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.