June H. Edwards Mosaic Series

Handel’s brilliance meets Jennet and Friends! Principal Oboist Jennet Ingle walks us through the work of Handel, Morricone, Stacy Garrop and a world premiere concerto by Kincaid Rabb with guest conductor Fernanda Lastra! Program GEORGE FRIDERIC HANDEL “Entrance of the Queen of Sheba” Water Music Suite No. 2 Stacy GARROP Spectacle of Light Kincaid RABB “All This to Say” for Solo Oboe and Chamber Orchestra Heather NIEMI SAVAGE Daughter of the Stars Esteban BENZECRY Obertura Tanguera, homenaje a Astor Piazzolla   Program Notes “Entrance of the Queen of Sheba” GEORGE FRIDERIC HANDEL Born: March 5, 1685, Halle, Germany Died: April 14, 1759, London, England Composed: 1749 Duration: 3 minutes Trained in Italy, George Frideric Handel settled in London and first gained work composing Italian opera. When tastes shifted in the 1730s, he pivoted to the English oratorio: a concert work based on biblical subjects, performed without staging or scenery, with chorus and orchestra to the fore. These works were cheaper to produce, easier to tour, and proved to be more lucrative than opera had ever been. Solomon (1749), from which “The Entrance of the Queen of Sheba” is drawn, stands as a vivid example of the form. Set to Newburgh Hamilton’s libretto and based the books of Kings and Chronicles, it portrays Solomon’s reign in scenes of pious dedication, pastoral calm, and civic splendor. The “Entrance of the Queen of Sheba,” opens Act III as the visiting monarch and her retinue arrive at Solomon’s court. Handel sets the procession as a bright, quick-stepping sinfonia in B-flat major, led by two oboes in playful dialogue over buoyant strings and continuo. This movement has enjoyed an enduring popularity that has overshadowed Solomon itself and is often heard at weddings and receptions across the globe. Most recently, this work was featured in the opening ceremonies of the 2012 London Olympics and at the coronation of King Charles III in ...

Celebrate Local highlights South Bend’s vibrant compositional talent, showcasing works by local composers John Liberatore, Jorge Muñiz, and Marjorie Rusche. This program features guest pianist Clare Longendyke and South Bend Symphony Principal Flute Leslie Short.   Program John LIBERATORE Piano Concerto - (Clare Longendyke, piano) Jorge MUÑIZ Concerto for Flute and Orchestra - (Leslie Short, flute) Marjorie RUSCH Eclipse - (Clare Longendyke, piano)   About Clare Longendyke, Piano Photo by Chris Whonsettler Pianist Clare Longendyke is a soloist, chamber musician, and fearless advocate for new music who brings daring repertoire and thoughtful storytelling to the concert stage. Her performances are marked by imaginative programming, charismatic stage presence, and a gift for weaving together contemporary works and classical favorites. In 2024, Clare released her debut solo album, …Of Dreams Unveiled, featuring music by Claude Debussy, Amy Williams, and Anthony R. Green. The album debuted at #2 on the Billboard Traditional Classical chart and was praised as “a work of remarkable pianistic invention” (The WholeNote) and “delightfully daring” (EarRelevant). A passionate collaborator with living composers, Clare has commissioned more than 30 new works and premiered over 250 pieces in the last decade. Her programs often pair canonical composers like Beethoven, Debussy, and Amy Beach with today’s most compelling musical voices, creating concerts that speak to the depth of the classical tradition. Highlights of Clare’s 2025/26 season include appearances with Symphony New Hampshire, the South Bend Symphony Orchestra, and the Atlanta Contemporary Music Collective. She has appeared on recital series across the country and as a soloist with the Mankato Symphony, Rochester Symphony, and Symphonicity. Clare holds degrees from Boston University and Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music. Whether from the stage or in conversation, Clare invites audiences into the heart of her artistry—one that builds bridges between tradition and transformation and brings the concert experience vividly to life.   About Leslie Short, Flute Leslie Short is a ...