The Chicago Water Music

In 1717, Handel penned his famous Water Music for a boat party on the River Thames. In 2024, Music of the Baroque presents 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, cruise the river performing excerpts from the iconic Water Music, the “Hallelujah” Chorus from Messiah, and more. Come to the Riverwalk and hear Handel’s music reverberating from Chicago’s majestic architecture in a unique, free event celebrating our great Midwest city.

The Chicago Water Music is free for everyone to enjoy along the Riverwalk. If you would like to donate in support of the event, please click here.

APPROXIMATE SCHEDULE

(Timing and locations are subject to change depending on river traffic)

7:00 PM - Dame Jane Glover and the musicians travel from Riverwalk East End towards Merchandise Mart, performing the program

7:15 PM - Short concert at Merchandise Mart

7:45 PM - Short concert between LaSalle and Clark streets

8:15 PM - The return journey to Riverwalk East End begins

View highlights from the trial run on June 9 (and hear the music as it sounded live on the boat.)

The general route we'll take 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