named programs · 8 · from sources
What they call their work
Classics Series
Seasonal concert series featuring major symphonic works by composers such as Beethoven, Debussy, and Dukas, performed at Kleinhans Music Hall.
College Pass
$33 annual pass for college students with valid ID, granting access to Classics concerts and select Pops, Rock, and Film events.
Education Concerts
School-time performances and programs for preK-12 student groups, designed to provide accessible orchestral experiences.
Film in Concert
Live-to-film events where the orchestra performs a film’s score in sync with a screening, such as *Coco* and other cinematic works.
Pops Series
Concerts featuring popular music, film scores, and American songbook standards, often with guest vocalists and themed programming such as Gershwin tributes.
Rock Series
Performances pairing the BPO with classic rock and tribute bands for orchestral rock concerts.
Symphony Hall Pass
Discounted season concert pass for high school students in Western New York, including access to concerts and artist meet-and-greets.
Young Listeners Pass
Discounted season pass for children aged 15 and under to attend most BPO concerts when accompanied by a subscribing adult.
activities · 6 groups
What they do
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Performing Arts Ticket Access Programs 2 activities
- Deliver youth and student education programsProvides access to concerts and educational opportunities for students from preK-12 through college, including discounted or free tickets, season passes, school-time concerts, and special events with artist engagement.
- Operate ticketing and audience servicesManages concert ticket sales, seating assignments, and customer support through the Kleinhans Music Hall box office, offering subscription packages, group discounts, and flexible booking options.
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Film Festival and Screening Programming 1 activity
- Perform live-to-film orchestral accompanimentStages synchronized live performances of film scores, including Michael Giacchino’s music for _Coco_, performed in real time during screenings of the film.
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Commissioning New Musical Works 1 activity
- Premiere new orchestral worksCommissions and presents world premieres of original orchestral compositions, such as Richard Danielpour’s oratorio _Francis_, created to mark significant cultural or historical milestones.
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Classical and Chamber Music Performances 1 activity
- Present live symphonic performancesProduces and presents live orchestral concerts in Buffalo, New York, including performances of classical repertoire, pops programs, and special events featuring guest artists such as Lang Lang and conductors like JoAnn Falletta and Ron Spigelman.
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Nonprofit Music Recording and Distribution 1 activity
- Produce and release recorded musicRecords and releases albums of orchestral music, such as _Stravinsky: Fairy Tales_, distributed through commercial labels like Naxos.
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Event and Production Volunteer Coordination 1 activity
- Support concert operations through volunteer engagementOrganizes and deploys volunteers to support performances through ushering, guest transportation, fundraising events, and concert logistics, including shuttle services, gift shop staffing, and artist transit.
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financials · form 990 · fy2023
revenue
Total revenue$13.80M
Contributions & grants$8.51M62%
Program service revenue$4.56M33%
Investment income$38K0%
Other revenue$687K
expenses
Total expenses$14.31M
Program expenses82%
Admin / overhead13%
Fundraising6%
Salaries & benefits$10.49M
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$12.85M
Cash$2.60M
Investments$847K
Liabilities$3.06M
Net assets$9.79M
Liquid reserves2.9 mo
5 years on record · 2019–2023 · YoY revenue -1.1%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2023
Who runs it
paid leadership · 5
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| DANIEL HART | PRESIDENT/EXECUTIVE DIRECT | 40 | $342K |
| ARTHUR CHOOI | CONCERT MASTER | 40 | $165K |
| JENNIFER BARBEE | DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT | 40 | $146K |
| KEVIN JAMES CPA | V.P. OF FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION | 40 | $133K |
| TRAVIS ESTES | VICE PRESIDENT, MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS | 40 | $115K |
board members · 20
- ALLAN C RIPLEY — EX-OFFICIO
- ANNE CONABLE — VICE CHAIR
- BRENDA FELDSTEIN — TRUSTEE
- CHRISTINE STANDISH — TRUSTEE
- CORINNE RICE — TRUSTEE
- DAVID STARK — TRUSTEE
- DIANA SACHS — TRUSTEE
- ERIN PERADOTTO TERHAAR — TRUSTEE
- FILIPE PEREIRA — TRUSTEE
- HENRY WARD — TRUSTEE
- JOANN FALLETTA — EX-OFFICIO
- JOHN YURTCHUK — TRUSTEE
- JOHN ZAK — TREASURER
- JONATHAN BORDAN — TRUSTEE
- JOSEPH SEDITA — TRUSTEE
- KAREN SAXON — TRUSTEE
- KAREN SPERRAZZA — TRUSTEE
- KYLE MORGAN — TRUSTEE
- MARK HODGES — TRUSTEE
- MATT LOW — TRUSTEE
relationships · 11
Who they work with
- Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus Partner — Collaborates with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra in performances.
- Carolyn and John Yurtchuk Partner — Sponsored the Opening Night Concert and Gala.
- Disney Concerts Partner — Licensed presentation partner for the live-to-film performance of _Coco_.
- Education Department Partner — Coordinates school-time and weekend concert access for K-12 student groups.
- Fredonia Chamber Choir Partner — Participates in joint performances with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.
- Friends of the BPO Partner — Volunteer organization that supports the BPO by staffing and organizing roles such as Shuttle Attendants, Drivers, and Gift Shop Attendants, and by hosting fundraising events.
- Group Sales Department Partner — Facilitates weekend concert access and group pricing for college student groups.
- Kleinhans Music Hall Partner — Hosts the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra's box office at its venue.
- Kleinhans Music Hall Partner — Primary performance venue for BPO concerts
- Laura Papit Partner — Group ticket contact person for reservations and inquiries
- MT Bank Partner — Presenting sponsor of the Pops Series.
strategies · 3
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Cultural Enrichment Through Integrated Performance and Educationmethodology: cultural_enrichment_through_performance_and_educationBy combining professional symphonic performances with youth-focused artistic education, the organization advances cultural enrichment in the community because sustained exposure to high-quality music fosters broader appreciation and long-term audience development.
- Immersive Concert Experiencemethodology: immersive-concert-experienceBy designing concerts that create shared, transcendent moments, the orchestra elevates audience members beyond everyday life, fostering emotional connection and deeper engagement with orchestral music because such experiences are perceived as transformative and memorable.
- Youth Engagement Through Access and Experiencemethodology: student-engagement-through-access-and-experienceBy offering low-cost or flexible access to concerts combined with supplemental engagement opportunities like meet-and-greets and newsletters, the orchestra increases student participation in symphonic music because accessible and personalized experiences lower barriers and build lasting connection.