The Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus Performs World Premiere of the ‘Saint Bonaventure Mass’ by Fabio Luisi

In September, the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus had the distinct honor of performing both the world premiere and New York City premiere of the “Saint Bonaventure Mass” composed by Fabio Luisi. Maestro Luisi composed the work as a gift to St. Bonaventure University to honor the 800th birthday of Saint Bonaventure.

The BPC’s incredible 3-day journey with this piece began on Sunday, September 17 in Olean, NY as a group of 30 singers performed the world premiere at St. Bonaventure University as part of a celebratory mass in the University Chapel.

The chorus promptly left the next day for New York City where the “Saint Bonaventure Mass” would be performed next. 

On Tuesday, September 19, the chorus met in Fort Tryon Park at the Met Cloisters for a dress rehearsal with musicians from the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, soloists Michelle Aryzaga and SeokJong Baek, recitant Michel Bell, conductor Catherine Matejka, and Maestro Luisi.

The evening culminated in the New York City premiere of the “Saint Bonaventure Mass,” performed as a concert, in the Met Cloisters’ beautiful Fuentidueña Chapel.

To read a review of the world premiere visit the following link: http://www.oleantimesherald.com/news/packed-house-for-world-premiere-of-st-bonaventure-mass/article_52f15a98-9c20-11e7-8061-bbdca3ad3e7d.html

For more information about the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus, please visit our website: http://bpchorus.org/ and follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BPChorus