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A Harmonious Journey Through the Baroque: Music of the Baroque's 2025-2026 Season
Music of the Baroque's 2025-2026 season promises an unforgettable journey through the captivating eras of Baroque and beyond. From Gluck's emotionally charged 'Orfeo ed Euridice' to Bach's intricate 'Brandenburg Concertos,' this season showcases the timeless beauty and complexity of classical music. International stars like Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen and Heidi Stober join revered conductor Dame Jane Glover, and the season features a dazzling array of choral and orchestral works. Each performance offers a vivid exploration of music's power to evoke emotion and celebrate the human spirit.
Jun 5, 2025
Share1. Gluck—Orfeo ed Euridice
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?
14 - 19 Sep, 2025
Music of the Baroque
Harris Theater + 2 other locations
2. Bach's Brandenburgs
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.
12 - 17 Oct, 2025
Music of the Baroque
Harris Theater + 2 other locations
3. Handel's Messiah
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.
Nov 30 - Dec 5, 2025
Music of the Baroque
Symphony Center + 2 other locations
4. Holiday Brass & Choral Concerts
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
5. Fathers & Sons
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!
24 - 30 Jan, 2026
Music of the Baroque
Harris Theater + 2 other locations
6. Baroque Blockbusters!
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.
1 - 6 Mar, 2026
Music of the Baroque
Harris Theater + 2 other locations
7. Vivaldi & Friends
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!
12 - 17 Apr, 2026
Music of the Baroque
Harris Theater + 2 other locations
8. Celestial Voices
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
Conclusion
As the Music of the Baroque's 2025-2026 season unfolds, it stands as a testament to the enduring power of classical music to inspire and connect. Through the diverse array of performances, audiences are invited to explore the rich textures and emotional depths of Baroque music and beyond. Each concert is a unique opportunity to witness the skill and passion of world-class musicians and performers, ensuring that this season will be remembered as a harmonious journey through time and sound.
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