The Pacific Baroque Orchestra (PBO), under the direction of Alexander Weimann, is recognized as one of Canada's most exciting and innovative ensembles performing "early music for modern ears". As the only professional period-instrument orchestra west of Toronto, this group of 11 world-class musicians brings the music of the past up to date by performing with cutting edge style and enthusiasm.
Formed in 1990 by a group of dedicated musicians who shared a passion for performing baroque and early classical music, the PBO invited prominent early music violinist Marc Destrubé to lead the ensemble from 1992 to 2007.
The Orchestra quickly established itself as a force in Vancouver's burgeoning music scene, becoming a registered charity in 1992 and acting under the auspices of other organizations, such as Early Music Vancouver. In 1996 the PBO created its own annual concert series of engaging programs, innovative collaborations, and international soloists that 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, the orchestra has created workshops and concerts devoted to new music composed for period instruments. Works commissioned from composers Linda Catlin Smith, Peter Hannan, Amir Koushkani and Bradshaw Pack have featured prominently in the orchestra's concert series.
The PBO regularly features both Canadian and international guest artists over the 5 programs presented annually providing performing opportunities for musicians while exposing Canadian audiences to a wide variety of talent. To reach new audiences, the Orchestra has toured BC, the Northern United States and across Canada as far as the East Coast.
The relationships formed over the last 18 years have established the Orchestra as an integral part of the artistic community in Vancouver while providing ongoing collaborative opportunities. Recent collaborations have included baroque dance specialists Thomas Baird and Paige Whitley-Bauguess, fencing master Bac Tau and the Squamish Nation Eagle Song Dancers.
