The Indianapolis Baroque Orchestra (IBO) is a classical music ensemble that specializes in performing music from the Baroque era. The ensemble was founded in 1997 by a group of musicians who shared a passion for early music and wanted to bring it to audiences in the Indianapolis area. The founding members of the IBO included violinist Stanley Ritchie, harpsichordist Elisabeth Wright, and cellist Linda Pearse. They were soon joined by other talented musicians, including flutist Kathryn Montoya, oboist Marc Schachman, and bassoonist Michael McCraw. From the beginning, the IBO was committed to performing on period instruments, which are replicas of the instruments that were used during the Baroque era. This allowed the ensemble to recreate the sound and style of music from that time period, giving audiences a unique and authentic experience. Over the years, the IBO has become known for its high-quality performances and innovative programming. The ensemble has performed at a variety of venues, including churches, concert halls, and outdoor festivals. They have also collaborated with other musicians and ensembles, including the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and the Indianapolis Children's Choir. One of the highlights of the IBO's career was their performance at the Boston Early Music Festival in 2003. This prestigious festival is one of the largest and most respected early music festivals in the world, and the IBO was honored to be invited to perform there. Their performance was well-received by both audiences and critics, and helped to establish the ensemble as a major player in the early music scene. In addition to their live performances, the IBO has also released several recordings. Their debut album, "Bach and His Contemporaries," was released in 2000 and featured works by Johann Sebastian Bach and other composers of the Baroque era. The album received critical acclaim and helped to establish the IBO as a recording artist. Over the years, the IBO has received numerous awards and accolades for their performances and recordings. In 2004, they were awarded the prestigious Creative Renewal Fellowship from the Arts Council of Indianapolis, which allowed them to take a sabbatical and focus on developing new programs and collaborations. They have also been recognized by the Indianapolis Star as one of the city's top classical music ensembles. Today, the IBO continues to be a leading performer of Baroque music in the United States. The ensemble is led by artistic director Barthold Kuijken, a renowned flutist and conductor who has performed with some of the world's top early music ensembles. The IBO's current members include violinists Allison Nyquist and Sarah Cranor, violist Michael Unger, cellist Joanna Blendulf, and bassist Douglas Balliett, among others. The IBO's programming continues to be innovative and diverse, featuring works by both well-known and lesser-known composers of the Baroque era. They have also expanded their repertoire to include music from the Classical and Romantic periods, as well as contemporary works that are inspired by early music. In addition to their live performances, the IBO is also committed to education and outreach. They offer workshops and masterclasses for students and amateur musicians, and have collaborated with local schools and community organizations to bring early music to a wider audience.

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