Mission

The Boise Baroque Orchestra was formed in 2003, with the goal of bringing the best of the Baroque and classical repertoire to the Treasure Valley. The musicians are professionals in the area, many of whom perform with the Boise Philharmonic, the Boise Philharmonic Master Chorale and Opera Idaho. The Boise Baroque Orchestra is developing new audiences and providing musicians with the opportunity to significantly extend their repertoire.

History of the Orchestra

​​​At the beginning of 2003, four people signed Articles of Incorporation to create the Boise Baroque Orchestra: Richard Roller, Melissa Nash, Brian Elcox and Susan Courtial. “It was a labor of love,” said Roller, who had long played a role in the Treasure Valley’s classical music scene. He gives full credit to the original group of musicians, some of whom still play in the orchestra.  The intention was to create a cooperative ensemble of professional musicians to perform music of the Baroque and Early Classical periods.

Richard Roller

Founding musicians still performing with the Boise Baroque Orchestra in 2020: Mona Morrison, Dawn Douthit, Janelle Oberbillig, Susan Courtial, Jonelle Darrow, and Lorie Scherer

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Boise Baroque Orchestra in 2010 at Albertson College of Idaho

​Under the Baton of Maestro Daniel Stern

​Maestro Daniel Stern conducted the orchestra from 2006 to 2019 and led it to the fine ensemble it is today. We truly appreciate the contributions of the founders, the board of directors, volunteers, donors and patrons, all of whom have made it possible to bring this music to our community for the past 17 years.

Daniel Stern

​Boise Baroque's string quartet
performed for the Governor’s Awards in the Arts in 2014 when its music director Daniel Stern received a medal for his lifetime achievements in Boise music community. 

​In 2015 Esther Simplot and the J.R. Simplot Foundation announced a grant of $90,000 to the Boise Baroque Orchestra. “The Boise Baroque Orchestra has been an important part of the Boise arts scene for over a decade and has experienced exceptional growth and development,” Esther Simplot said in a press release.

Boise Baroque Orchestra in 2018

​Vision for the Future

With the appointment of Robert Franz as Artistic Advisor in June 2019, the orchestra has returned to its Baroque and Early Classical roots. A group of generous donors enabled the purchase of Baroque bows to equip the orchestra and begin educational outreach programs to area schools. 

As a capstone to the educational programs, selected students from Boise High School and Boise State University perform side-by-side with the orchestra’s under the tutelage of Maestro Franz and the principal string musicians. ​

Robert Franz

The musicians of the orchestra took on the responsibility of conducting themselves for the January concerts. This is a key component of our commitment to Historically Informed Performances, in building a true ensemble and presenting this music as it was originally conceived by the composers. Internationally renowned Baroque violinist, Monica Huggett led our February 2020 concert, building the orchestra’s expertise for our patrons’ enjoyment.

Collaboration with other organizations within our community is a vital part of our mission. Examples include joint productions with Opera Idaho, inviting guests from the Interfaith Sanctuary to our dress rehearsals, and more. 

With your continued support, Boise Baroque Orchestra is positioned for the next chapter in its storied history. Thank you for joining us on this journey!

The Orchestra performs Telemann at the Cathedral of the Rockies in 2019