Week of April 29-May 5, 2025

By Aidan Carney

What sounds will define your week, Western New York?

As your week unfolds, consider this: you could experience thrilling Bach sonatas downtown, the unforgettable “O Fortuna” performed live in Fredonia’s King Concert Hall, choirs and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra playing music from a classic film – all happening between now and Sunday, May 4! Dive into your local classical scene with this guide:

Fredonia Chamber Choir & College Choir: 

Enjoy an evening dedicated to choral excellence featuring Fredonia’s talented student vocal ensembles. Programs often feature a mix of classical repertoire.

Tonight (Tuesday, April 29), 8 p.m. in Mason Hall, Rosch Recital Hall, State University of New York at Fredonia.

Buffalo State PRISM Concert: 

Celebrate Buffalo State’s 150th Anniversary with a dynamic PRISM concert showcasing the Music Department’s talent. Expect a fast-paced evening featuring a variety of instrumental and vocal ensembles, soloists and chamber groups performing throughout the space.

Tonight (Tuesday, April 29), 7:30 p.m., Rockwell Hall, Buffalo State University. Admission is free, but pre-registration is encouraged.

Bach & Brews with Buffalo Chamber Players: 

An excellent opportunity to hear J.S. Bach’s three masterful sonatas for viola da gamba and harpsichord (BWV 1027-1029) performed live. These works showcase Bach’s intricate counterpoint and emotional depth in an intimate chamber – and tavern – setting.

Wednesday, April 30, 7:30 p.m., The 9th Ward (Babeville), 341 Delaware Ave., Buffalo.

Tickets: $23 in advance, $25 day of show (General Admission). A cash bar is available. Purchase HERE. 

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BPO: Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark in Concert: 

Watch the iconic film Raiders of the Lost Ark on the big screen at Kleinhans Music Hall. At the same time, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Ron Spigelman, performs John Williams’ legendary, action-packed score live. It’s a perfect cinematic and musical event for all ages, combining high stakes on screen with high notes from the orchestra.

Friday, May 2, 7:30 p.m. at Kleinhans Music Hall, Buffalo.

Tickets: Available through the BPO website or the Box Office. Prices vary.

Duende at Silo City: Minuets & Mimosas ft. UB Guitar Studio:

Experience classical guitar in one of Buffalo’s most unique settings. Duende is nestled among the massive, historic grain elevators of Silo City, offering a truly atmospheric blend of rustic industrial heritage and eclectic artistic charm. Their “Minuets & Mimosas” series is a regular bi-weekly Saturday afternoon feature presenting live chamber music on their main bar stage. This week spotlights talented students from the UB Guitar Studio, who explore diverse classical repertoire on acoustic and classical guitars. Enjoy the intimate performance (and, yes, perhaps a mimosa!) in this distinctive, off-the-beaten-path venue near the Buffalo River.

Saturday, May 3, 1-2 p.m., at Duende at Silo City, 85 Silo City Row, Buffalo (Look for the entrance off Ohio St.). Free.

BPO: Ryan Shaw – Masters of R&B:

The BPO, again under the direction of Spigelman, will present an evening of soul and R&B music featuring singer Ryan Shaw and three backup singers with classical/pops backing. The three-time Grammy nominee will sing music ranging from Steve Wonder to Otis Redding to Prince and Isaac Hayes (“The Theme From Shaft”!), plus much more.

Saturday May 3, 7:30 p.m. at Kleinhans Music Hall.

Fredonia Masterworks Concert: Carmina Burana:

Experience the raw power and enduring appeal of Carl Orff’s monumental 20th-century cantata, “Carmina Burana.” Famous for its driving rhythms and dramatic choruses, such as “O Fortuna,” this performance features Fredonia’s large ensembles and soloists. A true spectacle! This is also a Scholarship Benefit Concert.

Saturday, May 3, 8 p.m. King Concert Hall, Rockefeller Arts Center, State University of New York at Fredonia

Tickets: Tickets available online or through the Fredonia Campus Ticket Office.

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