Nic McGegan will be the Santa Barbara Symphonyguest conductor of for his next performance, “Royal fireworks», Which includes a tribute to the 300th anniversary of the Brandenberg concertos, on November 13 and 14 at the Granada Theater.

The public can enjoy an entire concert dedicated to baroque music, featuring one of Handel’s most popular works for the orchestra, “Music for the Royal Fireworks”.

“The beauty of baroque music is still alive and popular today, 300 years after it was first written,” said Nir Kabaretti, musical and artistic director of the Santa Barbara Symphony Orchestra. “We take immense joy in celebrating this history and tradition through the joy of live music, with selections as fresh and exciting as they were when they first performed.

“For example, ‘Music for the Royal Fireworks’ was originally played outdoors with real fireworks. We invited Maestro McGegan to conduct this concert because he is the world’s most eminent master of the genre, and his passion for this music is contagious. Our customers will experience baroque music in a whole new way. “

As he enters his sixth decade on the catwalk, McGegan – hailed as “an expert on 18th century style” (The New Yorker) – is recognized for his in-depth and revealing explorations of music from all eras. The 2019-2020 season marked the end of his 34-year tenure as Music Director of the Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra and Chorale, of which he is today the Laureate Music Director.

McGegan is the Principal Guest Conductor of the Pasadena Symphony Orchestra and the Capella Savaria of Hungary.

The symphony will perform JS Bach’s “Brandenburg Concerto No.4” to celebrate the 300th anniversary of Bach’s beloved concertos, and will be complemented by two pieces both written to celebrate the Treaty of Aachen in 1748 between France and England; “Les Danses de Rameau” from the opera “Naïs” and the “Royal Fireworks”.

The symphony continues to spotlight its own orchestral members, with lead violist Erik Rynearson starring for this concert. Originally from Southern California, Rynearson has been playing music since the age of three. He is the first violist of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra.

Rynearson was a first call stand-in with the Detroit and Phoenix Symphonies.

While the Santa Barbara Symphony performed together for its digital season, this new season brings the audience and the orchestra together.

Tickets are on sale now for “Royal Fireworks,” 7:30 pm Saturday, November 13 and 3 pm Sunday, November 14 at the Granada Theater. Customizable season passes are available online here, and single tickets can be purchased online here. For more details on the 2021/22 season of the Santa Barbara Symphony, Click here.

To learn more about the Santa Barbara Symphony, visit TheSymphony.org.