The Enigmatic Voice – Symphony San Jose

Originally commissioned for the coronation of King George II, Handel’s anthem is a timeless masterpiece exuding majesty, triumph and divine grandeur — a musical celebration of power, tradition and unshakable glory! Dona Nobis Pacem is a stirring plea for peace, blending the timeless words of the Latin Mass with the haunting poetry of Walt Whitman. Written in 1936 as the world teetered on the brink of war, this dramatic and deeply moving cantata resonates as powerfully today as it did then. Filled with mystery, emotion and brilliance, Enigma Variations is a masterpiece in orchestral storytelling. Each variation is a musical portrait of Elgar’s closest friends, woven together with an elusive hidden theme — an enigma that has intrigued audiences for more than a century. Program: George Frideric Handel: Zadok the Priest Ralph Vaughan Williams: Dona Nobis Pacem Edward Elgar: Enigma Variations Performances: Sat., March 7, 2026 @ 7:30pm Sun., March 8, 2025 @ 2:30pm For additional information, please visit Symphony San Jose’s website. California Theatre Events Calendar Visitor FAQs Originally commissioned for the coronation of King George II, Handel’s anthem is a timeless masterpiece exuding majesty, triumph and divine grandeur — a musical celebration of power, tradition and unshakable glory! Dona Nobis Pacem is a stirring plea for peace, blending the timeless words of the Latin Mass with the haunting poetry of Walt Whitman. Written in 1936 as the world teetered on the brink of war, this dramatic and deeply moving cantata resonates as powerfully today as it did then. Filled with mystery, emotion and brilliance, Enigma Variations is a masterpiece in orchestral storytelling. Each variation is a musical portrait of Elgar’s closest friends, woven together with an elusive hidden theme — an enigma that has intrigued audiences for more than a century. Program: George Frideric Handel: Zadok the Priest Ralph Vaughan Williams: Dona Nobis Pacem Edward Elgar: Enigma Variations Performances: Sat., March 7, 2026 @ 7:30pm Sun., March 8, 2025 @ 2:30pm For additional information, please visit Symphony San Jose’s website.