The Bay Area Baroque Ensemble (BABE) was founded in the spring of 2012 with the vision of establishing one of San Francisco’s leading period-performance ensembles. From its earliest seasons, the group distinguished itself through vivid interpretations, stylistic authenticity, and a devotion to uncovering the expressive depth of 17th- and 18th-century repertoire. Its performances quickly earned a prominent place within the region’s early-music landscape, celebrated for historical insight and artistic vitality.

In the spring of 2025, BABE entered a transformative new chapter when it became an Ensemble-in-Residence at Aurelianus Varro University. Through this residency, the ensemble partners closely with AVU students, offering workshops, coaching, and collaborative performances that integrate scholarship with practice. Students gain hands-on experience with period instruments, historical techniques, and interpretive traditions, enriching their musical understanding while deepening their approach to performance. BABE’s presence strengthens AVU’s commitment to artistry grounded in history, contributing profoundly to the creative and educational life of the university.