Join us for an extraordinary musical voyage that celebrates humanity's timeless connection to water. From the gentle currents of a Czech river to the turbulent storms of the open sea, this program explores the many moods and meanings of the world's waters through the eyes of composers spanning three continents and more than a century.
Our journey begins with the drama of In Storm and Sunshine, where J.C. Heed captures the ever-changing temperament of nature itself. We then confront the darker side of our relationship with the ocean in Antón Alcalde Rodríguez's powerful Marea Negra (Black Tide), a sobering reflection on environmental tragedy.
The rhythmic vitality of Batuque by Oscar Lorenzo Fernández brings us to the coastal traditions of Brazil, followed by Smetana's beloved Die Moldau, which traces the Vltava River's majestic path through the Bohemian countryside. Ralph Vaughan Williams' Sea Songs honors Britain's maritime heritage with rousing naval melodies that have echoed across the waves for generations.
Peter Graham's Harrison's Dream tells the fascinating story of one man's quest to conquer the seas through the invention of the marine chronometer, solving one of history's greatest navigational challenges. The waltz classic Over the Waves (Sobre las Olas), Juventino Rosas's playful tribute to the dancing motion of water, brings us into the final movement of our journey. We close our aquatic voyage with music from Studio Ghibli's beloved animated film Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea, arranged by our own talented member Thomas Ibbetson. This enchanting tale of a goldfish princess and the ocean's magic brings our program full circle, reminding us of the wonder and imagination that water inspires in us all.
From rivers to oceans, from celebration to caution, from history to heritage, from tragedy to童話—experience the power, beauty, and mystery of water through the universal language of music.