The Chicago River finds its soundtrack in Music of the Baroque’s 'Water Music'

Some Chicago traditions take decades to become traditions. Others arrive fully formed, seemingly out of nowhere, and you know almost immediately that they are going to be something special. Music of the Baroque's Chicago Water Music is one of those.

I was lucky enough to be there for the very first Water Music three years ago, when the idea of putting a full chorus and orchestra on a boat and sending them down the Chicago River seemed wonderfully ambitious, slightly crazy and completely Chicago. I remember thinking that night: This is going to be a huge hit.

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Three years later, it is safe to say that prediction came true. The third annual Chicago Water Music, presented Sept. 9, once again transformed the river into one of the city’s most spectacular concert venues. Dame Jane Glover led the Music of the Baroque Chorus and Orchestra, joined by the organization’s “Strong Voices” Chorus, made up of young musicians from choral education programs at seven Chicago public high schools. From aboard Shoreline Sightseeing’s Bright Star, the musicians performed as the boat made its way along the river, with the music bouncing beautifully off Chicago’s celebrated architectural canyon. 

And while Dame Jane Glover and the extraordinary musicians deserve enormous credit, so does Declan McGovern, executive director of Music of the Baroque, whose leadership has helped turn this wonderfully unconventional idea into a signature Chicago cultural event.

It takes vision to imagine classical music spilling out of the concert hall and onto the river. It takes even more vision to believe Chicagoans will embrace it. McGovern and Music of the Baroque did both.

What began as an ambitious experiment has quickly become one of those events that feels as though it has always belonged here.

The concept itself has a delightful bit of history. George Frideric Handel composed his famous Water Music in 1717 for a royal boat party on the River Thames. More than 300 years later, Music of the Baroque has given the idea a decidedly Chicago twist, bringing the music to the river while thousands of people watch for free from the Riverwalk and bridges. The city’s architecture becomes part of the performance, reflecting both the sound and the spectacle. 

This year’s program included selections from Handel’s Water Music, Music for the Royal Fireworks and Messiah, along with music from Vivaldi’s Gloria and Credo. The evening ended with what may be the most irresistible part of the whole concept: “Hallelujah, Chicago!,” a citywide sing-along of the “Hallelujah” Chorus from Messiah.

That finale says everything about why Water Music works. This isn't classical music presented at a distance. It is music happening with Chicago.

People lined the Riverwalk and bridges. Restaurant patios became front-row seats. Pedestrians stopped to listen. The river became the stage, the skyline became the backdrop and a familiar piece of music suddenly felt new again.

And bringing the Strong Voices students into the performance makes the evening even more meaningful. These young musicians are part of Music of the Baroque’s choral education program, giving Chicago public high school students opportunities to develop their voices and experience the power of performing alongside professional musicians. 

There is something wonderfully democratic about the entire evening. You don't need a ticket to experience it. You don't need to know Handel. You don't even need to have planned on hearing classical music that night. You simply have to be walking along the river. That may be the real genius behind Water Music.

Music of the Baroque has found a way to make one of the world's great musical traditions feel completely at home in one of the world's great architectural cities.

Three years ago, I had a feeling this would become something big. I was right.

With McGovern's leadership, Dame Jane Glover's artistry and Music of the Baroque's willingness to think beyond the traditional concert hall, Water Music has evolved from a daring experiment into a genuine Chicago tradition.

And judging by the crowds, the smiles and the sound of that Hallelujah rising along the river, Chicago is more than ready for an encore.

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