Portland Baroque Orchestra

The mission of Portland Baroque Orchestra is to produce intimate and historically inspired interpretations of music composed before 1840.

Founded in 1984, PBO is one of the largest period orchestras in the United States. PBO specializes in works of the Baroque and Classical eras, but also explores the musical world outside of those time constraints, performing with period instruments or replicas of instruments that were available when the music was composed. This means that concerts feature familiar instruments that may look or sound a little different (for example, violins with gut strings or flutes made of wood and bone) as well as instruments that are no longer a part of the modern orchestra (like the theorbo). The orchestra thrives on [...]

The mission of Portland Baroque Orchestra is to produce intimate and historically inspired interpretations of music composed before 1840.

Founded in 1984, PBO is one of the largest period orchestras in the United States. PBO specializes in works of the Baroque and Classical eras, but also explores the musical world outside of those time constraints, performing with period instruments or replicas of instruments that were available when the music was composed. This means that concerts feature familiar instruments that may look or sound a little different (for example, violins with gut strings or flutes made of wood and bone) as well as instruments that are no longer a part of the modern orchestra (like the theorbo). The orchestra thrives on spontaneity, playfulness, and extraordinary artistry. PBO occupies a unique space in Portland’s arts scene with a track record as a respected collaborator and for catalyzing the arts community: PBO was the fiscal sponsor for BRAVO Youth Orchestra during that organization’s infancy and was a primary author of the Arts for All $5 Ticket program for people who receive SNAP benefits. In December 2022, PBO welcomed Artistic Director Julian Perkins. Julian follows the 27-year tenure of trailblazing Artistic Director violinist Monica Huggett who retired in June 2021.

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