A Father-Son Collaboration: Schubert & Wagner Concert at BPO

Every once in a while, Buffalo hosts an event of such magnificence it's almost beyond words. This time, it's the Schubert & Wagner concert by The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra (BPO), scheduled for a Saturday evening and a Sunday afternoon performance. The dates to mark are March 23 at 7:30 PM and March 24 at 2:30 PM.

Gerard Schwarz at the Helm

The baton for the upcoming Schubert & Wagner performances will be in the hands of the world-renowned conductor Gerard Schwarz. With an impressive career spanning over five decades, Schwarz has accumulated recognition in the forms of numerous awards and a discography exceeding 350 albums. Schwarz's expertise in 19th-century music and modern American compositions, along with his roles with prestigious orchestras across the country, makes him an ideal interpreter for the diverse program at BPO.

A Rendezvous of Talent: Father and Son

The highlight of the concert will certainly be the performance of Arthur Foote's Concerto for Cello and Orchestra in G minor, Op. 33. Not often performed, this piece becomes even more intriguing when played by Julian Schwarz, Gerard's son. Fathers and sons creating music together is a rare sighting at BPO; hence the occasion promises a union of familial bonds and musical genius. Gerard humorously notes the pleasure of working with people he likes and praises his son as a superb cellist.

Julian Schwarz: Prodigious Cellist

Julian Schwarz, equipped with a global reputation and a hefty touring experience since age 11, brings his virtuosic cello skills to the table. With positions at Shenandoah Conservatory and NYU's Steinhardt School of Music, he continues to build his musical lineage, now lending his craft to a piece once lost to time.

Julian attributes much of his musical acumen to his parents, especially the natural connection when performing with his father. An association that not only stands on family ties but on a shared passion for music.

The Foote Concerto Revival

The program, including the Foote Concerto, has been in the works since before the pandemic. When BPO's Music Director, JoAnn Falleta, asked Gerard for an 'interesting project,' he was ready with the overlooked masterpiece. Gerard and Julian restored the concerto from a handwritten version found in a public library collection, aiming not just to perform it but also to record it commercially.

Gerard finds excitement in presenting pieces like Foote's, as it offers the audience something fresh. Julian commends the BPO and Falleta for their artistic courage, especially in a time when orchestras often mimic each other's programming. The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra embraces the challenge of highlighting 19th-century American Music that is potentially overlooked, emphasizing its cultural importance.

The special performance is coming up on March 23 and 24; for those unable to attend, another opportunity arrives with the Mendelssohn's Reformation concert led by conductor Leon Botstein and violinist Melissa White on March 15 and 16.

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