Concert Review: The BPO’s 90th Anniversary

November 9, 2024, Kleinhans Music Hall

1935 was an eventful year. Parker Brothers introduced “Monopoly,” RADAR was first demonstrated, a “Black Sunday” Dust Bowl storm ravaged the high plains, and Hitler ordered German rearmament in violation of The Treaty of Versailles.

L-R (1) Original advertisement for “Monopoly,” (2) Prototype for first RADAR instruments, (3) “Black Sunday” dust storm, Dodge City, Kansas, (4) Cartoon by David Low, Evening Standard (London), 1935.

The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra’s first official concert on Thursday, November 7, 1935 took place on a cool, dry evening, nearly identical to the that of the BPO’s 90th Anniversary Celebration (November 9, 2024) at Kleinhans Music Hall.

The 1935 concert included Beethoven’s Overture to Goethe’s play “Egmont,”Claude Debussy’s “Three Nocturnes,” and Brahms’ Symphony No. 3 in F Major, Op. 90. The BPO recreated that program Saturday night before a well-attended Kleinhans Music Hall.

The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, November 7, 1935 led by Lajos Shuk. © Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.