This Weekend: Bach, Vivaldi, Handel

Posted in Programs and Events on December 18 2015, by Vilina Phan

As we celebrate the peak of the holiday season at the Garden, we thought it appropriate to ring in the winter solstice (it’s actually Tuesday, December 22, but who’s counting?) with a weekend performance suited to the nostalgic sights and sounds of the season. And what better group to fit the bill than an ensemble of cellos, violins, and flutes?

This Sunday, December 20, sit for a performance of selections by Bach, Vivaldi, and Handel during the last of Le Train Bleu’s 2015 Winter Harmonies concerts. With Ransom Wilson at the helm, you can be sure of a rousing take on these classic compositions. And it’s not just for adults, either—the ensemble set aside time for a kid-friendly performance at 2 p.m. that features introductions to each of the instruments being played. At 4 p.m., they’ll return with a concert geared toward adults. Learn more here, and don’t forget to grab these special tickets.

The Holiday Train Show continues throughout the month and into January, and because it’s late December, we’ll be open this coming Monday to accommodate everyone who’s out and about during this beautiful time of year. As a reminder to everyone out there who’s planning on joining us for Bar Car Nights, our events for this weekend—December 18 and 19 respectively—are both sold out as of today, so don’t sleep too long on tickets to upcoming nights!

It’s going to be a musical spectacle of a weekend, of that much I’m more than sure. See everything that’s happening below.

Saturday, December 19

Roaming Holiday Guides–10 a.m.-4 p.m.
In the Conservatory
Learn more about the exhibition and model trains from our knowledgeable guides who will show up-close samples of the plant parts used to make buildings, reveal behind-the-scenes images of the show’s installation, and share other special insights.

Bird Walk–11 a.m.
Meet by the Reflecting Pool
The diverse habitats of the Botanical Garden offer visitors a chance to see dozens of species of birds throughout the year. Bring your binoculars and walk the Garden grounds with an expert to learn about bird-friendly habitats, migrating species, and birds that make a permanent home at the Garden.

Winter Wonderland Tree Tour with ASL interpreter–12:30 p.m.
Meet at the Reflecting Pool
Embark on an invigorating 45-minute walk to view the Garden’s stately conifer collection and old growth forest in the beauty of winter. Even in cold weather there’s plenty of interest in our gardens and collections.

Holiday A Cappella–1:30 & 3:30 p.m.
Part of the Holiday Train Show
In the Leon Levy Visitor Center
Celebrate the holiday spirit with a cappella musicians singing your favorite carols.

Holiday Film Screenings–3:30 p.m.
Part of the Holiday Train Show
In Ross Hall
Cap off your Holiday Train Show visit with a trip to the movies. Enjoy some of the most cherished holiday film classics as they were meant to be seen—on the big screen. And it’s included in the price of your Garden admission!

Today’s Feature: A Christmas Story (PG, 93 minutes)

 

Sunday, December 20

Plants of the Winter Solstice Tour–12:30 p.m.
Meet at the Reflecting Pool at the Leon Levy Visitor Center
Many cultures throughout history have celebrated the Sun on the Winter Solstice, often including plants in their festivities. Echoes from a number of these celebrations have come down to us today in our holiday traditions. Join us as we explore timely Solstice traditions and plant folklore.

Holiday A Cappella–1:30 & 3:30 p.m.
Part of the Holiday Train Show
In the Leon Levy Visitor Center
Celebrate the holiday spirit with a cappella musicians singing your favorite carols.

Winter Harmonies Concert Series–2 p.m. & 4 p.m.
In Ross Hall
Join us for a special concert series this winter performed by the dynamic young ensemble, Le Train Bleu, with renowned flutist Ransom Wilson as its music director. These widely accessible yet sophisticated programs with leading artists provide a warm respite from the winter cold, and lovely musical interludes during your visit to the Garden and the Holiday Train Show®. These concerts are a perfect way to celebrate the season with the glorious music of Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos (# 4 and # 5), Vivaldi’s popular “Winter”, and other holiday classics. Intimate post-performance conversations with the artists, moderated by series curator, composer Laura Kaminsky, allow for unique insights into the music and the music-making process. New this year, Families can enjoy a special concert just for kids, offering a chance to learn about the different instruments that make their unique sounds. Special Tickets Required: Non-Member Adult: $35 / Child: $23 (also includes All-Garden Pass admission to the Holiday Train Show, a $30/$18 value) Member Adult: $15 / Child: $10

About Le Train Bleu: A unique musical collective formed by conductor and flutist Ransom Wilson, with a mission to explore new and interesting music. The musicians are among the most exciting young players in New York, and are chosen for their brilliance as well as their expressive qualities.

Family Program (2 p.m.)
Vivaldi: “Winter” from the Four Seasons

General Program (4 p.m.)
Handel’s Flute Sonata in F Major, HWV 369
Vivaldi’s Winter
Bach’s Brandenburg No. 4

Landmarks Tour–2:30 p.m.
Meet at the Reflecting Pool
A fascinating overview of the Garden’s history and its importance as a vital NYC cultural destination since 1891. With an expert guide, explore the Allee, the Fountain of Life, and the Library. Then stroll along the Poetry Walk ending at the beloved Holiday Train Show® The tour concludes at the Garden’s “must-see” destination…the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory.

Monday, December 21

Thain Family Forest Tour–12:30 p.m.
Meet at the Reflecting Pool in the Leon Levy Visitor Center
Experience the beauty of the Garden’s 50-acre Thain Family Forest on this one-hour walking tour with an expertly trained Guide. You’ll learn facts about the trees, history, geology, and ecology of this original, uncut woodland.

Garden Highlights Tour–2:30 p.m.
Meet at the Reflecting Pool at the Leon Levy Visitor Center
Sights and scents flourish across the 250 acres of the Botanical Garden. Join a Garden Guide for a walking tour featuring highlights of the gardens and plant collections.

Holiday A Cappella–1:30 & 3:30 p.m.
Part of the Holiday Train Show
In the Leon Levy Visitor Center
Celebrate the holiday spirit with a cappella musicians singing your favorite carols.

Holiday Film Screenings–3:30 p.m.
Part of the Holiday Train Show
In Ross Hall
Cap off your Holiday Train Show visit with a trip to the movies. Enjoy some of the most cherished holiday film classics as they were meant to be seen—on the big screen. Included in the price of your Garden admission.

Today’s Feature: A Christmas Carol (1951, PG, 84 minutes)

 

Children’s Programs

Evergreen Express, Saturday 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m.; Sundays & Monday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
In the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden
Hop aboard the Evergreen Express for lively activities in the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden, where each station stop offers something new to create or explore! Step into Discovery Center Depot to explore plant parts from assorted evergreens, as well as make herbarium pressings of a conifer specimen and craft a miniature scented sachet to take home. Create a train puppet inspired by master puppeteer Ralph Lee and join a musical marching parade (weekends and school holidays). Enjoy the wonders of winter as you explore the trails of the Adventure Garden on a hike in search of beautiful evergreen trees and shrubs, play on our kid-sized train engine, and put on a puppet show in the Woodland Theater.