The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra began its new season on a musical high note and with a surprise from one of its largest benefactors.
Dr. Angelo Fatta and his wife, Carol, created an endowment with the BPO that funds the music director position, now held by the acclaimed JoAnn Falletta.
Fatta made the announcement late Saturday at a private reception that included guest star Renee Fleming. This marks the first time in recent years that the music director‘s post has been endowed.
With the Fatta gift, the BPO endowment is now more than $32 million when less than eight years ago, it stood at $9 million.
“We wanted to do this to do our part to maintain this jewel we call the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra,” Fatta said.
The exact amount of he endowment was not disclosed.
“JoAnn has made such a difference,” Fatta said.