In a captivating display of musical collaboration, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra are set to embark on a remarkable exchange program. The music directors of these two renowned ensembles, JoAnn Falletta and Andreas Delfs, will trade places, leading each other's orchestras in special performances that promise to captivate audiences and push the boundaries of orchestral artistry.

Bridging the Musical Divide: A Unique Orchestral Collaboration

Swapping Podiums, Sharing Passions

The upcoming "I-90 Swap" event, as it has been dubbed, will see JoAnn Falletta, the music director of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, and Andreas Delfs, the music director of the Rochester Philharmonic, trade places for a series of special programs. This unprecedented exchange will not only allow the two conductors to explore new musical territories but also provide audiences with a rare glimpse into the artistic visions of these esteemed maestros.

Concertmasters Take Center Stage

Accompanying the conductors in this exchange are the concertmasters of the respective orchestras, Nikki Chooi of the Buffalo Philharmonic and Juliana Athayde of the Rochester Philharmonic. These virtuoso violinists will also trade places, showcasing their exceptional talents and adding an extra layer of excitement to the performances.

Exploring Diverse Musical Landscapes

The programs curated for this exchange promise to be a captivating blend of familiar and unfamiliar works. In Rochester, the audience will be treated to a performance of Persian composer Behzad Ranjbaran's hypnotic Concerto for Violin and Orchestra, with Nikki Chooi as the soloist. Meanwhile, in Buffalo, the program will feature a modern violin concerto with an intensely personal backstory, commissioned by Andreas Delfs in memory of his late daughter.

Fostering Artistic Collaboration and Growth

This unique exchange not only celebrates the artistic excellence of the Buffalo Philharmonic and Rochester Philharmonic but also serves as a testament to the power of collaboration and cross-pollination in the world of classical music. By stepping outside their familiar environments, the conductors and concertmasters will have the opportunity to challenge themselves, explore new interpretations, and gain fresh perspectives on their craft.

Bridging the Geographic Divide

Despite the relatively short distance of 75 miles or 80 minutes between Buffalo and Rochester, the two orchestras have not often had the chance to "get together" in a meaningful way. The "I-90 Swap" event, named after the New York State Thruway that connects the two cities, aims to bridge this geographic divide and foster a deeper connection between the two musical communities.

A Shared Passion for Musical Excellence

At the heart of this exchange lies a shared passion for musical excellence and a desire to push the boundaries of orchestral performance. By trading places, the conductors and concertmasters will not only showcase their individual talents but also inspire and learn from one another, ultimately enriching the musical experiences of their respective audiences.

A Celebration of Orchestral Artistry

The "I-90 Swap" event is a testament to the power of orchestral music to transcend geographical boundaries and bring communities together. As the Buffalo Philharmonic and Rochester Philharmonic orchestras come together in this unique exchange, they invite audiences to join them on a captivating journey of musical exploration and appreciation.