The Buffalo Philharmonic Offers Early Access to Six of Its Concerts

On Thursday, July 17, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra will offer the public a chance to lock in their favorite seats to six of the season's highlights.

Tickets will be available early to:

• The Sept. 27 opening of the Pops series with Matthew Morrison
• The Oct. 1 Dark Secrets: Bluebeard and Chihuly special event
• The Nov. 7 Music of Led Zeppelin show
• The Dec. 10 performance by Celtic Thunder
• The Dec. 19-21 BlueCross Blue ShieldHoliday Pops concerts featuring Sal Andolina's Big Band and vocalist James Torme
• The March 14 BPO debut of Broadway sensation Megan Hilty.

Matthew Morrison made his national reputation as the eternally optimistic teacher on "Glee," but is also a dedicated Broadway performer, with major roles in shows like "Hairspray" and "The Light in the Piazza." On the heels of his successful June PBS special "Where It All Began," he opens the BPO's 2014-15 Pops Series with his own spin on the Broadway music that gave him his start.

Bela Bartok's psychological thriller opera "Bluebeard's Castle" has been given an extra dimension with a set designed by internationally renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. On Oct. 1, the BPO will become only the third orchestra in America to stage this version of "Bluebeard's Castle." JoAnn Falletta will lead the orchestra in this opening of the Know the Score series. In addition to the tickets on sale for $29, a $75 VIP package provides patrons with an intimate look at the set, reserved seating for the concert, a drink ticket for the post-concert reception, and a book on the works of Chihuly.

The Music of Led Zeppelin has sold out previous shows at the BPO. The symphonic tribute to one of rock's most original and enduringly popular bands returns on Nov. 7. Brent Havens is on the podium, and Randy Jackson provides vocals for this ultimate classic rock show.

Celtic Thunder has brought the music of the Emerald Isle to audiences worldwide. On Dec. 10, the singing sensation swings through Buffalo on their first-ever symphonic tour. Titled "Christmas Voices," the concert is a blend of Irish favorites, traditional carols, and Celtic Thunder's signature hits.

Holiday Pops will swing this season, as James Torme, son of "The Velvet Fog" Mel Torme, joins the orchestra in celebrating the spirit of the holidays. BPO clarinetist Sal Andolina will bring his Big Band to add extra pizzazz to an already sparkling concert. This popular program will be presented four times: at 10:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19; at 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20; and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21. Complimentary coffee and donuts will be available before the Friday morning concert.

Megan Hilty vaulted into the national spotlight with a two-season run as aspiring Broadway star Ivy Lynn on television's "Smash," but she had plenty of real-life experience to bring to the role, having starred as Glinda in "Wicked" and as Doralee Rhodes in "9 to 5: The Musical." She makes her BPO debut on March 14under the baton of New York Pops conductor Steven Reineke.

Since the season was announced in February, concert tickets had been available solely by purchasing a subscription. These six concerts will now be available for individual sale, in addition to being part of subscription packages, which offer patrons many benefits, including the most flexible ticket exchange program in Western New York. Individual tickets to the rest of the BPO's 2014-15 season will be available to non-subscribers beginning August 9.

For subscription packages or tickets to these events, call the BPO Box Office at(716) 885-5000 or visit bpo.org.