Buffalo Philharmonic offers free tickets to furloughed federal employees, veterans and military families

In order to maintain access to arts during times of stress, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra is offering two free tickets to furloughed federal employees, veterans and military families for this weekend's concerts.

The concerts led by JoAnn Falletta feature the BPO debut of Philadelphia Orchestra principal clarinet Ricardo Morales. Morales will perform Mozart's clarinet concerto, which is being heard in the halls of Kleinhans for the first time in 20 years. Also on the program is Ravel's Mother Goose Suite and Bartok's Suite No. 1. Concerts take place at 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20.

Two complimentary tickets will be provided to any employee with a federal government ID, veterans and military families. Present your ID at the BPO box office at Kleinhans Music Hall to claim your tickets.

"Since many federal employees, veterans and military families have had their incomes sharply reduced in the face of the government shutdown, they've had to forego the pleasures of live music during a time when they may need it the most," said Susan Schwartz, director of marketing and communications for the orchestra. "Every time this orchestra has asked for the support of the community, they've stepped up and delivered. We felt it was important to do something to give back."