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(Graphic courtesy of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra)
(Graphic courtesy of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra)

BPO extends its virtual programming through end of 2020-21 season

Submitted

Wed, Mar 3rd 2021 01:40 pm

Popular ‘BPOnDemand’ video-streamed performance series will continue through June

Though the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra said it remains hopeful it will once again play for live audiences soon. The BPO announced the extension of its “BPOnDemand” virtual performance series through the end of the 2020-21 concert season in June. 

The popular video-streamed series, presented by M&T Bank, uses state-of-the-art audio and video recording technology to bring the acoustics of Kleinhans Music Hall into the living room of patrons via their home computer or mobile device. The series has allowed the BPO to perform repertoire not normally available to the full orchestra, and helps to ensure its 73 full-time musicians remain employed.

"We have been holding hope that we would be able to reopen for live concerts at some point this season, but it is looking less and less likely," Music Director JoAnn Falletta said. "What continues to be most important is keeping our musicians and our audiences safe, and providing beautiful music for the entire Western New York community, no matter how."

The BPO is awaiting “New York Forward” guidelines for reopening large indoor concert venues such as Kleinhans Music Hall. Plans are in development for the BPO to host intimate, socially distanced audiences as soon as state guidelines allow. Regardless of whether clearance is received for live audiences at any point in the coming months, “BPOnDemand” will continue through the end of the 2020-21 concert season.

The series is broadcast on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. and available on-demand for 30 days thereafter. “BPOnDemand” is available to all current 2020-21 season subscribers for free, as well as those patrons near and far who wish to purchase a virtual ticket on a concert-by-concert basis. Tickets are $10 each (plus applicable fees). Compose-your-own multiconcert ticket packages are available as well.

Falletta, Principal Pops Conductor John Morris Russell, and the BPO leadership team are closely monitoring the ever-evolving pandemic situation and have prepared alternative programs that will meet social distancing guidelines.

Plans for the BPO's popular summer season and the announcement of its forthcoming 2021-22 season remain on hold until more is known about the pandemic response and the ability of the orchestra to safely play for live audiences once again. 

Single tickets and ticket packages for the “BPOnDemand” series are on sale now and can be purchased at bpo.org or by calling the box office at 716-885-5000. Patrons are encouraged to sign up for the BPO email list at bpo.org to receive the latest updates, and to call the box office with any questions. The box office is working remotely during this time, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

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