UPDATE: The St. Paul Chamber Orchestra is captivating audiences with its live performance of Johann Sebastian Bach’s beloved Brandenburg Concertos this weekend at the Ordway in St. Paul. The orchestra is presenting five of the six concertos, showcasing the vibrant spirit of these pieces just in time for the holiday season.
The concerts are scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday, with tickets available at thespco.org. This annual tradition is not only a celebration of Bach’s work but also a chance for individual musicians to shine in a chamber setting, creating an intimate and dynamic experience for attendees.
The evening commenced with the lively Brandenburg Concerto No. 1, featuring an ensemble of three oboes, two horns, and violin soloist Eunae Koh. The concerto’s cheerful and dance-like energy filled the hall, highlighted by the warm tones of the horns and the delicate timbre of the oboes. Koh’s assertive violin performance added a striking clarity to the overall texture.
Following this, the orchestra performed the Sixth Concerto, notable for its absence of violins. Instead, two violas took center stage, producing a warm, dusky sound that captivated the audience. The second movement unfolded with a mellow tone, allowing lines to flow with a quiet glow. The third movement introduced a familiar melody that transformed into a buoyant swirl, uplifting the overall mood of the piece.
After intermission, the Fifth Concerto stole the spotlight with the harpsichord under the deft hands of Jeffrey Grossman. His energetic playing brought the intricate passages to life, evoking a sense of exuberance reminiscent of a video game soundtrack. This was followed by the Third Concerto, a student favorite that showcased the ensemble’s crisp articulation and athletic energy.
The performance concluded with the Fourth Concerto, featuring principal violinist Kyu-Young Kim alongside flutists Julia Bogorad-Kogan and Alicia McQuerrey. Kim’s light, quicksilver touch, paired with the flutes’ airy brilliance, created an uplifting finale that left the audience in high spirits.
The St. Paul Chamber Orchestra will continue its performances through December 14, 2025, making this an essential holiday experience for music lovers. Don’t miss the chance to witness the invigorating pulse of Bach’s music live and share this unforgettable experience with others.
As the concert series unfolds, keep an eye on the SPCO for more exciting updates and performances that highlight the beauty of classical music during this festive season.
