Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus Inc

The BPC is a non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the Western New York region through the performance of high-quality, diverse musical programs and developing singers in the choral arts. The BPC is the winner of the 2020 GRAMMY® award for Best Choral Performance for their recording of Richard Danielpour's The Passion of Yeshua with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and conductor JoAnn Falletta. With a roster of over 140 singers, the BPC is frequently heard as the principal guest chorus of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.

What began in 1937 as the Buffalo Schola Cantorum became the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus in 1992 to reflect its close association with the BPO, and to clarify its mission to the public. Founder Jessamine E. Long led the group until 1945 when she was succeeded by a progression of noteworthy musicians, including Cameron Baird and the twenty-two year leadership of Thomas Swan. Now the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus makes various guest appearances throughout the region and produces self-sponsored concerts such as our annual performance of Handel’s Messiah that takes place at Our Lady of Victory Basilica and, most recently, St. Mary's of Swormville.

The BPC participates in a number of community service events throughout the season including the Martin Luther King Celebration and the Daemen College graduation, both held at Kleinhans Music Hall. In the past, the BPC has participated in musical celebrations of Hispanic Heritage month, alongside the Hispanic Heritage Council of Western New York, Curtain Up!, and the Elmwood Arts Festival, and has performed with various area choruses including the Buffalo Niagara Youth Chorus, the Buffalo Gay Men’s Chorus, Finger Lakes Choral Festival, and the Rochester Oratorio Society. On average, the BPC participates in 15 concerts each year – many of which have multiple performances. Education initiatives also include our Aspiring Artists program that engages high school singers from throughout the WNY area and continuing music education virtual master classes.

The Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus is an independent symphonic chorus whose mission is to provide the highest quality performances of choral music to the Western New York community while developing singers in the choral arts, through self-sponsored concerts, and as the primary choral partner of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.