Handel penned his famous Water Music in 1717 for a boat party on the River Thames. Join us on September 9, 2026, for Chicago's newest tradition, now in its third year! Dame Jane Glover, the Chorus, Orchestra, and the “Strong Voices” Chorus, made up of young musicians from the ensemble’s choral education program in 7 Chicago public high schools, perform excerpts from Handel's Water Music, Music for the Royal Fireworks, the opening of Vivaldi's Gloria, and more from Shoreline Sightseeing's "Bright Star." Watch for free from the Riverwalk and experience how the city's majestic architecture reflects this glorious music.

The event culminates in Hallelujah, Chicago!, a citywide sing-along of the "Hallelujah" Chorus from Handel's Messiah.