By: Clémence Burg
Buffalo's philharmonic hall is magnificent, with an excellent sound system, and their concert, “The Sound of Cinema,” rediscovered the film music we all know. From the very first bars, it was clear this was going to be an exceptional evening. The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, under the masterful direction of its conductor, delivered a performance of rare intensity, where virtuosity and sensitivity intertwined to offer a pure moment of musical grace.
The program, skilfully constructed, transported the audience through sonic landscapes of unprecedented richness. The strings, both velvety and incisive, made every note vibrate with poignant emotion, while the woodwinds brought an airy, almost unreal sweetness. But it was undoubtedly the brass section that surprised and amazed the audience. Powerful without ever being intrusive, it added a striking dramatic depth to the ensemble.
The conductor, with his precise, inspired gestures, infused the ensemble with a spellbinding dynamic, transforming each movement into a living fresco in which every nuance found its place. The crescendos were carried with unfailing mastery, and the silences themselves seemed inhabited by a vibrant tension. The osmosis between the musicians was palpable, revealing a complicity that went far beyond mere technical execution. As the last notes faded, the emotion in the hall was alive, as if the audience had a moment together. The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra proved once again that it is much more than an exceptional ensemble: it is a transmitter of emotions, an inexhaustible source of beauty and wonder, and an unforgettable evening, which will remain engraved in my memory.
And I'll tell you a secret, they even had a rendition of a Wicked song we all know very well! This evening is the first of many thanks to this little tip that I discovered as soon as I arrived in Buffalo. For students, there's the possibility of taking out a pass for just $29, which gives you access to all the season's performances!