Co-founded in 1979 by Artistic Director Elizabeth Ganiatsos and registered as a non-profit charitable organization in 1982, Consortium Aurora Borealis performs repertoire from the Baroque era, with forays into the Medieval, Renaissance, Classical, Early Romantic eras, and sometimes even later. High artistic standards, varied and exciting programming, and historically-themed concerts with authentic instruments added to the development of Northwestern Ontario’s only early music group.
Our repertoire has expanded a lot and we now perform music from many eras of classical music. We have even commissioned new pieces from local composers like Patrick Horn’s La Folia. Truly we have evolved to Baroque and Beyond!
Our city’s finest professional soloists and chamber ensembles join with distinguished guest artists in seven to eight concerts each season, normally presented in St. Paul’s United Church, a heritage building noted for its fine acoustics. We promote professional development opportunities with visiting artists. For example, returning violinist Jeremy Bell has coached our fine string players in Baroque performance techniques. We provide a memorable, fulfilling experience for artists who can perform as soloists or in chamber music in works new to them.
A reasonable admission price makes these performances accessible to everyone. Consortium Aurora Borealis remains vital and vibrant. It has built a reputation for musical excellence over the past decades, maintaining a vigorous presence in Thunder Bay. It has been hailed with great enthusiasm by audience and press alike, and continues with its mission to educate as well as to entertain.