By Joyce Kryszak
Buffalo, NY – After a 16 year interlude, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra returns to the world famous Carnegie Music Hall.
In 1988, the BPO's Maestro Bychkov led the orchestra to stages all around Europe and to the world renowned Carnegie Hall. Since then, dark financial times have kept the BPO from making a return visit to the famous stage.
BPO Music Director Joann Falletta says it's been a long period trying to stabilize financially and artistically. But now, Falletta says they're ready.
"For the musicians, it's a validation of everything they've been working on. It's a way of showing their depth as musicians," Falletta said. "Carnegie is a site that is viewed in an international way. It's the center of the music world."
The concert weekend at Carnegie this June will bring immediate recognition national for the orchestra. National Public radio will also tape a concert for later broadcast both nationally and internationally. But Falletta says they also hope to reach a much closer audience.
"We want to make our community here proud of us," Falletta said. "We want to represent how strong we are artistically as a community. We hope this will bring us renewed recognition at home."
And those local fans are encouraged to make the trip to New York to help celebrate the BPO's triumphant return to Carnegie. The BPO performs at Carnegie Hall the weekend of June 5th and 6th.