In 1990, an extraordinary group of musicians specializing in baroque and early classical music formed the Pacific Baroque Orchestra on Canada's West Coast. Under the leadership of internationally renowned violinist Marc Destrubé, the orchestra quickly established itself as a force in Vancouver's burgeoning music scene. In the beginning, the Pacific Baroque Orchestra performed under the auspices of other music organizations, giving memorable performances of choral and orchestral masterpieces from the baroque and early classical periods. As the orchestra's popularity and reputation grew, the musicians decided to launch their own series of concerts, and during the 1996-1997 season, they began presenting four to five concerts annually to growing audiences and critical acclaim. Engaging programmes, innovative collaborations, and international soloists have become hallmarks of Pacific Baroque Orchestra concerts. Recognizing that the orchestra's core repertoire hails from a time when virtually every concert featured premières of new works, Artistic Director Marc Destrubé has led the orchestra in workshops and concerts devoted to new music composed for period instruments. Commissions from composers Linda Catlin Smith, Peter Hannan, and Bradshaw Pack, have featured prominently in the orchestra's concert series.
In 1990, an extraordinary group of musicians specializing in baroque and early classical music formed the Pacific Baroque Orchestra on Canada's West Coast. Under the leadership of internationally renowned violinist Marc Destrubé, the orchestra quickly established itself as a force in Vancouver's burgeoning music scene. In the beginning, the Pacific Baroque Orchestra performed under the auspices of other music organizations, giving memorable performances of choral and orchestral masterpieces from the baroque and early classical periods. As the orchestra's popularity and reputation grew, the musicians decided to launch their own series of concerts, and during the 1996-1997 season, they began presenting four to five concerts annually to growing audiences and critical acclaim. Engaging programmes, innovative collaborations, and international soloists have become hallmarks of Pacific Baroque Orchestra concerts. Recognizing that the orchestra's core repertoire hails from a time when virtually every concert featured premières of new works, Artistic Director Marc Destrubé has led the orchestra in workshops and concerts devoted to new music composed for period instruments. Commissions from composers Linda Catlin Smith, Peter Hannan, and Bradshaw Pack, have featured prominently in the orchestra's concert series.