News

Opera lovers: grab your calendars!

On Monday, September 20, Maestro Floriano will produce the Mercury Opera Rochester Gala, held at Geva Theatre Center in Rochester, New York. Last year’s gala was a wonderful evening and rousing success – don’t miss it! Details to be announced.

Following the gala, Maestro Floriano will be conducting Pirates of Penzance, the award-winning comic opera by the legendary W.S. Gilbert (libretto) and Arthur Sullivan (music) for Mercury Opera Rochester, September 24 through 26 at the state-of-the-art Penfield High School theater. The cast includes the professional roster of Kathryn Cowdrick (faculty at Eastman School of Music) as “Ruth,” Evan Jones (last seen as Figaro in MOR's 2008 production of The Barber of Sevile) as “Pirate King,” and John Davies (Syracuse Opera) as “Major General.” Accompanied by the internationally renowned Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Floriano is sure to bring his trademark style and passion to this production! Stay tuned for ticket information.

Maestro Floriano to lead Conductor's Institute at Opera Viva

Upon completion of the Greater Buffalo Youth Orchestra’s tour, Gerard continues his European immersion when he assumes directorship of the Conductor’s Institute at Opera Viva di Verona, in Verona, Italy - a three-week seminar for advanced young singers, conductors and accompanists.

Against the backdrop of ‘fair Verona’, and under Gerard’s tutelage, the students study several opera scores with a keen eye toward operatic conducting technique, rehearsal techniques and preparation, coaching of singers, working with a rehearsal pianist and the overall preparation of an operatic performance. As a result, the student conductors will prepare and conduct the student singers in the sure-to-be splendid public performances. For more information on Opera Viva di Verona, please visit http://italyoperaviva.com/index.html.

Interview on WBJC Baltimore

Listen to a radio interview on Baltimore's WBJC about Dr. Gerard Floriano and the Greater Buffalo Youth Orchestra.

[Click the "►" button above to listen to this interview.]

Greater Buffalo Youth Orchestra concert tour of central Europe

In an exciting summer endeavor, Gerard leads the Greater Buffalo Youth Orchestra on a concert tour through Europe, June 28 through July 7. Planned for April, and thwarted by the travel-halting Icelandic volcano, Eyjafjallajokull, the orchestra’s tour was rescheduled thanks in part to many Buffalo area organizations – including the Chamber of Music Society of Buffalo – who donated funds to defray the cancellation fees. Under Gerard’s award-winning baton the orchestra will perform in many of the premier performance halls throughout Europe: Grosse Aula der Universitat in Salzburg, Musikverein in Vienna and Dvořák Hall – home of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra - in Prague. The program features pieces of international renown, including: Mendelssohn's "Fingal's Cave Overture,” Smetena's "The Moldau,” Gershwin's "An American in Paris,” Dvorak's 8th Symphony and Copland's "Hoe Down.”

Side by Side with Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and Greater Buffalo Youth Orchestra

Grab the family or enjoy the program solo! On March 15, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra is joined by the Greater Buffalo Youth Orchestra, side by side, for a performance of Gustav Holst’s “The Planets” and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6 “Pathetique” – two pieces sure to please the entire crowd, no matter the age. This musical evening is led by Greater Buffalo Youth Orchestra maestro Gerard Floriano, assisted by BPO Associate Conductor Matt Kraemer; the two orchestras are joined by the Hamburg High School Women’s Choir, under the direction of Norm Zogaib.

The Hottest Ticket in Town! Geneseo Chamber Singers Tour New York

Don’t miss the dulcet choral tones of the Geneseo Chamber Singers, coming soon to a performance space near you! From March 6th through 13th, the co-ed choral group – under the baton of Maestro Floriano – brings works by Eric Whitacre, Dominick Argento, Felix Mendelssohn, Anton Bruckner, Salamone Rossi, Moses Hogan and Hall Johnson to the following areas: Geneseo, NY [Central Presbyterian Church]; Buffalo, NY [Blessed Trinity Church]; Utica, NY [Grace Church]; New York City, NY [St. George’s Episcopal Church.] Click below for links to performance locations. All performances are free of charge. http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&tab=wl http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&tab=wl http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&tab=wl http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&tab=wl

Rare Performance of Original Rossini Work featuring Geneseo Festival Chorus

Please join the Geneseo Festival Chorus, a co-ed choral group of students and community singers, in this rarely heard performance of Rossini’s "Petitte Messe Solennelle.”A late work in the composer’s output, this original version of Rossini’s work is unique in its construction for two pianos and harmonium. Led by Dr. Gerard Floriano, this performance is not to be missed!

Professor Poof’s Magical Musical Ride Delights All

In November 2010, a large and enthusiastic audience of 2nd through 6th graders from the Ken-Ton School District, near Buffalo, NY, was treated to a unique theater-going experience: Professor Poof's Magical Musical Ride, an original children’s concert conceived for the stage by Dr. Gerard Floriano. Featuring lively characters, vibrant costumes, dancers, magical stage-craft and theatrical surprises, this original work was brought to musical life by the Greater Buffalo Youth Orchestra to great cheers and applause. Stay tuned for a dynamic audio/video montage of program highlights!