UPDATE: The St. Paul Chamber Orchestra (SPCO) is captivating audiences with its annual presentation of five out of the six “Brandenburg” Concertos by Johann Sebastian Bach. The concert series, which runs at The Ordway through December 14, 2025, is a must-see holiday event, blending classical music with a festive spirit.
The performance kicked off on Friday night, featuring the energetic “Brandenburg” Concerto No. 1, which dazzled attendees with its lively orchestration of three oboes, two horns, and a stunning violin solo by Eunae Koh. The concerto’s warm sound and dance-like energy created a joyous atmosphere, evoking the essence of the season, even though the pieces were not originally composed for Christmas.
The orchestral experience unfolded beautifully, with the second movement introducing an exquisite oboe solo that captivated the audience. The third movement featured a soaring horn melody, while the fourth movement showcased the ensemble’s dynamic interplay, highlighting the individual musicians in a spirited conversation of sound.
In a remarkable twist, the Sixth Concerto stood out as the only piece in the set that forgoes violins altogether, focusing instead on two violas. This unique arrangement produced a warm, dusky tone, transitioning into a lively third movement that infused the darker palette with unexpected buoyancy.
Following intermission, the excitement ramped up with the Fifth Concerto, where the harpsichord, played by Jeffrey Grossman, took center stage. His performance, characterized by ceaseless motion, infused the piece with a vitality that felt almost cinematic, echoing the frenetic energy of a video game soundtrack.
The SPCO then presented the hugely popular Third Concerto, which has become a rite of passage for student orchestras. However, in the hands of the SPCO, its structure shone through with crisp articulation and athletic precision, transforming the entire ensemble into a showcase of talent.
Closing the night was the enchanting Fourth Concerto, featuring principal violinist Kyu-Young Kim alongside flutists Julia Bogorad-Kogan and Alicia McQuerrey. Kim’s performance was marked by a dancer’s poise, as he spun out fast notes while the flutes added an airy brilliance, creating a joyous and uplifting finale that left the audience in high spirits.
What to Watch For: The remaining performances of Bach’s “Brandenburg” Concertos are set for 7 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at The Ordway, located at 345 Washington St., St. Paul. Tickets are available at thespco.org. This concert series is not only a celebration of classical music but also a beloved secular holiday tradition that continues to resonate with audiences today.
Don’t miss this chance to experience the intimate and invigorating world of Bach’s masterpieces performed by one of the region’s most talented orchestras. Share this news with fellow music lovers to ensure they don’t miss out on this extraordinary event!
