Verdi's Requiem opens our season with one of music's most dramatic and emotionally charged masterworks. This "opera in disguise" bridges the sacred and secular, combining Verdi's theatrical genius with profound spiritual reflection—setting the stage for a season that explores the deepest themes of human experience.

Program:
Joel Thompson: An Act of Resistance 

Sibelius: Violin Concerto (Keila Wakao, Violin)

~Intermission~

Shostakovich: Symphony No. 9

Bridging the gulf between rock n’ roll and classical music, conductor/arranger Brent Havens takes the podium to present THE MUSIC OF PINK FLOYD, a program he scored to extend the listening experience of Pink Floyd’s timeless tunes. Performed by the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra and amplified with a full rock band and Randy Jackson’s vocals, Havens and his ensemble capture the essence of Pink Floyd’s ethereal harmonies while adding new musical colors “Our concept for THE MUSIC OF PINK FLOYD was to take the music as close to the originals as we could and then add some colors to enhance what the original group had done,” says Havens.

The annual Holiday Pops is a musical celebration of the season. The Cape Ann Symphony Chorus now under the direction of Brittany Betts will join the orchestra for a Holiday Pops series for the whole family. The ever popular audience sing-along concludes the performance.

 

Kids Pops!

Boston Baroque returns to its cherished holiday traditions with performances of Handel’s Messiah, one of the most beloved and enduring works in classical music. Written in 1741, Messiah has captivated audiences for centuries with its radiant choruses, lyrical arias, and timeless message of hope and renewal.

This season features a stellar quartet of Boston Baroque favorites—soprano Amanda Forsythe, mezzo-soprano Paula Murrihy, tenor Thomas Cooley, and baritone Roderick Williams—bringing fresh brilliance and expressive power to this iconic masterpiece. Boston Baroque’s Assistant Conductor, Filippo Ciabatti, makes his eagerly anticipated debut leading the orchestra and chorus in this treasured work, highlighted by the joyful “For unto us a child is born” and the majestic “Hallelujah” chorus. Celebrate the season with this unforgettable musical tradition.