Your Guide for July 8 – July 20 in Buffalo and WNY!

By Aidan Carney

(Above: 2025 Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra. Photo via Chautauqua Institution).

As the summer season fully embraces Western New York, the classical music scene continues to offer a rich array of performances. The Buffalo Hive’s Classical+ series is here to ensure you don’t miss a beat of the captivating sounds filling our region from July 8th through July 20th.

Featured Events:

Tuesday, July 8, 2025

Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra at Bidwell Parkway
When: 7:00 PM
Where: Bidwell Parkway, Buffalo, NY
What: Imagine an evening where the sounds of the renowned Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra drift through the summer air, framed by the lush greenery of Bidwell Parkway. This free, outdoor performance is a cherished Buffalo tradition, transforming a beloved urban park into an impromptu concert hall under the stars. Bring a blanket, a picnic, and settle in for a delightful program designed to charm audiences of all ages.
Information: https://bpo.org/events/

Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra: Celestial Dances
When: 8:15 PM
Where: Chautauqua Amphitheater, Chautauqua Institution
What: Under the masterful baton of conductor Rossen Milanov, the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra takes listeners on a celestial journey. The program features Missy Mazzoli’s ethereal Sinfonia for Orbiting Spheres, followed by the fiery Spanish folklore of Manuel de Falla’s El Amor Brujo, and concluding with Igor Stravinsky’s vibrant and playful Pulcinella Suite. An evening of orchestral brilliance and evocative soundscapes.
Information: https://rossenmilanov.com/performances/

Thursday, July 10, 2025

Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra at Goat Island – Niagara Falls State Park
When: 7:00 PM
Where: Goat Island, Niagara Falls State Park, Niagara Falls, NY
What: Prepare for a majestic musical experience as the BPO takes to the stage on Goat Island, with the thundering majesty of Niagara Falls as its breathtaking backdrop. This free, open-air concert presents a rare opportunity to experience classical masterpieces amplified by one of the world’s natural wonders – an unforgettable sensory fusion of sight and sound.
Information: https://bpo.org/events/

Harmonia Chamber Singers: Jazz at Babeville
When: 7:30 PM
Where: Asbury Hall at Babeville, 341 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY
What: Step into the intimate and acoustically rich Asbury Hall at Babeville for an evening where classical precision meets jazz improvisation. The Harmonia Chamber Singers, known for their vocal artistry, delve into the vibrant world of jazz, promising a sophisticated and soulful performance that will fill the historic venue with rich harmonies and rhythmic delights.
Information: https://www.buffalofom.com/choral-events

Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra: Gershwin, Ravel & Bolero
When: 8:15 PM
Where: Chautauqua Amphitheater, Chautauqua Institution
What: The Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra presents an evening of iconic works that promise lush melodies and captivating rhythms. The program includes Gershwin’s beloved Porgy and Bess Symphonic Picture, the evocative and whimsical Mother Goose Suite by Ravel, culminating in Ravel’s mesmerizing and ever-building masterpiece, Bolero. A program designed to sweep you off your feet.
Information: https://rossenmilanov.com/performances/

Saturday, July 12, 2025

The Music of Elton John starring Michael Cavanaugh with the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra
When: 8:15 PM
Where: Chautauqua Amphitheater, Chautauqua Institution
What: Get ready for a spectacular fusion of classical grandeur and rock ‘n’ roll legend! Michael Cavanaugh, the dynamic piano-man from Billy Joel’s Broadway hit Movin’ Out, joins the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Stuart Chafetz. This pops concert will celebrate the timeless hits of Elton John, promising an electrifying night of familiar melodies and orchestral power.
Information: https://www.chq.org/announcements/chautauqua-symphony-orchestra-2025-season-announced/

Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra at Front Park
When: 7:00 PM
Where: Front Park, 121 Porter Ave, Buffalo, NY
What: Another gem in the BPO’s free summer series, this concert at Front Park offers stunning views of Lake Erie and the city skyline. Let the majestic sounds of the orchestra sweep you away as you enjoy a relaxed evening by the waterfront. It’s the perfect way to unwind and enjoy world-class music in a picturesque setting.
Information: https://bpo.org/events/

Friday, July 18 – Sunday, July 20, 2025

Fredonia Alumni String Orchestra Concert
When: Sunday, July 20th, at 12:30 PM. 
Where: Rockefeller, King Concert Hall, SUNY Fredonia
What: Witness the enduring legacy of the Fredonia School of Music as talented alumni return to the King Concert Hall stage. This concert promises a showcase of skilled string musicians, celebrating their artistic journey and the high caliber of musical education at Fredonia. You can expect a program filled with rich harmonies and impressive technique.
Information: https://www.fredonia.edu/academics/colleges-schools/school-music/music/summer-music (Check for specific concert details closer to the date)

Saturday, July 19, 2025

Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra / Music School Festival Orchestra (CSO/MSFO) with Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus: Mahler’s “Resurrection Symphony”

When: 8:15 PM (Amphitheater performances typically begin at this time)
Where: Chautauqua Amphitheater, Chautauqua Institution
What: Prepare for a monumental evening as the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra and the Music School Festival Orchestra combine forces for Mahler’s colossal “Resurrection Symphony.” Joined by the powerful voices of the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus and soloists Emily Finke and Rosamund Dyer from the Chautauqua Opera Company, this promises to be an awe-inspiring and emotionally charged performance of one of classical music’s most significant works.
Information: https://www.chq.org/announcements/chautauqua-symphony-orchestra-2025-season-announced/

Irish Legacies Concert at AKG
When: 3:00 PM
Where: Buffalo AKG Art Museum – Lipsey Auditorium, 1285 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY
What: Delve into the rich tapestry of Irish creativity at the Buffalo AKG Art Museum. Led by the incomparable JoAnn Falletta, a chamber ensemble from the BPO will bring Irish-inspired music to life. This unique multimedia experience, a collaboration with UB Libraries, will also feature an update on UB’s James Joyce Museum and a reading of Joyce’s iconic work, creating a truly immersive cultural afternoon.
Information: https://bpo.org/events/

Enjoy the beautiful sounds of classical music as we dive into the heart of summer! Be sure to check the individual venue websites for the most up-to-date information, ticketing, and any schedule changes. Don’t miss a note of summer’s best! Get out and immerse yourself in the vibrant arts and culture right here in Buffalo and Western New York!