Francis: A New Oratorio by Richard Danielpour
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**Single tickets for the 2026-27 season go on sale Saturday, July 11.**
WORLD PREMIERE
Inspired by the life of St. Francis of Assisi, marking the 800th anniversary of his death.
Sister Margaret Carney, OSF, STD, librettist
An oratorio in nine scenes for soprano, baritone, narrator, chorus, and orchestra
JoAnn Falletta, conductor
Claudia Christian, narrator
Anna Schubert, soprano
Edward Nelson, baritone
Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus
Vernon Huff, BPC music director
Fredonia Chamber Choir
Experience a major world premiere as the BPO brings Richard Danielpour’s Francis to life—an expansive new oratorio inspired by the life of St. Francis of Assisi, marking the 800th anniversary of his death. Blending orchestra, chorus, soloists, and narration, this work explores compassion, humanity, and the search for meaning through a story that continues to resonate today.
Led by JoAnn Falletta, this large-scale work brings together orchestra, chorus, soloists, and narration in a deeply expressive exploration of compassion, transformation, and shared humanity. With a libretto by Sister Margaret Carney and featuring Claudia Christian as narrator, the performance unites the BPO and the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus in a powerful collaboration.
Both sweeping in sound and intimate in reflection, Francis is written for the full resonance of the concert hall—an experience that invites us to consider what it means to live with purpose, empathy, and connection in our own time.
WORLD PREMIERE
Inspired by the life of St. Francis of Assisi, marking the 800th anniversary of his death.
Sister Margaret Carney, OSF, STD, librettist
An oratorio in nine scenes for soprano, baritone, narrator, chorus, and orchestra
JoAnn Falletta, conductor
Claudia Christian, narrator
Anna Schubert, soprano
Edward Nelson, baritone
Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus
Vernon Huff, BPC music director
Fredonia Chamber Choir
Experience a major world premiere as the BPO brings Richard Danielpour’s Francis to life—an expansive new oratorio inspired by the life of St. Francis of Assisi, marking the 800th anniversary of his death. Blending orchestra, chorus, soloists, and narration, this work explores compassion, humanity, and the search for meaning through a story that continues to resonate today.
Led by JoAnn Falletta, this large-scale work brings together orchestra, chorus, soloists, and narration in a deeply expressive exploration of compassion, transformation, and shared humanity. With a libretto by Sister Margaret Carney and featuring Claudia Christian as narrator, the performance unites the BPO and the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus in a powerful collaboration.
Both sweeping in sound and intimate in reflection, Francis is written for the full resonance of the concert hall—an experience that invites us to consider what it means to live with purpose, empathy, and connection in our own time.
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Where is it happening?
3 Symphony Circle, Buffalo, NY, United States, New York 14201
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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Host or PublisherBuffalo Philharmonic Orchestra
