Who we are

Avanti is a group of dedicated musicians ranging from amateur to professional. Together we form an ensemble, whose repertoire spans the Baroque through the Modern. Avanti is also dedicated to aiding in the development of young local soloists and composers.

The Avanti Orchestra and Chorus was formed in 2023 with our first concert in February 2024 featuring Vivaldi’s Gloria, Bach Cantata No. 48, Sleep by University at Buffalo student composer Jonathan Rainous, and Boyce Symphony No. 1. Our season continued with the choir alone performing in March and the orchestra performing alone in April.

Avanti’s second season (2024/25) had 5 concerts, one of which was repeated for a total of 6 concerts. Three of those concerts was in collaboration with several WNY choirs. In December INCIPIO joined us for the Ballad of the Brown King by Margaret Bonds and Saint-Saëns’ Christmas Oratorio. In April we were joined by the UB Chamber Singers under the direction of Claudia Brown for Bach Cantata No. 79 and The Altar by Buffalo-based composer Roland E. Martin. Our season-closer on June 1st was with the St. Louis Choir under the direction of Frank Scinta and the Saint John Paul II Schola Cantorum for Schubert’s Mass No. 2 in G and a Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis, also by Roland Martin - newly orchestrated for us to premier, having been originally scored for chorus with organ only.

Avanti Chamber Orchestra and Chorus now goes by the Avanti Music or simply Avanti. We feel that this name doesn’t restricts us to chamber music or choral music, but full symphonic works, opera, and more! Our 2025/26 season will feature 6 concerts with 2 repeats for a total of 8 performances. Doubling the number of concerts provided by most other community orchestras.