BPO to Close Out Summer Music Festival
BPO to Close Out Summer Music Festival
The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra will Feature the Music of Led Zeppelin and The Who for This Year’s July 7th Performance
The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra will close out what I’m certain will be another successful Summer Music Festival slope side at Holiday Valley in Ellicottville. Sunday, July 7th at 8:00pm, our world renowned BPO will feature the music of Led Zeppelin and The Who, followed by America’s songs choreographed to an amazing fireworks display.
Becoming a “must attend” summer event, Ellicottville knows how to do it up right for any festival they put on and this year is no different. The festival kicks off on July 5th at 7:00pm at the Village Gazebo and runs through Sunday, July 7th with fun activities for the entire family including a pet parade, a fine art and craft market, and of course, music.
The BPO has closed the festival for several years, perfectly paired with a fireworks show like no other, as they perform the songs of America while the sky is bursting in color.
We are so lucky to have a music ambassador representing this area through each and every member, allowing us to follow them with such pride.
I recently had the chance to talk with Fernanda Lastra, Assistant Conductor, Diversity Fellow, who will lead the orchestra, and she graciously answered the questions of this “newbie” as far as the ins and outs of becoming an elite member of a professional symphony orchestra.
We talked about her being appointed as the Assistant Conductor, the process of becoming a member, how long it takes to perfect a new philharmonic performance and the history of the orchestra’s home base venue Kleinhans Music Hall.
You’ll read about the connection of the BPO Artistic Team and Ellicottville’s own Brian McFadden, Executive Director of the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce.
The orchestra has been celebrating 25 years of the historical appointment of music director, JoAnn Falletta, and Lastra shared her thoughts on Falletta and how much of an influence the music director has made not only in her life, but for empowering women everywhere to go for their dreams.
The orchestra and Lastra are looking forward to once again being part of the Summer Music Festival, and are inviting everyone to bring your blankets and lawn chairs and celebrate the 4th of July weekend with them.
For festival information visit: ellicottvilleny.com
For BPO information visit: bpo.org
A Conversation with Fernanda Lastra of BPO
HULICK: How long have you been with the orchestra?
LASTRA: I have been with the BPO since August 2022, for two seasons.
HULICK: Did you join as the Assistant Conductor, or we you appointed after you were with the orchestra for a period of time?
LASTRA: Back in 2022, I joined the orchestra as the Conductor Diversity Fellow. After one year in that role, I was promoted to Assistant Conductor, Diversity Fellow.
HULICK: Can you talk a little bit about the process of becoming a member of the orchestra… Is there an audition, once a member are you in that position permanently or do you have to audition every so often?
LASTRA: Certainly. Every musician in the orchestra went through an audition process, and my case was no different. There was a national search for the position of Conductor Diversity Fellow, and I had the opportunity to come to Buffalo and participate in a live audition with the orchestra, along with other candidates. Since this is a fellowship, the position is not permanent, although the contract can be extended.
HULICK: We are excited to have you as part of the Ellicottville Summer Music Festival again this year. You’ve performed at some of the most iconic settings in WNY such as Holiday Valley slope side, Central Terminal, Artpark, Outer Harbor, Sahlen’s Field and Chautauqua Institution. Do you have a favorite out of this list?
LASTRA: Not really. I believe that each stage holds its own unique way of connecting with people and making a profound impact on the audience. Attending live music concerts remains an experience that cannot be replicated online, and I am constantly amazed by the opportunity we have to create something special in real-time and connect with people immediately through music.
HULICK: Of course, your home base is Kleinhans Music Hall. The history when you play there is palpable, considering the BPO's history and the significance of the venue. I would imagine that you and all the members can't take the stage without having that in the forefront of your minds. What are your thoughts?
LASTRA: Absolutely. Kleinhans Music Hall is not only a national architectural landmark but is also renowned as one of the best acoustically designed concert halls in the country. This is evident in the exceptional sound quality experienced by both the audience throughout the entire hall and us performers on stage. The way sound travels and blends in Kleinhans creates a unique and special experience. I believe our audiences enjoy a sound quality that is comparable to listening to a recording. We are truly fortunate to have such a world-class concert hall in Western New York. Moreover, the history of Kleinhans' stage is remarkable, having hosted incredible artists throughout the years. The very essence of the building is infused with artistic excellence. It's a privilege to work surrounded by that rich history.
HULICK: Talking about history, we need to talk about JoAnn Falletta. Her appointment as music director, in 1998, set a precedent that can never be broken or achieved by anyone else when she became the first female appointed music director of a major U.S. Symphony Orchestra. What an exciting moment that was and something this area is so proud of.
LASTRA: As we celebrate JoAnn's remarkable tenure this year, it is essential to recognize the lasting impact she has had on the orchestra and the community. Throughout the past 25 years, JoAnn's artistic vision and unwavering dedication have propelled the BPO to new heights. Her ability to inspire and lead has fostered a culture of excellence and innovation within the orchestra.
Personally, I consider it an immense honor to work alongside JoAnn. Her passion for music and her ability to bring out the best in every musician have been a constant source of inspiration for me. Even before joining the BPO, I admired her work and admired the way she broke barriers and shattered glass ceilings. Working with JoAnn is not only an honor, but it is also a tremendous opportunity to learn from one of the most respected and accomplished conductors in our field. Her guidance and mentorship have been invaluable to me, and I am grateful to be part of her artistic journey.
HULICK: Who picks what tribute performance you will feature, like the Led Zeppelin tribute you will be performing at the festival on July 7th?
LASTRA: The selection of tribute performances at Ellicottville is a collaborative effort between the BPO Artistic Team and Brian McFadden, the director of the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce. The BPO Artistic Team assists Brian in selecting the guest artists and the repertoire for the concert. Additionally, the program includes pieces that the BPO traditionally performs at Ellicottville's summer concerts, such as the 1812 Overture, for example. We are incredibly excited about this concert and hope that everyone can join us on July 7th for a truly special summer evening together.
HULICK: Is there a body of work from a particular singer or band you haven’t done that you would like to?
LASTRA: Not really, I am always open to collaborating with new artists, and discovering new music.
HULICK: How long does it take to perfect a new show?
LASTRA: Typically we allocate around four rehearsals to prepare for a new show, although this time frame can vary. The duration of the rehearsal process depends on factors such as the complexity of the repertoire and the length of the show itself.
HULICK: What would you consider is the most “out of the box” tribute you’ve ever done?
LASTRA: As a conductor, I have the privilege of leading a diverse array of concerts, encompassing various genres and styles. While it is challenging to single out one concert as the most "out of the box," I can confidently say that I am constantly open to creating innovative and unconventional experiences that invite audiences to appreciate music from a fresh perspective.
BPO Summer Concert Schedule 2024
KeyBank Independence Eve at the Bisons
Wednesday, July 3
Game 6:00pm, Concert 9:00pm
Sahlen Field
Ellicottville Summer Music Festival
Performing the music of The Who & Led Zeppelin
Sunday, July 7, 8:00pm
String Ensemble at Buffalo Central Terminal – FREE!
Thursday, July 11, 6:00pm
Puccini’s Greatest: A Gala Opera Concert
Sunday, July 14, 2:00pm
Artpark Mainstage Theater
Clarence Main Street Town Park – FREE!
Wednesday, July 17, 7:00pm
The Musical Magic of Harry Potter
Friday, July 19, 7:00pm (Doors at 6:00pm)
Terminal B at the Outer Harbor (901 Fuhrmann Blvd.)
Concert for Unity – FREE!
Saturday, July 20, 7:00pm
First Calvary Missionary Baptist Church
North Park Community School #50 – FREE!
(Formerly North Park Academy)
Wednesday, July 24, 7:00pm
Academy Park, Lewiston – FREE!
Saturday, July 27, 7:00pm
Niawanda Park, Tonawanda – FREE!
Sunday, July 28, 7:00pm
The BPO & The Strictly Hip
Performing the Music of The Tragically Hip
Thursday, August 1, 7:30pm (Doors at 6:00pm)
Terminal B at the Outer Harbor (901 Fuhrmann Blvd.)
The Music of Pink Floyd with The Machine
Saturday, August 3, 7:30pm (Doors at 6:30pm)
Artpark Mainstage Theater