Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra presents an afternoon of Beethoven at Artpark

JoAnn Falletta's sole public appearance with the Buffalo Philharmonic this summer will come at 3 p.m. Sunday, July 24, as the orchestra returns to Artpark with an all-Beethoven program.

Beethoven's iconic Symphony No. 5 is the centerpiece of this program, which also includes the Egmont Overture. Igor Lipinski will perform Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 2.

A native of Poland, Lipinski made his American orchestral debut with the BPO at age 16, and returned to perform with the orchestra several times as he pursued his education. Since his last appearance with the BPO in 2012, Lipinski has completed his doctoral degree from Northwestern University. He is becoming known for his "Piano Illusions" show, which blends classical performance with stage magic. The show won WQXR's Classical Comedy Contest at Caroline's on Broadway, and Lipinski is taking it to Hong Kong later this year.

The Buffalo Philharmonic's connection with Artpark dates to the early days of the venue, when the BPO performed at its opening night concert. Two years ago, the BPO reprised that concert for the 40^th anniversary of Artpark. Over the years, the orchestra has performed programs at Artpark ranging from last summer's Grateful Dead tribute to an ambitious four-year presentation of Wagner's Ring Cycle. For more information about the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, visit www.bpo.org. 

"It wouldn't be summer at the Buffalo Philharmonic without a performance at Artpark," said Falletta, BPO music director. "We're looking forward to performing some of the best music of the classical tradition at one of our favorite venues. It's also been a pleasure to watch Igor grow from a talented teenager to a polished professional."

Falletta and the BPO will present the Beethoven concert with Lipinski at 3 p.m. inside Artpark's Mainstage Theater. Tickets ($29-$49) are available at tickets.com and artpark.net, or by calling 716-754-4375.