“One thing is clear about the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra’s 2020-2021 season: The virtual format has given the BPO the welcome opportunity to expand its musical horizons,” writes Leonidas Lagrimas in Wednesday’s (11/11) Buffalo News (NY). “The BPO’s season has been marked by innovative and unique concert programming, showcasing the versatile sounds of a smaller ensemble and limited instrumentation. ‘A String Serenade,’ the BPO’s latest offering in its virtual BPOnDemand series, continued this trend with an invigorating blend of repertoire showcasing the string section. George Theophilus Walker’s ‘Lyric for Strings–Lament’ made for an inspired concert opener … While the thematic and logistical connections between Walker’s work and Samuel Barber’s iconic Adagio for Strings might seem apparent … Walker’s musical voice is distinctive and unique…. Another benefit of the virtual format is the juxtaposing of works that would rarely, if ever, be heard together,” including Edward Elgar’s Introduction and Allegro for String Quartet and String Orchestra, Op. 47, and BPO harpist Madeline Olson in Handel’s Concerto for Harp in B-flat Major, “a performance full of atmosphere and charm, but also with remarkable clarity and effortless virtuosic flair.” Music Director JoAnn Falletta led the concert, which also included Bach’s Orchestral Suite No. 3, “the ideal finale for this virtual showcase.”
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