🎧Hear the sound of a whole bunch of Chicagoans becoming a member of collectively in a “Hallelujah” second by clicking the play button above.
Chicago simply spent one other week within the nationwide highlight, as President Donald Trump continues to threaten federal intervention. However that backdrop didn’t cease Chicago’s Music of the Baroque from making a shared second of pleasure Wednesday night time.
The native orchestra and refrain packed dozens of musicians on a big sightseeing boat and headed down the Chicago River. Up the Predominant Department, a whole bunch of classical music followers, prideful Chicagoans and curious passersby all eagerly awaited their arrival.
“We’re right here as a result of I really like the music. I really like town and this place,” stated one attendee, Joan Parsons. “I imply, to have music on the water, I believe, is absolutely neat.”
Within the free and floating live performance, the group offered George Frideric Handel’s 1717 opus “Water Music,” which was initially carried out centuries in the past on a ship on London’s River Thames.
Final 12 months, Music of the Baroque’s Govt Director Declan McGovern obtained the thought to convey that centuries-old thought to modern-day Chicago. It was properly acquired, so the group determined to dial it up this 12 months. They invited the general public to affix them in belting out the Hallelujah Refrain from Handel’s “Messiah” — even posting elements on the group’s web site prematurely.
It’s all about making a shared second, McGovern stated. “Folks want pleasure to remain fueled in a world with so many challenges,” he stated. “I believe that’s the place music is available in.”
The night, full with idyllic September climate, was a draw for a whole bunch, who packed the “River Theater” concrete steps between LaSalle Drive and Clark Road.
“It’s a lovely night time, and Chicago is a lovely metropolis, so it’s nice,” stated Chicagoan Brady Koetting.
When the “Hallelujah” second arrived, a whole bunch joined in. Some rose to face when the primary notes floated from the boat, others shined lights on printed sheet music and others but had been simply out for a night run however stopped to look at and seize a cellphone video.
Afterward, the air was buzzing.
“I’m blown away. I simply assume it’s wonderful,” stated Armene Walsh, who was on the town from Michigan to go to her daughter, Teri Bradley.
“I imply, we’re type of in difficult occasions proper now, so anytime we will get some pleasure as a unit of individuals, we must always take it,” Bradley added. “I really feel like that’s what this was about.”
🎧Click on on the crimson audio participant to listen to our dispatch from the Music of the Baroque sing-along.
Courtney Kueppers is an arts and tradition reporter at WBEZ.
