This concert is a love letter to the string family—its richness, versatility, and expressive depth. Beethoven’s monumental Grosse Fugue, originally written for string quartet and later arranged for string orchestra, is a master class in complexity, daring harmony, and structural brilliance. Respighi’s Ancient Airs & Dances brings a sense of wistful elegance, as the composer reimagines Renaissance and Baroque melodies with lush orchestration. Britten’s playful Simple Symphony, based on themes he wrote as a child, offers a delightful finale full of wit, charm, and youthful exuberance.

Step into a morning filled with dance, delight, and imagination. Bach’s Concerto for Two Keyboards in C Major, BWV 1061, is a dazzling display of counterpoint and conversation between the soloists, opening the concert with vitality and joy. In this suite derived from Lully’s ballet La triomphe de l’amour—a work celebrating love in all its glory—regal French flair shines through in courtly elegance and expressive nuance. The concert concludes with the ever-popular Carnival of the Animals by Saint-Saëns, a witty and whimsical zoological fantasy that captures the personality of animals (and a few musicians!) in a charming blend of music and humor. It’s a perfect concert for curious ears and playful hearts.

Let the currents of Baroque elegance carry you into spring. The concert begins with Handel’s jubilant “Arrival of the Queen of Sheba,” a festive and regal opener that sets the tone for the morning. Vivaldi’s Cello Concerto in a minor, RV 419, showcases the expressive voice of the instrument and is filled with rhythmic drive and lyrical beauty. Geminiani’s Concerto Grosso “La Folia,” based on a hauntingly ancient theme reimagined by Corelli, builds in intensity with virtuosic flair. Boccherini’s graceful Minuet provides a touch of charm and poise before we return to Handel for the exuberant Water Music Suite No. 1, filled with fanfares, flowing lines, and the unmistakable joy of music written to accompany royal festivities on the Thames.