It was Garry Clarke’s passion that brought him to Chicago. The intrepid Englishman followed his girlfriend who was doing graduate work at the Art Institute. But not long after his arrival, Clarke was igniting the city’s passions for what’s known as Early Music. Now, the founder and director of The Baroque Band has partnered with the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs for the city’s first-ever Early Music Festival. It’s billed as a six-day celebration of music of the Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque eras. We spoke with Garry Clarke, who says one thing that separates Early Music from the rest of the Classical world is the instruments.

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Early Music Chicago
Biber: Mensa Sonora; Battalia