Francis: A New Oratorio by Richard Danielpour

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 James Darrah, director Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus Members of the UCLA Chorus James Bass, director 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 Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus and members of the UCLA Chorus in a powerful collaboration.