BUFFALO, NY – Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera announced today that he secured $26,000 in state grant funding to host an historic, free, 716 Day performance by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra (BPO) at Front Park on Wednesday, July 16 at 7 p.m.

The concert, part of the BPO’s annual “Summer Series,” will mark the first time in the orchestra’s storied history that it performs with a full orchestra in Front Park, one of Buffalo’s most iconic green spaces across from the opulent arches of the Peace Bridge. The state funding secured for the performance will aid the BPO’s logistical and talent costs.

The event is being presented in partnership with the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy, which plays a vital role in maintaining and enhancing the city’s historic park system. The Conservancy is the first nonprofit organization in the nation to manage and operate an entire historic urban park system that consists of 850 acres of beautifully designed parks, parkways and circles, which include Front Park, Cazenovia Park, Delaware Park, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, Riverside Park, and South Park.

For youth on the West Side who may not have ready access to classical music performances, the BPO’s 716 Day concert will be extremely beneficial.

In 2014, a comprehensive study by the University of Kansas analyzed data from over 6,000 students. The findings showed that those engaged in music education outperformed their peers in key academic areas. This included grade-point averages, graduation rates, and standardized test scores like the ACT. This study also noted that music students were more engaged and attended school more regularly.

This concert will also continue Assemblymember Rivera’s continued commitment to supporting family-friendly, inclusive programming across the West Side and throughout his district. By bringing the BPO into Front Park, a beloved gathering space for generations of residents, the event blends Buffalo’s rich artistic heritage with the beauty and accessibility of its Olmsted-designed parks.

The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra Summer Series is a cherished Western New York tradition, offering a mix of free and ticketed performances at venues throughout the region. The series highlights a wide range of musical selections—from classical masterworks and movie soundtracks to Broadway favorites and jazz standards.

Over 42,000 people attend the Summer Series annually, and the BPO averages nine free community concerts each summer.

The 716 Day concert at Front Park will feature portions of the musical scores from such beloved films as Beauty and the Beast, How to Train Your Dragon, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, and West Side Story.

The performance is expected to draw families, music lovers, and park enthusiasts alike. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs, and picnic supplies to enjoy an unforgettable evening of music beneath the summer sky. In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be held the following evening on Thursday, July 17.

The concert is free and open to the public, but attendees are encouraged to register at https://tinyurl.com/y8jryxdd

For a full schedule of BPO Summer Series performances, visit the BPO web site.

Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera said, “I’m incredibly proud to have secured state funding to make this special performance possible. This concert will not only mark a historic first for the BPO, but it will also bring neighbors together on the West Side to celebrate 716 Day, enjoy world-class music, and appreciate the beauty and significance of one of our city’s most treasured parks. It’s the kind of accessible, family-friendly programming that every neighborhood deserves.”

Daniel Hart, Executive Director of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, said, “We’re thrilled to bring the BPO to Front Park for the first time in our history, and deeply grateful to Assemblymember Rivera for making it possible. Our Summer Series is rooted in the belief that everyone in our community deserves access to live symphonic music. Thanks to this support, we’re able to share an unforgettable evening of music in one of Buffalo’s most beloved parks on a day that celebrates everything that makes Buffalo unique.”

Catie Stephenson, Executive Director of the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy, said, “Having the BPO at Front Park is such a highlight of our summer at the parks, and we encourage our neighbors from across the City of Buffalo to join us at Front Park on 716 Day! Our Olmsted crew is working hard every day to ensure your parks are well-cared for, and we hope that you would come out and enjoy the fruits of their labor. We are grateful to Assemblymember Rivera and Wegmans for their continued support of our historic green spaces.”