URGENT UPDATE: The St. Paul Chamber Orchestra is captivating audiences this weekend with a stunning performance of Johann Sebastian Bach’s celebrated “Brandenburg” Concertos. The concerts are taking place at the Ordway in St. Paul, with shows at 7 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.
This annual tradition has become a beloved secular holiday treat, showcasing the unique intimacy of chamber music. The orchestra will perform five out of the six concertos, with a festive spirit that resonates perfectly with the season. Attendees can expect exceptional musicianship and a showcase of talented soloists, including violinist Eunae Koh and principal violin Kyu-Young Kim.
The Friday performance kicked off with the Brandenburg Concerto No. 1, featuring an energetic ensemble of three oboes, two horns, and a violin soloist. The lively composition, characterized by its dance-like energy, highlighted Koh’s impressive violin work, weaving through the score with striking clarity. The audience was entranced by the oboe’s beautiful solo that transitioned seamlessly into the violin, creating a vibrant conversation among the instruments.
Next, the orchestra moved to the Sixth Concerto, notable for its absence of violins. Featuring two violas, this piece offered a warm, dusky sound that captivated listeners, particularly during its second movement, which unfolded with a tranquil glow. The third movement introduced a lively melody, shifting the piece’s darker palette into something unexpectedly bright and buoyant.
After intermission, the orchestra showcased the Fifth Concerto, where harpsichordist Jeffrey Grossman took center stage. His dynamic performance brought Bach’s intricate passages to life, culminating in an exuberant cadenza that felt almost unhinged. The audience experienced a surge of energy reminiscent of a video game soundtrack, leaving them exhilarated.
The evening continued with the Third Concerto, a favorite among student orchestras. Under the skilled direction of the SPCO, the structure of the piece became more pronounced, turning almost every musician into a soloist. The ensemble’s crisp articulation provided a buoyant, athletic edge, emphasizing the mathematical precision that underlies Bach’s work.
The performance concluded with the Fourth Concerto, featuring a brilliant interplay between Kyu-Young Kim and flutists Julia Bogorad-Kogan and Alicia McQuerrey. Kim’s light, agile playing, combined with the flutes’ airy brilliance, created a joyful and uplifting finale that left the audience in high spirits.
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the magic of Bach’s “Brandenburg” Concertos at the Ordway. Tickets are available at thespco.org. The concerts run through December 14, 2025, making it an unmissable holiday tradition.
Stay tuned for more updates and highlights from this exceptional performance!
