This spring, Santa Fe Pro Musica presents the culmination of their season with an Orchestra Finale. On Sunday, April 30 at 3 PM at the Lensic, Conductor Laureate Thomas O’Connor and the Santa Fe Pro Musica Orchestra perform music by W.F. Bach, Benjamin Britten, and selections from Handel’s Water Music.

W.F. BACH “Dissonant” Symphony
BRITTEN Variations on a Theme
of Frank Bridge
Selections from HANDEL'S Water Music

W.F. Bach, the eldest son of J.S. Bach, was renowned as an organ virtuoso and composer. His Symphony in F Major is aptly nicknamed the “Dissonant” Symphony for its bold sense of drama and its many harmonic surprises.

Benjamin Britten’s striking Variations on a Theme by Frank Bridge is considered one of the greatest 20th century works for string orchestra. In this loving tribute to his teacher Frank Bridge, Britten encapsulates his gratitude and affection in brilliant movements that reflect Bridge’s character and influence.

In the summer of 1717 King George I and some aristocrats boarded a royal barge at Whitehall Palace for a float up the River Thames to Chelsea. On a separate barge 50 musicians were assembled to accompany and entertain the King and his friends by performing the premiere of Handel’s Water Music. King George I was delighted and from that day to our times, Water Music has held a special celebratory place in the hearts of the music loving public.