Two magical garlands paint a story in Rameau’s La Guirlande—a mystical one-act opera telling a story of love through Baroque dances and irresistible arias. This concert includes another magical garland: Handel’s towering Dixit Dominus, which shows off a different side of the High Baroque style through complex counterpoint and startlingly dramatic choruses. We are thrilled to welcome Nicholas McGegan back to the podium to guide us through these baroque triumphs.

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Baroque Garlands

First Congregational Church of Berkeley

War Memorial and Performing Arts Center

Stanford University

Get into the holiday spirit with Chorale Director Valérie Sainte-Agathe and the Philharmonia Chorale as they lift their voices in Vivaldi’s gripping Gloria, a masterpiece of joy and grandeur that has enlivened audiences for centuries. You’ll also experience Corelli’s timeless Christmas Concerto, a fascinating world premiere by Roderick Williams, and the US premiere of Caroline Shaw’s The Holdfast, filled with smooth vocalism and ethereal harmonies. We’re certain this concert will leave you breathless with a sense of wonder and holiday cheer.

Gloria

Originally conceived as a grand multimedia extravaganza—more theatrical spectacle than solely an opera—Handel’s Alceste is as lavish musically as it was meant to be visually. Sensual, alluring, and dramatic, it’s a hedonistic delight from start to finish and is accompanied here by one of the composer’s most popular orchestral works.

Handel's Alceste

The rich harmonies and musical invention of Bach are just perfect for the holiday season, and in this concert you’ll hear two of his Advent cantatas, including the famous Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben (Heart and mouth and deed and life). You’ll certainly recognize its beautiful and gentle melodies. Alongside the music of Bach are two works by his contemporary Graupner, music of great grace and elegance.

A Bach Christmas

Mendelssohn’s ever-popular violin concerto, full of drama and exquisite melody, here accompanies a real rarity—Schumann’s hauntingly beautiful Requiem. Written after he had committed himself to an asylum, it’s a fantastic showcase for the rich, resonant sound of the Philharmonia Chorale. A feast for lovers of the romantic era of music and a suitably dramatic way to finish our season.

Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra

GRAMMY-winning conductor Jeannette Sorrell returns to PBO as part of the organization’s acclaimed Jews & Music program—bringing together members from her ensemble Apollo’s Fire alongside the Philharmonia Chamber Players and singers from the Philharmonia Chorale in this unique collaboration between two of the country’s most vital historical performance ensembles. In this new program, Sorrell draws on her previous work in acclaimed recordings of Jewish music—and her own Jewish roots— to create an exploration of Sephardic, Roman, and Ashkenazy musical traditions. From a soulful prayer of longing for Jerusalem, to a ballad of a lover betrayed, to a joyful wedding dance and neighborhood party, the sounds of plucked instruments, wooden flutes, and exotic percussion blend with the rhythms of daily life—love, singing, dancing and prayer. The company of performers, including musicians of Jewish, Palestinian, Yiddish, and Sephardic backgrounds, join in a program of solidarity and celebration. PBO Jews & Music Scholar in Residence Francesco Spagnolo will join Jeanette in conversation as they explore roots, music and more.

Philharmonia Chorale

6 - 8 Feb, 2026

Baroque Garlands

5 - 7 Dec, 2025

Gloria

Philharmonia Chorale