The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra is set to perform across Western New York in their annual Summer Series starting July 3, continuing their long-standing tradition of presenting accessible concerts for the community each summer. With a mix of free and ticketed events, the series highlights rising local talent, acclaimed guest artists, and regional milestones with music spanning classical masterworks, film scores, and the Great American Songbook. These performances offer audiences the special opportunity to experience live orchestral music in their own neighborhoods and at venues throughout Buffalo-Niagara.
Assistant Conductor Fernanda Lastra leads the orchestra’s free performances at the following green spaces across the region, featuring music from the upcoming 2025-26 concert season and performances by this year’s Celebration of Music Education scholarship winners:
- Bidwell Parkway (July 8), sponsored by Iroquois Construction, Delaware District Council Member Joel Feroleto, and an anonymous donor.
- Goat Island – Niagara Falls State Park (July 10), sponsored by Cataract House in honor of the Natural Heritage Trust’s celebration of the Aquarium of Niagara’s 60th anniversary, the Niagara Falls Illumination Board’s 100th anniversary, and the 140th birthday of Niagara Falls State Park.
- Front Park (July 16), made possible through the generosity of NYS 149th District Assembly Member Jonathan Rivera and Wegmans.
- Academy Park, Lewiston (July 26), sponsored by Anthony DiMino.
- Niawanda Park (July 27), sponsored by NYS 140th District Assembly Member Bill Conrad.
- North Park Community School #50 (July 29), sponsored by Delaware District Council Member Joel Feroleto.
- Clarence Main Street Town Park (July 30), sponsored by Kelly Schultz Antiques.
- Chestnut Ridge Park (July 31), sponsored by M&T Bank and West Herr.
Music Director JoAnn Falletta conducts three special performances throughout the series. On July 19, Falletta leads a chamber ensemble of BPO musicians in Irish Legacies, a unique multimedia concert collaboratively presented by the BPO, Buffalo AKG Art Museum, and the University at Buffalo Libraries at the AKG’s Lipsey Auditorium, sponsored by Dr. Eric Stenclik and Mr. Steven Dietz. The program features composer Robert Merfeld’s Bridget Anne Hart: An Irish Legacy, an update on UB’s James Joyce Museum, and a reading of Joyce’s work. This unique collaboration highlights Irish creativity across generations within the Buffalo community. Admission is free with a required ticket reservation – tickets available soon at BuffaloAKG.org.
On July 23, Falletta conducts a Patron Appreciation Concert at Kleinhans Music Hall, a summertime tradition thanking BPO donors and subscribers for their support with complimentary tickets. This year, the event is also open to non-donors/subscribers with Pay What You Will ticket pricing ($10 minimum), inviting all to enjoy this program of rarely-performed works and solos from BPO musicians, sponsored by Bond, Schoeneck & King. On July 25, Falletta leads the annual Concert for Unity with the Buffalo United Community Choir and choir directors Karen Saxon, Ella Robinson, and George Brown. Presented with support from National Grid, this performance continues the BPO’s commitment to share musical experiences that bring together and uplift the Western NY community (this year’s venue to be announced).
The series’ ticketed events kick off on July 3 at Sahlen Field, when Ron Spigelman conducts the orchestra under the lights and fireworks at the annual KeyBank Independence Eve Celebration after the Buffalo Bisons vs. Rochester Red Wings game (tickets at MILB.com). On July 6, Fernanda Lastra leads The Magical Music of Harry Potter in the finale of the Ellicottville Summer Music Festival, followed by fireworks (tickets at EllicottvilleNY.com). The series concludes on August 2 with Frank & The Great Ladies of Song at Outer Harbor Terminal B, featuring acclaimed vocalists Tony DeSare and Capathia Jenkins with conductor Bradley Thachuk (free general admission tickets and $25 VIP packages available at BuffaloWaterfront.com).
Beyond the Summer Series, the BPO returns to Artpark’s Mainstage Theater on September 13 to perform the famous Wagner opera, The Flying Dutchman, as a special precursor to the orchestra’s 2025-26 concert season opening the following weekend. Led by Gil Rose, BPO musicians join the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus and six renowned vocalists for this semi-staged production enhanced by projections (tickets at Artpark.net).
For the complete list of 2025 Summer Series events and details, visit bpo.org/summer. For additional information, interviews, or images, contact Simone Viola at [email protected].