June in Buffalo
Nicholas Isherwood performing at June in Buffalo. Photographer: Douglas Levere
June in Buffalo is a prestigious festival and conference dedicated to contemporary composers, hosted annually at the University at Buffalo. With over 40 years of history, it has become a cornerstone of modern music, providing an unparalleled platform for composers to refine their craft, collaborate with peers and showcase their work.
Learn about:
June in Buffalo 2025 will be fully in-person and held at the University at Buffalo North Campus from Sunday, June 1–Saturday, June 7, 2025.
June in Buffalo participants engage in a rigorous schedule that includes:
- Seminars, Lectures and Workshops: Led by world-renowned faculty composers and guest artists.
- Professional Presentations: Gain insights into the latest trends and techniques in contemporary music.
- Participant Forums and Open Rehearsals: Collaborate with professional ensembles and receive feedback.
- Concerts Open to the Public: Afternoon and evening performances by faculty composers, resident ensembles, and internationally acclaimed soloists.
Highlights:
- Each invited composer has the opportunity to have one of their pieces performed during the festival.
- Evening concerts feature celebrated faculty, guest composers, and ensembles, showcasing the forefront of contemporary music interpretation.
Whether you're a composer, performer, or enthusiast, June in Buffalo offers a dynamic and immersive experience that celebrates innovation and artistry in contemporary music.
Announcing the 2025 distinguished senior composers and resident ensembles:
Senior Composers:
Resident Ensembles:
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6:30 p.m.
Opening concert
Participant composers perform their original solo works.
Location: Baird Recital Hall, 250 Baird Hall
10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Composer lecture:
George Lewis
Location: Baird Recital Hall, 250 Baird Hall
4 p.m.
Workshop:
The Contemporary Saxophone: An Overview & Demonstration for Composers
Sax workshop for composers with Kyle Hutchins
Location: Baird Recital Hall, 250 Baird Hall
7:30 p.m.
Concert:
Solo works performed by pianist Eric Huebner
June in Buffalo composers George Lewis, David Sanford, and Andrew Nixon, along with works by Roger Reynolds, Leah Muir, and György Ligeti.
Location: Lippes Concert Hall, Slee Hall
10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Composer lecture:
Karola Obermüller
Location: Baird Recital Hall, 250 Baird Hall
4 p.m.
Concert:
Meridian Arts Ensemble
Works by senior and participant composers for brass quintet, including the world premiere of Peter Gilbert’s "A Rift Becomes a River" and George Lewis’s "Tightrope" (2023)
Location: Baird Recital Hall, 250 Baird Hall
7:30 p.m.
Concert:
Slee Sinfonietta
Conducted by James Baker
Large ensemble works by June in Buffalo senior and participant composers, including David Sanford’s Chamber Concerto No. 5.
Location: Lippes Concert Hall, Slee Hall
10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Composer lecture:
Jonathan Golove
June in Buffalo artistic director
Location: Baird Recital Hall, 250 Baird Hall
4 p.m.
Concert:
Members of the Slee Sinfonietta
Solo and chamber works by June in Buffalo composers
Location: Baird Recital Hall, 250 Baird Hall
7:30 p.m.
Concert:
[Switch~ Ensemble]
Conducted by Wei-Han Wu, with soprano Tiffany Du Mouchelle
Ensemble works by June in Buffalo composers, including George Lewis’s "Anthem," David Sanford’s "Grace Canticles," and Peter Gilbert’s "Meditation upon the Awakening."
Location: Lippes Concert Hall, Slee Hall
10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Composer lecture:
Ming Tsao
The recently appointed Birge-Cary Chair in Music Composition in the Department of Music
Solos and chamber works by June in Buffalo composers
Location: Baird Recital Hall, 250 Baird Hall
4 p.m.
Concert:
[Switch~ Ensemble]
Conducted by Wei Han
Ensemble works by June in Buffalo composers, featuring Ming Tsao’s "Canon" (2001) and "Dritte Stimme zu Bachs zweistimmigen Rätselkanons" (2023. US premiere).
Location: Baird Recital Hall, 250 Baird Hall
7:30 p.m.
Concert:
Composer’s Cabaret Improvisation Ensemble
Location: Baird B1, Baird Hall (basement)
10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Composer lecture:
David Sanford
Location: Baird Recital Hall, 250 Baird Hall
2–5:30 p.m.
Concert:
Music of Morton Feldman
"For Christian Wolff," performed by flutist Lihuen Sirvent and pianist James Falzone
Location: Baird Recital Hall, 250 Baird Hall
Note: Unusual start time of 2 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
Concert:
Meridian Arts Ensemble
Works by June in Buffalo composers, including David Sanford’s "Credo" (2021)
Location: Lippes Concert Hall, Slee Hall
10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Composer lecture:
Peter Gilbert
Location: Baird Recital Hall, 250 Baird Hall
2:30 p.m.
concert:
Slee Sinfonietta
Conducted by James Baker, with soprano Tiffany Du Mouchelle
Works by June in Buffalo senior composers Ming Tsao, George Lewis, and Karola Obermüller’s "Bridges to Ruth" (2024), along with works by June in Buffalo participant composers
Reception to follow concert
Location: Lippes Concert Hall, Slee Hall
6 p.m.
Festival bonus concert:
Metropolis Ensemble
New works by UB composers
Location: Silo City, 85 Silo City Row, Buffalo, NY 14203