By Joyce Kryszak
Buffalo, NY – Opera under the stars is the theme for the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra's visit to Artpark this weekend. The special summer series continues Friday and Saturday nights with a semi-staged production of Bizet's "Carmen."
The BPO has been flirting with all kinds of new experiences. Trips to Carnegie, outdoor concerts and staged opera. The special production of "Carmen" this weekend features the BPO, the Philharmonic Chorus and guest soloists. BPO Music Director Joann Falletta says the Artpark relationship is a perfect marriage. She says the musicians are gratified by the variety of music and setting. And Falleta says ArtPark is the perfect suitor for a region longing for the romance of opera.
"There's also a wonderful tradition of opera at Artpark that just hasn't been there, sadly, for a number of years," said Falletta. "Going back to Artpark with opera, and an opera like Carmen, is a great thing. So, we're anticipating that there'll be people there just really ready to hear an opera under the stars -- and it's going to be great."
But like all summer romances, this one, too, is brief. The BPO ends this season's Artpark series next weekend. But the romance ends with fireworks. Falletta will lead the BPO in a special celebration of Artpark's 30th anniversary. There really will be fireworks, and a party and, of course, nostalgic music.
"We're including a piece that opened the season at Artpark thirty-years ago...so, it's kind of a partly Americana celebration and just a great night to pay a tribute to this wonderful place to hear music," said Falletta.
The BPO's Artpark performance of "Carmen" is at 8pm Friday and Saturday. The anniversary celebration concert is Sunday, July 25th.