Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra Premieres New Oratorio ‘FRANCIS’
The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by JoAnn Falletta, premiered Richard Danielpour's new oratorio, "FRANCIS," at Kleinhans Music Hall. The work, with a libretto by Sister Margaret Carney, is inspired by the life of St. Francis of Assisi and centers on…
Buffalo, NY, October 11, 2026 — The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra (BPO) has presented the world premiere of Richard Danielpour’s latest oratorio, titled “FRANCIS.” The new work was unveiled at Kleinhans Music Hall.
The orchestra was conducted by JoAnn Falletta, who led the ensemble in the debut performance. Danielpour, a composer known for his significant contributions to contemporary classical music, has had his oratorio brought to life by the BPO.
The oratorio “FRANCIS” draws its inspiration from the life and legacy of St. Francis of Assisi. A central theme explored within the work is the choice between prioritizing love over the pursuit of power. This philosophical underpinning forms the thematic core of the composition.
The libretto for “FRANCIS” was penned by Sister Margaret Carney. Her collaborative effort with Danielpour aimed to translate the narrative and spiritual essence of St. Francis into a musical and textual form.
This premiere marks a significant moment for both the composer and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. It follows a notable success for the ensemble, as the BPO previously achieved a Grammy award for their performance of Danielpour’s earlier oratorio. The context of this prior recognition highlights a continuing artistic relationship and a track record of critically acclaimed collaboration between the orchestra and the composer.
Further details regarding the specific composition, musical arrangements, or the full scope of its thematic presentation were not provided in the initial summary. The performance venue, Kleinhans Music Hall, is a well-established concert hall in Buffalo, New York, known for hosting major orchestral events.
The premiere of “FRANCIS” represents another contribution to the oratorio genre and offers a contemporary interpretation of a historical and spiritual figure. The collaboration between Richard Danielpour, Sister Margaret Carney, and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra under JoAnn Falletta’s direction underscores a commitment to new artistic works within the classical music landscape.
Story summarized from the original created by Peter Hall on www.buffalorising.com, see more information here.
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