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Photo by Kristen Loken
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Photo by Kristen Loken
Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra Vivaldis Four Seasons
Photo by Pablo Cabrera
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Photo by Kristen Loken
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Photo by Kristen Loken
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Photo by Frank Wing
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Courtesy of Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra
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Photo by Kristen Loken
Rameau Le Temple de la Gloire-Act I Finale
R. Schumann-Symphony No. 2 in C Major, Op. 61–Scherzo
Bach-Air “On the G String”
Handel ‘Caro! Dolce! Amico amplesso’ from Aci, Galatea, e Polifemo
Rameau-Passacaille from La Temple de la Gloire
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“Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra intended to launch Peter Whelan’s inaugural season… with a bang. And it did. Opening night on Thursday, July 23, at Herbst Theatre in San Francisco was sold out, and for good reason. The orchestra and singers performed brilliantly…it served as confirmation that the orchestra is in good hands with its new leader. ”

San Francisco Chronicle

“The Philharmonia plays on Baroque instruments with sterling finesse, and they hit high marks from the opening work.”

Seen and Heard International

“Peter Whelan, Philharmonia Baroque’s new music director, led ‘Tolomeo’ with crisp energy”

“His conducting was downright joyous — a promising start to his tenure.”

“Particularly winning was his emphasis on the moments of dissonance in Handel’s score; Whelan gently drew these tensions out, underlining the emotions without overplaying them.”

The New York Times

“Their sound was fluent and luxurious, distinct, precise, the brass bold and bright, the recorder delicate, the strings and harpsichord a filigree of exactness and sweetness. Together with the singers they created a tapestry of beauty that unfurled like waves. Full and plentiful, luxurious, powerful, the production shone with splendor. Yes, that is the only word for it: Splendid.”

Opera Wire

“Conducted by its incoming music director, Peter Whelan…the orchestra was in excellent form, its stylish swing and careful balances buoyantly supporting the singers.”

Wall St. Journal

“The Irish maestro held his starring role facing the audience, … building and relaxing Handel’s dramatic tensions with a knowing precision that enveloped us all — orchestra players, singers, and audience — into one sentient ensemble.”

Opera Today

Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra & Chorale is based in the San Francisco Bay Area and is one of America’s premier ensembles dedicated to historically rooted performance of Baroque, Classical, and early Romantic music.

Founded in 1981 by harpsichordist and educator Laurette Goldberg, Philharmonia has earned widespread acclaim for its vibrant, period-authentic interpretations using historical instruments and techniques. It was led by Nicholas McGegan for 35 years, and Richard Egarr since 2020. In 2026, Peter Whelan became the fourth Music Director in the company’s 45-year history.

Among the most recorded orchestras in the world, Philharmonia boasts a discography of nearly 50 recordings, including a coveted archival performance of mezzo-soprano Lorraine Hunt Lieberson in Berlioz’s Les Nuits D’été, and a GRAMMY®-nominated recording of Haydn symphonies.

In 2020, Philharmonia released three groundbreaking recordings: a full collection of commissioned works by Pulitzer Prize winner Caroline Shaw, a selection of arias sung by rising star contralto Avery Amereau, and Handel’s Saul with countertenor Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen. The ensemble’s reach extends across the globe through acclaimed tours, and collaborations with some of the world’s leading artists.

Philharmonia is committed to bringing the music of the past to life with energy and relevance for today’s audiences. Through its Bay Area subscription series, groundbreaking programs like SESSIONS and Jews & Music, and robust education and community engagement efforts, Philharmonia offers both depth and innovation. Anchored by a world-class chorale and a roster of musicians who teach and perform internationally, Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra & Chorale continues to set the standard for historically informed performance in the 21st century.