Lyra Baroque Orchestra with Artistic Director, Jacques Ogg

Greetings, I'm Susan Schaefer for iBROW-MN. Last night, February 9, 2013 I had the pleasure of attending a performance by St. Paul's own, Lyra Baroque Orchestra, led by artistic director and dear friend, the world renowned harpsichordist and recording artist, Jacques Ogg. Jacques and I met and grew a friendship in his hometown, Maastricht, the Netherlands where I lived for almost eight years, and where the fact that we shared two cities never lost its novelty.

This was the first time I had the pleasure to experience Lyra Baroque Orchestra, and what an outstanding performance this was. I'll let Jaques explain the program - just click here:

While Jacques is regarded as one of the most prominent and influential modern masters of harpsichord and fortepiano, his special guests this evening are also stars in the firmament of early classical music. Wilbert Hazelzet is considered the world's leading baroque flute player, performing world wide with Musica Antique Köln, Germany. And Brazilian recorder player, Cléa Galhano, is the Executive Music Director of St. Paul Conservatory of Music and an internationally renowned performer of early, contemporary, and Brazilian music. Along with the perfectly polished Lyra Baroque Orchestra, this classical threesome energized a enthusiastic audience.

Wilbert Hazelzet and Cléa Galhano perform a stunning duet

Jacques Ogg performs Brandenburg Concerto no.5 in D Major, BWV1050

Lyra Baroque Orchestra launched its first full season in the fall of 1985, with a continued mission to present the highest quality performances of seventeenth and eighteenth century music through the use of period instruments and historically informed performances presented to a wide and diverse audience.

Hoping to expose many to their music, Lyra cultivates the growth and participation of various musical and organizational partners, including guest players, vocalists, and more, 
while utilizing the highest caliber Baroque experts as guest soloists, directors, and section leaders to facilitate the musical growth of individual players, the ensemble, and the community.

As long-time board member, Kevin Geraghty, explains, Jacques joined Lyra as co-director along with David Douglass, violinist and founder of The King's Noyse in April 2000, following the retirement of Randy Bourne, Lyra's founding artistic director.

The well-earned ovation

Lyra Baroque Orchestra is located at 275 East Fourth Street, Suite 280, St. Paul, MN 55101, Tel. 651.321.2214.

James Sewell Ballet: Ballet Works Project 2/8/13

Approaching its 20th year as a Twin Cities Dance Phenomenon, James Sewell Ballet introduces an exciting "choreo-graphic" program, Ballet Works Project that brings together innovators and dancers to premier new work. The show opens on Friday, February 8, 2013, and runs on weekends through February 24, 2013. 

JSB was founded by James Sewell and Sally Rousse in New York City, locating to Minneapolis in 1993. Known for their innovative, challenging vision, they have developed a close-knit dance company that tests the physical and creative limits of the artists while evolving notions and parameters about ballet.

Co-founder, Sally Rousse, in Intervals

The first half of the program progresses from a delicious opening number, Salmon Marshmallow Bear Dancer, that is a reflection on co-founder Sally Rousse's notable career, moving to the enchanting and hysterical, The Lounge Twins Die and Go to Heaven, with a wallop of a piece by 16-year old, Erin Arntson, who is an emerging choreographic talent from the Reif Dance program in Grand Rapids, MN. Here, is Artistic Director, James Sewell, discussing his relationship with Grand Rapids high school program. 

In his debut as a choreographer, dance company member, Cory Goei, premiers a moving dance piece, The Meaning of Ilk, about love, loss and hope, in memory of his young neice who was killed in an accident. 

While Minnesotan cultural organizations often thrive on grants from the state's many arts councils and grant-making bodies, no organization could survive without a strong, participatory board of directors, Here is board member, Joanne Gordon, former dancer and dance instructor, explaining her involvement with JSB.

The ovation is hearty and well-earned!

The JSB is located at The Cowles Center, 528 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403, Tel. 612.672.0480. Learn more about them by clicking the highlighted link above.