Santa Cruz Baroque Festival

The Santa Cruz Baroque Festival (SCBF) is a cherished cultural institution with a mission to present an annual season of early music, performed as authentically as possible to the way it would have sounded in its original era. The festival is dedicated to achieving artistic excellence and seeks to convey the joy of Baroque music to both the local community and future generations. This is accomplished by inviting audiences on an exploratory journey through musical history. Founded with the vision of creating a community enriched by the experience of music, the Santa Cruz Baroque Festival places a strong emphasis on understanding the legacy and value of early chamber music. This genre is characterized by its structured improvisation, where each performance is distinct and expressive, resonating with the improvisatory style that was prevalent when the music was first composed. The SCBF is renowned for its emotionally expressive performances, delivered with artistic finesse. The festival's educational initiatives are multifaceted, including pre-concert talks, detailed concert notes, radio broadcasts, and a section on their website titled 'See Things in Context'. In response to the changing landscape of media consumption, the festival adapted by offering free weekly video live casts in 2020, and it continues to feature on KSQD’s Community Concert Hall. Youth engagement and education are pillars of the festival's outreach efforts. The Youth Chamber Music Competition, the Emerging Artist Showcase, and the preparation of bilingual educational videos are just a few examples of how the SCBF invests in the musical education of younger audiences. Additionally, artists from the festival participate in classroom settings, further fostering an appreciation for early music among students. The Santa Cruz Baroque Festival remains a beacon of musical heritage in the community, inviting people of all ages to not only enjoy performances but to also understand and appreciate the rich history and intricate artistry of Baroque music. Through its various programs and initiatives, the SCBF continues to be an influential force in preserving and celebrating the tradition of early chamber music.