In 1717, Handel penned his famous Water Music for a boat party on the River Thames. On September 18, 2024, we presented it on the Chicago River for the first time! Dame Jane Glover, the Music of the Baroque Chorus & Orchestra, and the “Strong Voices” Chorus, made up of young musicians from the ensemble’s choral education program in 7 Chicago public high schools, cruised the river performing excerpts from the iconic work, the “Hallelujah” Chorus from Messiah, and more. Thousands joined from the Riverwalk and along the bridges to celebrate Chicago as the city's majestic architecture reflected Handel (and Vivaldi's) triumphant tunes.
View the program book from 2024
Music of the Baroque is grateful for the support of The Negaunee Foundation, Sipi Metals Corp., and Nancy Dehmlow in presenting The Chicago Water Music.
The general route we took up and down the river
Photos from the trial run
What you might see and hear from the Riverwalk
The "Strong Voices" Chorus will join us on the boat!
Photos: Elliot Mandel Photography
Wednesday, September 10
7:00-8:30 pm
Riverwalk East to Merchandise Mart
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PROGRAM
HANDEL
Water Music Suite #1
Allegro • Bourrée-Hornpipe-Bourrée
VIVALDI
Gloria: Opening Chorus
HANDEL
Water Music Suite #2
Overture • Hornpipe
Water Music Suite #2
Minuet • Bourrée
Messiah
"Hallelujah" Chorus
Repertoire and date may be subject to change