As the new year begins, many set resolutions to improve their lives, focusing on health, happiness, and personal growth. Central to achieving these goals is the practice of self-care—a vital component of overall well-being. Self-care reduces stress, boosts mental clarity, and builds resilience, empowering individuals to thrive. While it can take many forms, attending a live performance at the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra (BPO) is an especially enriching and restorative choice.
Dr. Heeyoun K. Cho, assistant professor and head of music therapy at The State University of New York at Fredonia, explains,
Music helps us express our emotions, feel understood and cared for, and pursue personal growth and self-development. [It] promotes beauty, hope, resilience, and coping, evoking emotional responses and enabling transformation.”
Research affirms these benefits: music reduces anxiety and stress, lowers blood pressure and heart rate, and promotes relaxation. These effects have been observed in medical patients, including those with coronary heart disease, cancer, or recovering from strokes and traumatic brain injuries. Music-based therapies also improve cognition, social interaction, and quality of life in individuals with dementia while fostering well-being in healthy older adults. It is understood that music has a transformative role in healing and enrichment across all ages and conditions.
Orchestral music, in particular, offers a powerful way to recharge emotionally and reconnect with the present moment. Studies show that live music evokes more intense and diverse emotions than recorded music, stimulating brain regions associated with emotional processing. It also lowers stress by reducing cortisol levels, providing relaxation and balance. Participation in cultural activities like attending concerts has been linked to better-perceived health, reduced anxiety and depression, and greater life satisfaction.
Kleinhans Music Hall, home of the BPO, provides a peaceful break from the stresses of daily life. Attendees can unwind while experiencing world-class artistry that provides a range of emotional and musical experiences. JoAnn Falletta, Music Director of the BPO, on an episode of WNY Soundstage, described the transformative experience of a live performance at the venue:
People come into the concert to sit down at 7:30. Maybe a bit distracted, maybe tired from the day, or even struggling with problems. They sit there feeling one way, and somehow, without knowing it, they change. When they leave, it’s as if all of that has been washed away. They’ve gone to a different place… It’s a gift to everyone, bringing them to a tranquil, special place.”
JoAnn Falletta
Beyond personal renewal, attending BPO concerts fosters a sense of connection and community. Whether enjoying the timeless beauty of The Classics Series, the nostalgia of the Pops or Rock series, or the excitement of a live film score, concertgoers can have a shared, communal experience at Kleinhans Music Hall. Inviting friends to these experiences surely amplifies the benefits of self-care by creating lasting memories.
Stepping into Kleinhans and connecting with the artistry of the BPO is the perfect way to start 2025 and to begin your self-care journey. Whether seeking inspiration, relaxation, or connection, attending a concert aligns beautifully with New Year’s aspirations, leaving you refreshed and ready to embrace what lies ahead. With flexible options like the Per(4)mance Pack and Pick 3 concert subscriptions, enjoying the transformative power of live music has never been more accessible—or more rewarding.