Agave Baroque is a classical music ensemble that specializes in performing music from the Baroque era. The ensemble was founded in 2008 by four musicians who shared a passion for early music and a desire to explore the rich repertoire of the Baroque period. The founding members of Agave Baroque were Aaron Westman (violin), Anna Washburn (violin), William Skeen (cello), and Kevin Cooper (harpsichord). All four musicians had extensive experience performing early music and had worked together in various ensembles before coming together to form Agave Baroque. The ensemble takes its name from the agave plant, which is native to the Americas and was used by indigenous peoples for a variety of purposes, including making musical instruments. The name reflects the ensemble's interest in exploring the music of the Americas as well as the European Baroque tradition. Agave Baroque's repertoire includes music by composers such as Bach, Handel, Vivaldi, and Telemann, as well as lesser-known composers from the Baroque era. The ensemble is known for its lively and engaging performances, which often feature improvisation and other elements of Baroque style. Over the years, Agave Baroque has performed at a variety of venues and festivals, including the Berkeley Early Music Festival, the San Francisco Early Music Society, and the Boston Early Music Festival. The ensemble has also collaborated with other musicians and ensembles, including the vocal ensemble Chanticleer and the early music ensemble Musica Pacifica. One of Agave Baroque's most notable performances was its 2012 concert at the Berkeley Early Music Festival, which featured a program of music by the Italian composer Antonio Vivaldi. The concert was praised for its virtuosic playing and lively interpretation of Vivaldi's music. In addition to its performances, Agave Baroque has also received recognition for its recordings. The ensemble's debut album, "La Folia: Music of the Iberian Baroque," was released in 2010 and received critical acclaim. The album features music by Spanish and Portuguese composers from the Baroque era, including Diego Ortiz, Gaspar Sanz, and Antonio Soler. Agave Baroque has also been recognized for its educational outreach efforts. The ensemble has worked with schools and community organizations to introduce young people to early music and the Baroque era. The ensemble has also conducted workshops and masterclasses for musicians and music students. Today, Agave Baroque continues to perform and record music from the Baroque era, while also exploring new directions in early music. The ensemble's current members include Aaron Westman (violin), Anna Washburn (violin), William Skeen (cello), and Henry Lebedinsky (harpsichord). With its passion for early music and commitment to engaging performances, Agave Baroque is a leading ensemble in the world of Baroque music.

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