Education Mission and Goals

The mission of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra Education Department, an innovative component within the Western New York arts community, is to develop responsive, collaborative educational opportunities, programs and learning resources for all, and to provide a delivery system which is dynamic and reflective of the cultural scene in the region.

Our goals include: creating enthusiasm for and interest in orchestral music; building the desire for attending orchestra concerts; forming and enhancing musical knowledge; providing the highest quality programming possible; fostering the development of current and future audiences; raising the awareness for and visibility of the Orchestra.

Description:
The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra has a commitment to the future of orchestra music and to fostering the audiences of the future. The Orchestra has a strong tradition of educating and inspiring young people throughout Western New York. The Buffalo Philharmonic believes in: serving people of all ages; providing opportunities that will raise people's awareness of symphonic literature; deepening individual's knowledge of music; keeping children's interest in music and concert going; encouraging and enabling parental involvement in music and concert activities; presenting world-class concerts in Kleinhans Music Hall and throughout the community.

History:
Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra
History

In 1935, a group of people formed the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra Society, and under the federal WPA program they hired 70 musicians. The following year the orchestra incorporated and hired a well-known conductor named Franco Autori. In 1940, the Orchestra celebrated the opening of Kleinhans Music Hall. The construction of this acoustically perfect hall recognized the importance and quality of the Buffalo Philharmonic . Since its opening, Kleinhans Music Hall has served as the Orchestra's home.

Over the years, people around the world have recognized the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra because of its expert musicians and distinguished conductors. Franco Autori conducted the orchestra from 1936-1945 in the first exciting years of the Orchestra's existence . William Steinberg followed in 1945. Under his leadership the BPO made its first recording and went on its first American tour.

When Josef Krips took the podium in 1953, many people wanted to hear more modern and American music. In 1962, a young modern-minded conductor, Lukas Foss, fulfilled that desire for the people. He led the BPO in national and international fame with concerts and recordings of modern and avant-garde music. Nine years later, the BPO appointed Michael Tilson Thomas as its music director. Maestro Thomas was 27 and one of the youngest conductors of a major symphony orchestra. He also was Buffalo's first American born conductor. Julius Rudel took over as music director in 1971. Not only was he a superb conductor, but he also was a skilled financial manager. Another young conductor, Semyon Bychkov, took the podium from 1985 to 1989, and up until 1998, Maximiano Valdes served as music director.

Today the BPO enjoys the fine leadership of JoAnn Falletta. Named Music Director in 1998, she is one of only a few women to serve as music director of a major symphony orchestra. Under her leadership, the Philharmonic has recorded two CDs and is heard regularly on NPR.

Contact person: Steve Bewlay, Education Manager, (phone), (email)
Office fax number: (716) 885-9372

Address:

499 Franklin Street - 2nd Floor Buffalo, NY 14202 (See a map)

Directions:

From the North, take I-190 South to Exit 9 (Porter Avenue/Peace Bridge). Turn left onto Porter Avenue. Continue through Symphony Circle, veering slightly right onto Allen St. Continue on Allen and make a left on Franklin Street.. . . (more)   Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: Allen - Hospital,   Walk distance (in minutes): 3   Nearest Bus Stop: Allen/Main Street or Delaware/Allen, 3 minute walk