mdw Baroque Orchestra

The mdw Baroque Orchestra is formed by students and faculty members of the Department of Early Music at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna. Founded in 2020, this young institute seeks to apply theoretical knowledge of historical performance practice and playing techniques in a creative and lively manner. To this end, the musicians have access to original instruments from the 17th and 18th centuries as well as replicas. The repertoire includes opera, concert, and church music. Since the department was founded, the program has included scenes from J.-B. Lully’s “Le Bourgeois gentilhomme,” H. Purcell’s “Dido and Aeneas,” and G.F. Handel’s “Rodelinda” (at the Schönbrunn Palace Theater). The orchestra performed cantatas and Brandenburg concertos by J.S. Bach at the institute’s ‘MaiMusik’ festival, as well as the “St. John Passion” in the Jesuit Church.