INFORMance Concert Focuses On Intimacy and a Non-Typical Orchestra Experience
Posted on Monday, February 8th, 2010
by charlie
Joseph doing his thing
One way the BPO is trying to attract a younger demographic is their upcoming INFORMance show on Thursday, Feb. 11 at 5:30 p.m. This informal experience begins with a cocktail hour and offers an up-close concert with the BPO, involving commentary and interaction not usually seen in a performance. Think VH1’s Storytellers, but right in our own backyard.
The man leading this unique event is Joseph Young , a League of American Conducting Fellow who started his work with the BPO this year. Joseph is the first graduate of this prestigious program to develop talented conductors early in their career. At only 27 years old, he has already conducted the Buffalo Philharmonic in many concerts and hones his craft under the tutelage of our exceptional music director, JoAnn Falletta.
BC: Why should a young professional come see INFORMance?
JY: It offers a chance to experience a Buffalo Philharmonic performance with other fun, young classical music lovers. But it also allows the skeptics of classical music to experience it in a non-threatening setting. I know we have a large number of young people in Buffalo who have a strong interest in the arts. Some are clearly looking for a social network of other like-minded individuals that they can share this interest and have fun in the process.
INFORMance is a great way to start. It’s also a perfect time to unwind. Before the concert, around 5:30 in the Kleinhans lobby, will have free appetizers throughout the night while the bar stays open throughout the performance for happy hour. It the perfect time where people may be getting off work and want to socialize with colleagues or make new friends.
BC: What’s something different a person will see at this show?
JY: It’s part reception, part concert; but the same great music. Just in a casual informal atmosphere.
We hardly get to hear our musicians speak about their experience as musician in Buffalo and music. Before Glenn Einschlag performs a solo, he will casually share some background on the piece and life with the BPO.
BC: What’s one thing a typical person might not know about a conductor?
JY: First, unlike the “Seinfeld” episode, all conductors don’t like to be called Maestro all the time.
Also, a conductor spends 95 percent of their time alone studying music and 5 percent actually working with their instrument: the Orchestra. That’s why I am so grateful to be here working with the BPO to master my craft.
BC: What are your favorite places to eat and go to in Buffalo?
JY: Oh I’m trying to check out all of Buffalo. I do enjoy Pearl Street Brewery on game nights, although I haven’t been to a Hockey game yet. Pano’s and Fiddle Heads are turning into my favorite restaurants. I like to hang out in Elmwood Village at the various coffee shop or eateries. That is where I do a lot of my studying.
BC: What other types of music do you listen to, besides classical?
JY:
I have a full iPod. Jazz, I’m big on Bobby McFerrin right now, Gordon Goodwin, Big Phat Band
. For pop, Black Eye Peas usually keeps me pumped up and I like the 1990s sound of Dragonette
Opera (but I guess that’s classical).
I really listen to everything. My iPod usually stays on shuffle unless I am listening to a classical piece.
BC: Where are you from originally?
JY:
I am from Charleston, South Carolina and this is the furthest north I have ever been!
BC: How do you like living in Allentown?
JY: I love it. I have almost everything I need in walking distance. And I feel like I am always where the party is!
To purchase tickets for this exciting show, visit the Buffalo Niagara Partnership Web site or call 541-1770. Tickets in advance are $10, and $15 at the door the day of event. Visit bpo.org
for more information.
