JoAnn Falletta
Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra Extends JoAnn Falletta’s Contract as Music Director Through 2029
Falletta to Lead BPO in 30th Concert Season as Music Director
The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra Society Inc. Board of Trustees is thrilled to announce a three-year contract extension for Music Director JoAnn Falletta, unanimously approved at their March meeting. This extension takes effect when Falletta’s current term concludes at the end of the 2025–26 concert season, ensuring her leadership through the 2028–29 season. With this extension, Falletta will mark her 30th anniversary at the helm of the BPO in 2029.
Since becoming Music Director in 1999 as the first woman to lead a major American orchestra, Falletta has elevated the orchestra’s national and international stature, steered it through periods of growth and challenge, and helped define Buffalo as a cultural destination.
Reflecting on Falletta’s visionary leadership, Board Chair Scott Stenclik remarked:
“JoAnn is a treasure not only of the BPO, but of all of Buffalo Niagara. Her stewardship since joining the BPO has been stellar, and her continued association positions the orchestra for greater artistic achievement and community impact.”
Falletta shared her perspective:
“It is amazing how one step forward in 1999 developed into a musical journey that is so deeply fascinating, enriching, and beautiful. My time with the BPO is the most artistically satisfying period of my life, and living in this city and region is a joy. The musicians, the Board, my brilliant colleague Dan Hart, and the staff have been a dream team—continuously raising our standard of excellence and celebrating the incredible community we love.”
Pointing to the foundation that has made this journey possible, Falletta added:
“The sustaining fabric of our work in Buffalo is the love of the people of this region, and the devotion of the extraordinary musicians who have come from all over the world to join our Buffalo Philharmonic and to work together to share great music for all people, in our city and beyond. It is truly an honor and the greatest joy to see the development and growth of an orchestra whose artistic level, imagination, and character shine as a beacon of excellence in our country.”
Throughout her tenure, Falletta has established herself and the BPO as cultural pillars of Western New York, forging a powerful legacy of musical excellence, innovation, and collaboration for the orchestra and the region through countless accomplishments and initiatives:
Artistic Excellence and Innovation
• Premiered over 20 new orchestral works with the BPO, including numerous world premieres.
• Commissioned over 10 new works by notable composers such as Daron Hagen, Adolphus Hailstork, Wang Jie, and others.
• Brought internationally renowned soloists—Itzhak Perlman, Yo-Yo Ma, Lang Lang, and Renée Fleming—to perform with the BPO.
Recording Achievements
• Initiated the BPO’s relationship with the Naxos label, resulting in 31 internationally released albums.
• Earned two GRAMMY Awards and nominations for Best Orchestral Performance in 2024 and 2025.
• Founded Beau Fleuve Records in 1999, producing 31 additional albums distributed globally via streaming in partnership with Naxos.
Touring and National Visibility
• Led the BPO on its first international tour in three decades (Poland), five tours of Florida, and three Carnegie Hall performances.
• Expanded national presence through broadcasts on Performance Today, SymphonyCast, From the Top, PBS, and Sirius XM.
Community and Regional Engagement
• Partnered with Buffalo Toronto Public Media to produce broadcasts, JoAnn’s Classical Corner (Classical 94.5 FM), PBS’s Intimate Portrait, and the JoAnn Falletta International Guitar Concerto Competition.
• Collaborated with institutions like the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus, SUNY Fredonia’s School of Music, and Canisius University.
• Led benefit performances to raise awareness and support for social causes.
Advocacy and Recognition
• Championed underrepresented conductors, composers, and musicians.
• Honored with awards including ASCAP Awards, the MOLA Award for Outstanding Service to Music, the Dallas Symphony’s Award of Excellence, and the International Conductor’s Guild Max Rudolf Award.