique Iglesias, Gloria Estefan, Santana, Ricky Martin, and more, in a high-octane program conducted by the always-engaging Enrico Lopez-Yañez.
Wear your Halloween costume and enjoy some of the spookiest music ever composed, then join the costume parade across Kleinhans’ stage. There’s nothing to be afraid of!
The spirited orchestration of Gould’s Cowboy Rhapsody, filled with yodels and cowboy calls, is complemented by two works by Behzad Ranjbaran. Concertmaster Nikki Chooi masterfully leads Beethoven’s monumental Violin Concerto in D major, celebrated for its improvised cadenzas.
Britten’s mysterious and moving Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes powerfully interpret an outcast fisherman’s tragic end amid turbulent seas. Buffalo-born Robert Paterson’s colorful Triple Concerto compellingly examines Earth’s fragility, while Beethoven’s gentle Sixth Symphony portrays a charming countryside turn, evoking deep relaxation and contemtment.
Director Stephen Spielberg’s heartwarming masterpiece is filled with unparalleled magic and imagination in the moving story that follows a lost little alien who befriends a 10-year-old boy named Elliott. Experience all the mystery and fun of their unforgettable adventure, complete with John Williams’ Academy Award®-winning score performed by the BPO while the film is projected overhead.
Only sixteen Lieder (songs for voice and piano) survive from Alma Mahler’s vast output, as her husband Gustav curtailed her publication efforts. Five poem-based works evoke love—intoxicating, intimate, infinite, and reflective of loves’ past. Gustav’s initially panned Symphony No. 1 employs musical imagery akin to a song cycle, interpreting nature’s joys and sorrows.
The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra's fall season is a captivating journey through diverse musical landscapes, offering audiences an array of experiences from classical masterpieces to contemporary favorites. Each performance not only showcases the exceptional talent of the artists but also connects audiences with the emotional and cultural depths of the music. Whether you're a long-time symphony lover or a newcomer eager to explore, the BPO's fall lineup promises unforgettable moments that resonate long after the final note.