Baroque music opens the world of historic sound, and can lead both musician and audience on countless voyages of musical discovery. Experimenting with "new" ideas about "old" instruments and music, our Festival performers virtually travel through time. By coming to understand the encoded sounds and styles of the European age of monarchy, we explore cultures profoundly different from our own time. By creating performances as a bridge from the present to the musical world of the past, we rediscover the excitement early music generated when it was new. 

Aiming to play music today as it sounded in its own time, the Baroque Festival has brought to life a broad spectrum of music written by composers of centuries past. Our commitment leads us to the use of original and replica instruments, which communicate with great integrity and power in acoustically appropriate concert halls. Our musicians play from facsimile or "urtext" editions, using historical playing styles, including improvisation of ornaments and figured bass. 

Regular concerts since 1974 have brought early music to Santa Cruz and other California audiences in 156 concerts. While series focus remains on the Baroque (17th and 18th century music), performances traditionally range from Medieval through the early Romantic era. Our series balances solo, chamber, orchestral and choral music, as well as sacred and secular works, demonstrating the variety in early music repertoires. Productions of famous Baroque works such as Bach's Johannespassion(1984) and Handel's Messiah (1986) have alternated with unique 20th century premieres of masterworks by composers such as Lully (1987) and Stradella (1990). 

Over 25 years, the Festival has presented concerts with whimsical themes, including a "musical natural history" series--BAROQUE BIRD MUSIC (1978), 500 YEARS OF CHICKEN MUSIC (1978), 300 YEARS OF BUTTERFLY MUSIC (1979), and A MUSICAL INSECTARIUM (1982),--the MUSICAL VALENTINES series (1987-89 and 92-94), and a program of computer-generated music in the style of Palestrina, Bach, and Mozart. Our legendary MUSICAL INTOXICANTS concert (1980),--a costumed romp through the hilarious "Coffee Cantata" and songs on other Baroque vices such as wine and tobacco,--inspired lighthearted BACH'S COFFEEHOUSE events (1991 and '92). 

Quality performances depend on community support and sponsorship. The Baroque Festival is deeply grateful to the innumerable patrons and donors, government agencies, corporations, advertisers, media, and volunteers that have enabled the Festival to survive in for its first 25 years. Over time, the participation of countless local, state, national and international artists has allowed the Santa Cruz Baroque Festival to truly become a bridge to the past for all who dare to adventure in sound. 

Enjoy the sounds of great courts and composers. Experience the past as a complex and ever-shifting mirror held to our present. Travel on voices from distant times to new spaces within yourself, and celebrate the new worlds of old music! 

-Linda Burman-Hall, Artistic Director.