Classical music gets modern twist at Eugene's Hult Center

Posted by KEZI on April 23, 2026

Alex Prior conducting his version of Handel’s Water Music with the Eugene Symphony.

EUGENE, Ore. - The Eugene Symphony is set to premiere a reworked version of Handel's Water Music on Thursday evening as part of its "Majestic Horizons" program.

Music Director Alex Prior reworked the classical piece, which first premiered in 1717. Prior says his new arrangement fits the composition of a modern orchestra and invites the audience to experience something familiar with a brand new twist.

"We're building bridges across salsa and rock and roll and English slash German, depending on your perspective, Baroque music," Prior said. "So it's going to be a very raucous and fun concert."

Prior says the Eugene Symphony makes a great effort to create moments that are moving and chilling, but also moments of fun and laughter.

"Every concert we do, I make a great effort, and I think succeed in making it for sure, there has to be moments that are moving and chilling, but also definitely moments of fun and laughter and just like a communal warmth of humanism," Prior said. "And that's something that I think is very, very evident in our concerts."

Prior says the symphony loves seeing people come in, especially first-time attendees.

"We're definitely a group, organizational ensemble, a group of human beings who love seeing people come in and love seeing people who come for the first time," Prior said. "You can tell, you can see the excitement and the energy and it's very nourishing on the human level."

The performance begins on April 23 at 7:30 p.m. at the Hult Center in Eugene. Tickets start at $22 and $10 for students and youth and can be purchased on the Eugene Symphony's website.