KeyBank to Sponsor Buffalo Philharmonic Pops Series

The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra's Pops Series will now be known as the KeyBank Pops Series. Key Private Bank previously sponsored the 2015-16 season of the BPO Rocks series. The announcement was made at the Bisons' Independence Eve event, also sponsored by KeyBank, which featured a post-game performance by the BPO.

"At KeyBank, we believe focused, meaningful investments and sponsorships throughout the Greater Buffalo area help the city thrive and bring its surrounding communities to life," said Gary Quenneville, New York regional executive and Buffalo Market president, KeyBank. "This is why we are so proud to continue our longstanding support of the BPO by sponsoring the KeyBank Pops Series. BPO is truly one of our region's most cherished cultural institutions, and the Pops Series is a tremendous source of community spirit and pride."

"KeyBank's sponsorship will be a great benefit to the orchestra. With the hiring of John Morris Russell as Principal Pops Conductor and this sponsorship, we are truly moving forward into a new era with our Pops Series, and we're excited about the possibilities this opens up for us," said BPO Executive Director Daniel Hart.

The 2016-17 KeyBank Pops Series opens on Sept. 24 with The Music of John Williams, led by Russell, who is also the conductor of the Cincinnati Pops.Other series highlights include performances by New York Voices, a Carole King tribute with Liz Callaway, John Morris Russell's Holiday Pops, and The Midtown Men featuring original cast members of the smash hit musical "Jersey Boys." Subscriptions to the series are available now; individual tickets will go on sale on Aug. 13. For more information about the series, visit bpo.org.

As Buffalo's cultural ambassador, the Grammy Award-winning Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra under the leadership of music director JoAnn Falletta presents more than 100 concerts each year. Since 1940, the orchestra's home has been Kleinhans Music Hall, a National Historic Landmark with a reputation as one of the finest concert halls in the United States. During the tenure of JoAnn Falletta, the BPO has rekindled its history of radio broadcasts and recordings, including the release of 37 new recordings on the Naxos and Beau Fleuve labels. For more information about the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, visit www.bpo.org.