Bach Collegium San Diego is presenting “When in Rome,” a program built around the music that shaped Handel’s career during his time in the Italian capital. If you’re into baroque music or just curious about what classical concerts can offer beyond the usual orchestra fare, this is worth checking out.
BCSD has been around since 2003 and has built a solid reputation as one of the better baroque ensembles in the country, so you’re in good hands.
The Rome Connection
The program focuses on Handel’s time in Rome starting in 1706, which was basically a turning point for him as a composer. He was hanging out with the top musicians of the era while being supported by Rome’s wealthy clerical aristocracy—pretty much ideal conditions for creative work.
The concert brings together music from that specific moment, including pieces by Alessandro Scarlatti and Arcangelo Corelli alongside Handel’s own compositions.
The lineup includes Scarlatti’s cantata “Dall’oscura magion dell’arsa Dite” (also known as L’Orfeo), Corelli’s Concerto Grosso in D Major, Handel’s Oboe Concerto in g minor with oboist Kathryn Montoya, and Handel’s “Il delirio amoroso” featuring soprano Clara Rottsolk.
It’s a mix that shows different sides of baroque music—instrumental pieces, vocal drama, and that rich orchestral sound that defines the period.
What Makes It Different
BCSD specializes in historically informed performances, which means they’re using period-appropriate techniques and instruments to get closer to how this music actually sounded back in the day. It’s not just playing old music with modern instruments and hoping for the best.
For anyone who’s never experienced this approach, it’s a noticeably different listening experience than what you’d get from a standard symphony orchestra playing the same repertoire.
Founder and Music Director Ruben Valenzuela started the group to bring more variety to San Diego‘s classical music scene, and they’ve managed to carve out a real niche for Renaissance, Baroque, and early Classical music that wasn’t getting much attention before.
Two Chances to Catch It
There are two performances with different venues. Saturday night is at The Conrad Performing Arts Center in La Jolla, while Sunday afternoon is at All Souls Episcopal Church in Point Loma.
The church acoustics tend to work really well for this kind of music, so the Sunday show might have a slightly different vibe even though it’s the same program.
See you there!
Whether baroque music is already your thing or you’re just looking for something different this weekend, BCSD puts on performances that are both accessible and seriously well-executed.
📆 Saturday, October 25, 7 PM | Sunday, October 26, 4 PM
📍 Saturday: 7600 Fay Ave, La Jolla | Sunday: 1475 Catalina Blvd, San Diego
🎟️ Tickets can be purchased here or call 619-341-1726
ℹ️ More info here
See you there, San Diego!