Aug 01, 2025
A special performance by the Grammy-winning Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, under the direction of renowned conductor JoAnn Falletta, will officially launch the 30th anniversary celebration of St. Bonaventure University’s Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts and open its 2025-2026 Exhibition and Performing Arts Season on Sunday, Sept. 21.

The celebration begins at 1 p.m. with the reopening of all five of the Quick Center’s galleries — Front, Kenney, Dresser, Beltz and Laine — featuring fresh exhibitions that reflect the Center’s commitment to artistic excellence, education, and cultural connection. 

Highlights include a behind-the-scenes look at children’s book illustration by Dr. Heather Harris, new works by realist painters Barbara Fox and Mikel Wintermantel, and the premiere of the Laine Immersion Arts Exhibition, which showcases the powerful digital work of Seneca artist Carson Waterman. A new narrated audio tour, featuring commentary by longtime SBU theater professor Ed. Simone, will debut in the Beltz Gallery.

At 3 p.m., the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra will perform in the Quick Center’s Rigas Theater, launching the 2025-2026 Performing Arts Season in grand fashion. Since its founding in 1935, the BPO has proudly served as Buffalo’s cultural ambassador. Under the direction of Falletta, the orchestra continues to uphold its legacy of musical excellence and community engagement.

The Quick Center has served as a vibrant cultural hub since its opening in 1995, offering world-class visual and performing arts experiences to audiences of all ages.

“Our 30th anniversary season is a vibrant tapestry of art, music and performance that truly has something for everyone,” said Rachel Harris, executive director of the Quick Center. “I’m thrilled to invite the entire community to join us in celebrating this special milestone.”

Highlights of the 2025-2026 season include:

• Sunday, Sept. 21:
  • 1 p.m.: All five of the Quick Center galleries reopen with new exhibitions. 
  • 3 p.m.: The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by JoAnn Falletta.
• Friday, Oct. 17, 7:30 p.m.: Robert Grayson and Paul Groves Studio present the passion and drama of Puccini in a stirring vocal performance.
• Friday, Dec. 5, 7:30 p.m.: The Southern Tier Symphony returns with a bold, brass-filled holiday concert.
• Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, 7:30 p.m.: The Galvin Cello Quartet showcases the expressive range of the cello through new works from diverse cultural traditions.
• Friday, March 13, 2026, 7:30 p.m.: Pianist Willis Delony, a leading classical/jazz crossover artist, collaborates with top regional jazz musicians.
• Friday, April 17 and Saturday, April 18, 2026, 7:30 p.m.: The Kenan Center Troupe performs the fast-paced comedy “Shakespeare Abridged.”
• Friday, April 24, 2026, 7:30 p.m.: A grand finale gala featuring Grammy-nominated, Olean-born vocalist Calabria Foti, complete with a silent auction, dessert bar and dancing.