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The Lyra Baroque Orchestra, founded in 1985, is the only baroque orchestra in the Upper Midwest of the United States. We strive to perform music from the Baroque Era (1600-1750) as it would have been played at the time it was written. Our musicians possess special training in the style of performance and the practice of the special instruments used during this time.
A History of Lyra
Once Upon a Time...
In the fall of 1984, a small band of Minnesota musicians performs for a celebration of the Rochester MPR Station. The ensemble quickly establishes a presence in the Minnesota early music scene under the direction of Randy Bourne...
1985
The group is incorporated as “The Lyra Concert” (“concert”, in this context, meaning a harmonious collection of instruments, and “Lyra” coming from the ancient Greek instrument). Lyra launches its first season of concerts in the Twin Cities and Rochester, which continue uninterrupted to today.
1987
Lyra co-presents renowned Dutch keyboard player Gustav Leonhardt with the Schubert Club.
1988
Lyra receives the McKnight Foundation’s Excellence in the Arts award and grant–the youngest organization to do so.
1990
Lyra’s first substantial collaboration with another music group: J.S. Bach’s Christmas Oratorio with the Bach Society of Minnesota. Other collaborators have included Ex Machina, Gregorian Singers, Vocal Essence, The National Lutheran Choir, and the Grinnell Singers.
1992
Lyra’s first performance on an outside concert series: the Worcester International Artist Series. Other performances have included the National Flute Association, Shrineto Music of Vermillion, Rosza Center at Michigan Tech, and Grinnell College.
2000
Artistic leadership shifts, and Lyra welcomes David Douglass and Jacques Ogg as co-artistic directors. Their tenure ushers in a new era of world-class musicianship and leadership through a stream of international luminaries that continues today.
2003
First of two tours to Spain (second in 2005), and first professional recording (of five Villancicos by Antonio Soler). Name changed to “Lyra Baroque Orchestra.”
2004
Jacques Ogg becomes Lyra’s sole Artistic Director.
2005
Lyra celebrates its 25th anniversary season and hires Tami Morse as first Executive Director from outside of musician ranks. Second tour of Spain.
2011
Launch of the Family Concerts and Masterclass series. Administrative and rehearsal space are consolidated to The Baroque Room in Lowertown St. Paul.
2014
Lyra helps to launch the first annual Twin Cities Early Music Festival.
2016
Lyra receives its first Operating Support grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board.
2018
Lyra performs across the state, records its second CD.
2020
Lyra presents a full season of virtual events, introducing a Chamber Series to feature local musicians.
2022
Lyra launches extensive chamber series across the state, along with the Mainstage concert series.
2023
Jacques Ogg announces his retirement from Lyra's Artistic Director role. International search is launched to find Lyra's next Artistic Director.
2024
Jacques Ogg is voted "Artistic Director Emeritus." Four finalists are selected via special committee to appear in the 2024-25 season.
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