Based in Washington, DC, Ensemble Gaudior is dedicated to performing masterpieces of chamber music from the Baroque and Classical eras, using instruments from those periods or careful modern copies. By presenting this repertoire to modern concert audiences, we hope to contribute to the process of moving our world toward greater harmony. (The name Gaudior is borrowed from the musical unicorn in Madeleine L’Engle’s book A Swiftly Tilting Planet, who time-travels through the universe joyfully harmonizing with the music of the stars and planets.)

Founded in 2000 by Alexandra MacCracken, the group is built around a core instrumentation of baroque violin and basso continuo, but frequently collaborates with guest artists in order to allow a greater variety of repertoire. Ensemble Gaudior performs regularly throughout the greater Baltimore-Washington area and has presented several Fringe Concerts at the Boston Early Music Festival. The group’s concerts include brief interludes of spoken commentary as well as carefully-researched program notes to edify, enlighten and inspire audiences. Post-concert receptions to meet the artists and learn more about the featured works add to the warm and intimate style of Ensemble Gaudior.

Mission Statement:

My chief end in presenting these concerts can be summed up in J.S. Bach’s motto “Soli Deo Gloria”: to celebrate, glorify, and enjoy God forever, who included music among all the gifts of creation.

Read more about the Artists and Alexandra MacCracken, Director.