Chicago's famous classical music radio host, Carl Grapentine, shared beautiful Handel music and interesting stories about the composer who was born in Germany in 1685. George Frideric Handel was born the same year as Bach in a town 50 miles away. Handel later moved to England where he composed music for the British royalty and eventually became a British citizen in 1727.

Grapentine's Sunday afternoon program at the Oak Park Publc Library was a preview of what's to come when the 13th season of Handel Week Festival kicks off next Sunday afternoon, Feb. 19, at 3 p.m. at Grace Episcopal Church, 924 Lake Street in Oak Park. The Feb. 19 program is titled "The Grand Handel: Music of the Soul -- The Chandos Anthems." Tickets are $35 each; concerts are free for ages 18 and under. For more information, see www.handelweek.com.