Brash Don

Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra principal cellist Roman Mekinulov will be highlighted when he performs Richard Strauss' "Don Quixote" with the orchestra this weekend.

"Don Quixote" will also feature BPO principal violist Valerie Heywood. Maestro JoAnn Falletta will lead the orchestra and give a commentary to the work before the performances, which take place at 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3 and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 4 at Kleinhans Music Hall, Symphony Circle, B u ff a l o .

Also included on the program is Isaac Albeniz' "Suite Espagnola," a tonal carnival of Spanish effects. Following the Spanish zest, enjoy Strauss' brash and beautiful setting of Cervantes' hapless "Don Quixote," featuring Mekinulov as the lovable, ever-inspiring tragic knight. Before intermission, Falletta will provide a commentary that musically introduces the most important characters in the story, providing a "map" before one hears the piece in its entirety. For tickets, call the BPO box office at 885-5000 or visit www.bpo.org.