A first for Chicago: Music of the Baroque performs Handel's Water Music on Chicago River

For the first time in Chicago’s history, George Frideric Handel’s Water Music, written in 1717 for King George I to accompany his cruise on the River Thames, was performed by Music of the Baroque on our Chicago River along with some favorite Handel choruses. Dame Jane Glover conducted The Chicago Water Music with the Music of the Baroque Orchestra, Chorus, and a group of young musicians from its “Strong Voices” Chorus from seven Chicago public high schools. The music was free to all listeners along the Riverwalk, bridges, streets close to the lake—anywhere it was audible and visible.

In a celebration of Chicago’s majestic waterways and architecture, Music of the Baroque performed highlights from Handel’s Water Music and a selection of choral highlights from Shoreline Sightseeing’s “Bright Star” boat as it moved from Ogden Slip to Merchandise Mart. The boat stopped close to the Merchandise Mart to let listeners hear the music and see the performers as the boat remained stationary, the ensemble reprised the concert as the boat returned to Ogden Slip.

We rode on the audience boat and the experience was magical. It was a crystal-clear night and the experience was sold-out. Onboard, drinks were available as guests sat back and prepared for the entertainment.

The music boat cruised down the river with the “audience boat” following close behind. As we passed under the bridges, the sound was amplified and hauntingly beautiful. Dame Glover and the musicians waved and smiled at as the concert progressed. It was a delightful, shared experience with fellow lovers of baroque music. All along the waterway, you could hear shouts and applause of appreciation.

The idea for the Handel river cruise was MOB executive director Declan McGovern’s and was a great success with the guests.
“I’ve been coming to Chicago for over 20 years and have wanted to perform Handel’s Water Music on the Chicago River since the first day I arrived. Now, it has finally happened! Chicago is one of the world's great music cities, and what a joy it was for us to perform this uplifting, outdoor music right in the heart of the city, on its storied river, no less,” Dame Jane Glover enthused. “We were also overjoyed to partner with singers from our ‘Strong Voices’ choral education program in seven Chicago public schools all over the city, including the Chatham, Pullman, and Englewood neighborhoods. We hope everyone followed our journey down the river (and back!) on September 18.”

The Chicago Water Music is part of Music of the Baroque’s community engagement program, which has included free concerts at the Pritzker Pavilion and Austin’s Kehrein Center for the Arts and collaborations in Englewood, Skokie, and downtown Chicago with companies including South Chicago Dance Theater.
Future plans include a program of Mexican Baroque music in Pilsen.