By Aidan Carney

Get ready to dive into a weekend filled with incredible classical music and more. Whether you’re a die-hard symphony fan or enjoy exploring the adventurous side of “Classical+”, we have something for you in the Buffalo area. Mark your calendars for these exciting events from Friday (May 30) through Sunday (June 1).

Kick off the weekend with American masters & opera

Bernstein & Copland with the BPO

Date(s): Friday, May 30 & Saturday, May 31
Time(s): Friday at 10:30 a.m.; Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
Venue: Kleinhans Music Hall 

The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra brings iconic American sounds to the stage, a perfect way to experience the richness of the orchestral tradition. The program includes Aaron Copland’s  El Salón México, Adolphus Hailstork’s Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Strings, Leonard Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from West Side Story and Ginastera’s  Variaciones Concertantes, Op. 23.

More details are at BPO.org

BPO Masterclass: Tim McAllister, Saxophone

Date: Friday, May 30
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Venue: Clement House (786 Delaware Ave.)

Get a special insight into the contemporary saxophone with a masterclass by the renowned Tim McAllister, who will be featured in the BPO’s concerts this weekend. In this series, artists work one-on-one with talented local students in front of a live audience. All events are free, with a required reservation. Details at BPO.org

Buffalo Opera Unlimited Presents ‘Joshua’s Boots‘

Date(s): Friday, May 30 & Saturday, May 31
Time(s): Friday at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday at 2:30 p.m.
Venue: First Shiloh Baptist Church (15 Pine St., Buffalo) 

Experience “Joshua’s Boots,” a compelling opera by acclaimed composer Adolphus Hailstork (yes, the same composer whose work is being performed by the Buffalo Philharmonic in the aforementioned BPO shows) with a libretto by Susan Kander, blending history and music to tell the story of a young Black American cowboy in the Old West, where history shows there was a major Black presence both among cowboys and the Black Buffalo Soldiers. Tickets and info at Buffalo Opera Unlimited

Saturday: A feast of diverse sounds

Duende Delights – The Scopes afternoon show
Date: Saturday, May 31
Time: 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Venue: Duende at Silo City 

Described as Jazz Rock/Fusion with progressive elements, this is for those who love their classical with a modern, adventurous twist. Singer Anandhi George and pianist Michael Serio promise to take a “deep dive into the music of Joni Mitchell and some of the classical music that inspired it,including works of Chopin, Debussy and Rachmaninoff.”

Event info at Duende at Silo City

Buffalo Choral Arts Society: “Sing for Me: The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber”

Date: Saturday, May 3t
Time: 3:00 p.m.
Venue: Amherst Middle School 

Enjoy the soaring melodies and theatrical flair of one of the world’s most popular composers. This is a treat for fans of musical theatre and lush choral arrangements! Details at Buffalo Choral Arts Society

Sunday: Choral masterpieces & festival kickoff

‘June in Buffalo’ Begins

Date: Sunday, June 1, through Saturday, June 7
Time: VARIOUS
Venue: Slee Hall, University at Buffalo

The renowned “June in Buffalo” new music festival kicks off. This is a fantastic opportunity to hear groundbreaking work from emerging and established contemporary classical composers. While the festival’s concerts ramp up from Monday, its official start is Sunday.

For specifics on opening day activities, check the Slee Hall Concert Calendar and the June in Buffalo page.

Avanti & St. Louis Church Choir: Schubert’s Mass in G

Date: Sunday, June 1
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Venue: St. Louis Church (Main and Edward Streets, Buffalo) 

Conclude your weekend with a sublime choral masterpiece as the Choir of St. Louis Church joins the Avanti Chamber Orchestra in works of Schubert and Martin. Free admission.

Event details at the St. Louis RC Church Events Calendar

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What a weekend for classical and classical-adjacent music in Buffalo! Mark your calendars and support our vibrant local music scene. See you at the show!