PBO Mission
Our Mission
Portland Baroque Orchestra creates transformative experiences for musicians and listeners who share in the exploration and celebration of historically inspired music.
Vision
A community without boundaries connected by the beauty and drama of Baroque music.
Values
Artistic excellence is our core value. We believe that artistic excellence is enhanced by:
● Play + Joy
We create engaging spaces where performers and listeners play off each other and leave feeling uplifted and inspired by their shared experiences.
● Access + Inclusion
We believe there is a place for everyone in Baroque music. Whether it’s the location of a performance or the relevance of the music, we craft events that foster a welcoming environment because the joy of this artform multiplies when it is shared.
● Education + Engagement
We work to connect audiences of all ages and backgrounds to historically inspired music by providing spaces for interaction and conversation within and beyond traditional concert settings.
● Sustainability
As stewards of early music traditions, we work to balance the work of today with our plans for tomorrow so that we can continue to create inspired musical experiences for generations to come.
● Innovation
Baroque music has never been static. While we remain rooted in historical practices, we are proactive participants in the conversation about the evolving soundscape and fearless in experimenting within the traditions we’ve inherited.
About Us
For more than forty years, Portland Baroque Orchestra has reigned as the Pacific Northwest’s premier period ensemble, expertly reimagining the music of the Baroque and Early Classical periods with passion and excellence in intimate venues. Founded in 1984, PBO is a jewel amongst Oregon’s arts organizations, celebrated for its masterful fusion of rich musical history and innovative artistry in every program. Specializing in historically inspired performance, the orchestra also explores music beyond the Baroque, performing on period instruments or replicas with extraordinary artistry and spontaneity. PBO audiences enjoy the rich textures of the Baroque counterparts of modern instruments, including violins with gut strings and flutes made of wood and bone, in harmony with historical rarities such as the theorbo and harpsichord. In December 2022, PBO appointed the dynamic Julian Perkins as Artistic Director following the retirement of Monica Huggett. Join PBO to travel back in time and savor the uniquely delicate and jubilant sounds of the orchestra as it was first conceived and experienced!