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Baroque Garlands

Two enchanted garlands test the faithfulness of young lovers in Rameau’s La Guirlande. Paired with Handel’s Dixit Dominus, a thrilling choral tour de force, this program spans lighthearted storytelling and choral brilliance that shakes the rafters, showcasing the variety and vitality of Baroque music.

What’s Interesting About This Concert

  • A study in contrasts: Rameau’s La Guirlande offers playful charm and lyrical beauty, while Handel’s Dixit Dominus unleashes choral power in full force.
  • Philharmonia performs on period instruments, and the Chorale sings with historically informed style, together recreating the vibrant sound world of the 18th century so you can hear it as the first audiences once did.
  • Music Director Emeritus Nicholas McGegan returns to Philharmonia, bringing his trademark infectious energy and flair for drama to this program.
  • Rising stars Nola Richardson (soprano) and Aaron Sheehan (tenor) join the Chorale. Richardson has been praised by The Washington Post for her “radiant” singing, while The New York Times hailed Sheehan as “superb.”

Program

Nicholas McGegan, conductor
Nola Richardson, soprano
Aaron Sheehan, tenor
Philharmonia Chorale, Valérie Sainte-Agathe, director

HANDEL—Dixit Dominus
RAMEAU—La Guirlande

Performances

2/6/26
Herbst Theatre, San Francisco
7:30 PM
2/7/26
First Congregational Church, Berkeley
2:30 PM
2/8/26
Bing Concert Hall, Stanford
1:00 PM

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