About Early Music Seattle

Mission

To present outstanding early music, use early music to enrich cultural heritage via education and outreach, and engage new audiences through inclusivity and openness.

Vision

Early Music Seattle leads in enriching cultural life in the Pacific Northwest.

Values

Artistic Excellence

Compelling, historically informed performances by great artists.

Education

Greater awareness, knowledge, and appreciation of early music.

Community Outreach

Inclusivity and equity for audiences and performers.

History

Formed in 1977 as Early Music Guild, Early Music Seattle is now the area’s largest presenter of early music, including the Music for the Ages Series, Global Connections, and Seattle Baroque Orchestra, and related educational programs serving 2,400 students in Seattle Public Schools annually and more than 100 amateur musicians.
Read: University Of Washington Creates 45-Year Archive Of Early Music Seattle
Read: A Little History of Early Music Seattle

Seattle Baroque Orchestra

Seattle Baroque Orchestra was founded in 1994 by violinist Ingrid Matthews and harpsichordist Byron Schenkman, and it quickly established itself as one of the most vibrant of the American early music ensembles. Now under the direction of Alexander Weimann, they perform four programs each season. The Orchestra has toured North America, been featured extensively on National Public Radio, and garnered rave reviews for its six recordings, while winning loyal fans in Seattle for the excitement and intimacy of their live performances.

Early Music Seattle frequently partners with local venues and artists to program innovative and multidisciplinary projects, including the presentation of operas and educational workshops. Artistic partners include Meany Center for the Performing Arts, ACT, Seattle Theatre Group, Spectrum Dance Company, and Seattle Early Dance. The last two years have seen a fruitful collaboration with Early Music Vancouver, Portland Baroque Orchestra, and Victoria, B.C.’s Early Music Society of the Islands to create large-scale works performed in Seattle, Portland, Victoria, and Vancouver, B.C.
Read: A Little History of Seattle Baroque Orchestra

Land Acknowledgement

Early Music Seattle has begun a process of research and consultation to develop an acknowledgement of the organization’s use of regional Indigenous land and resources. While we undertake this journey, we recognize our performances and events take place on unceded Native land, as well as the enduring impact of Indigenous genocide and the continued oppression of Native peoples, voices, and cultures. We understand that land acknowledgement is only a small step in honoring the contributions of Indigenous peoples, and continue to strive towards policies and practices that foster justice and reconciliation.