Francis: An Oratorio in Nine Scenes

WORLD PREMIERE Inspired by the life of St. Francis of Assisi, marking the 800th anniversary of his death. Sister Margaret Carney, OSF, STD, librettist JoAnn Falletta, conductor Claudia Christian, narrator Anna Schubert, soprano Edward Nelson, baritone Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus Vernon Huff, BPC music director Fredonia Chamber Choir RICHARD DANIELPOUR Francis (2026) World Premiere – Richard Danielpour An oratorio in nine scenes for soprano, baritone, narrator, chorus, and orchestra Experience a major world premiere as the BPO brings Richard Danielpour’s Francis to life—an expansive new oratorio inspired by the life of St. Francis of Assisi, marking the 800th anniversary of his death. Blending orchestra, chorus, soloists, and narration, this work explores compassion, humanity, and the search for meaning through a story that continues to resonate today. Led by JoAnn Falletta, this large-scale work brings together orchestra, chorus, soloists, and narration in a deeply expressive exploration of compassion, transformation, and shared humanity. With a libretto by Sister Margaret Carney and featuring Claudia Christian as narrator, the performance unites the BPO and the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus in a powerful collaboration. Both sweeping in sound and intimate in reflection, Francis is written for the full resonance of the concert hall—an experience that invites us to consider what it means to live with purpose, empathy, and connection in our own time.