A Symphony of Baroque Masterpieces: Musical Journeys and Timeless Classics
Immerse yourself in a musical journey through the Baroque era with the Music of the Baroque's compelling lineup of events. From the emotional depths of 'Orfeo ed Euridice' to the festive 'Holiday Brass & Choral Concerts,' these performances promise unforgettable experiences. Featuring renowned conductors like Dame Jane Glover and Nicholas Kraemer, and talented soloists such as Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen and Heidi Stober, each event offers a unique insight into the richness of Baroque music. Explore themes of love, faith, familial ties, and celestial beauty through a series of breathtaking concerts.
Dame Jane Glover leads the Music of the Baroque Chorus, Orchestra, and international stars Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen and Heidi Stober in our first performances of Gluck’s emotionally charged Orfeo ed Euridice. Follow Orfeo’s desperate journey to the underworld as he battles fate to rescue his beloved Euridice, armed with nothing but his voice. With soaring arias like “Che farò senza Euridice,” dramatic choruses, and famous instrumental music including “Dance of the Blessed Spirits,” will music—and love—conquer all?
Revel in the vibrant energy and dazzling virtuosity of Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos. So-called because of Johann Sebastian Bach’s failed attempt to secure a new job, these intriguingly complex, effortlessly joyful works for soloists and ensemble have become one of the Baroque era’s greatest success stories. The Orchestra’s talent is on full display throughout, from the swaggering hunting horns of Brandenburg Concerto No. 1 to the dark-hued Sixth Concerto.
Celebrate the season with Messiah, Handel’s beloved homage to hope, faith, and triumph. From the soul-stirring “Comfort ye, my people” to the exhilarating “Hallelujah Chorus,” this glorious retelling of a timeless story is a thrilling dramatic experience. Dame Jane Glover leads the Chorus, Orchestra, and an illustrious cast featuring the Music of the Baroque debuts of GRAMMY-nominated mezzo-soprano Sasha Cooke and Ryan Opera Center alum Will Liverman.
Principal Guest Conductor Nicholas Kraemer directs this decades-long Chicago tradition for the very first time. The Chorus and Brass Ensemble bring to life festive music from the medieval era through the Baroque, including works by Gabrieli, Palestrina, Josquin, Praetorius, and many more. Secure seats early for always sold-out performances of inspiring music in Chicago’s most beautiful spaces.
18 - 26 Dec, 2025
Music of the Baroque
St Michael Catholic Church in Old Town + 4 other locations
Explore the intricate ties between fathers and sons in a captivating evening with Demarre McGill, principal flute of the Seattle Symphony. J. S. Bach’s Orchestral Suite No. 4 exudes Baroque grandeur, while his son C. P. E. shatters tradition with daring contrasts in his Flute Concerto in G Major. W. A. Mozart, ever eager to impress his father, highlights brilliance in his Flute Concerto in D Major, but how does it compare to Leopold Mozart’s Second Symphony? Come and decide which Mozart reigns supreme!
Prepare for Baroque brilliance with Richard Egarr at the helm! The former Philharmonia Baroque and Academy of Ancient Music director guest-conducts heart-stopping hits from the 17th and 18th centuries and moves to the harpsichord for the electrifying solos in Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 5. Rowan Pierce, whose silvery soprano enchanted fans of the Netflix series Bridgerton, makes her Music of the Baroque debut with Handel’s virtuosic “Silete venti” (“Be silent, winds”). Selections from Purcell’s joyful Fairy Queen complete this spectacular program.
Italian violinist and conductor Fabio Biondi, world-renowned for “blazing, fierce performances” (Washington Classical Review) with his ensemble Europa Galante, brings his irrepressible energy to the Orchestra as he leads a high-voltage program centered around Vivaldi, those who inspired him (Geminiani and Corelli), and those he inspired, like Nardini and Pugnani. Concertmaster Gina DiBello joins Biondi for Vivaldi’s Concerto for 2 Violins in G Minor. Make new discoveries and hear familiar favorites afresh!
Conductor Andrew Megill leads a celebration of our Chorus in breathtaking spaces. From the intricate counterpoint and surprising dissonance of Machaut’s Kyrie and Andrieu’s Armes, amours to the Renaissance splendor of Ockeghem, Josquin, and Byrd, the evolution of choral music unfolds. Tallis’s breathtaking 40-part motet, Spem in alium (Hope in no other), soars alongside Monteverdi’s highly expressive madrigals and Bach’s deeply moving Komm, Jesu, komm and Jesu, meine Freude.
17 - 22 May, 2026
Music of the Baroque
Fourth Presbyterian Church Chicago + 2 other locations
The Music of the Baroque events series offers a captivating glimpse into the depth and diversity of Baroque music. With themes of love, faith, and familial relationships, each concert highlights the emotional and technical prowess of the performers and composers alike. Whether revisiting beloved classics or discovering new favorites, audiences are sure to be moved and inspired by these performances. This series not only celebrates the timeless beauty of Baroque music but also underscores its relevance and emotional resonance in today's world.