NYS Baroque

Historically informed performances by NYS Baroque, upstate New York’s orchestra on original instruments, are made possible by the New York State Early Music Association, Inc. (NYSEMA). The chamber ensemble Genesee Baroque Players, founded in 1985 by violinist Dana Maiben and the Genesee Early Music Guild, was expanded to orchestral dimensions by oboist Peter Hedrick for 1986 performances of Handel’s Messiah with the Choir of Men and Boys at St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral in Buffalo. Established in 1987, NYSEMA has since sustained a period orchestra as a regional effort, bringing together some of North America’s most accomplished early music specialists, and presenting over 200 public events in the Northeast. Through NYSEMA’s efforts, the ensemble was one of fourteen period instrument bands to be awarded a two-year challenge grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

NYS Baroque, currently America's only period instrument orchestra based outside a large urban area, continues the mission, with its uniquely expressive sound and artistic approach. In addition to concert activities, NYSEMA works to bring young people and seniors into its audiences, with school workshops and open daytime dress rehearsals. NYSEMA also sponsored a two-part series of 29 lecture-demonstrations for community organizations in rural areas, funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities, and has now begun an Arts In Education project

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