Francis (2026) World Premiere – Richard Danielpour

An oratorio in nine scenes for soprano, baritone, narrator, chorus, and orchestra Sister Margaret Carney, OSF, STD, librettist JoAnn Falletta, conductor Claudia Christian, narrator Anna Schubert, soprano Edward Nelson, baritone James Darrah, director Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus Members of the UCLA Chorus James Bass, director RICHARD DANIELPOUR Francis (2026) World Premiere – Richard Danielpour An oratorio in nine scenes for soprano, baritone, narrator, chorus, and orchestra Be part of a major artistic milestone as the BPO presents the world premiere of Richard Danielpour’s Francis, a new oratorio created on a grand scale for orchestra, chorus, soloists, and narration for the 800th Jubilee Year of St. Francis’ death. Led by JoAnn Falletta, the performance brings together Sister Margaret Carney’s libretto, Claudia Christian as narrator, and the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus joined by members of the UCLA Chorus. This is music built for the full power of the concert hall, blending sweeping sound with intimate reflection in a story shaped by faith, compassion, and shared humanity.