JBO continues in the tradition of its founder, Jim Rich, who loved everything about “early music,” and who literally forged the timpani that JBO still uses today. Here is what Jim had to say about the orchestra:

Since its founding in 1994, JBO has performed many of the major works of such well-known composers as Bach, Handel, Telemann, Vivaldi, Scarlatti, Purcell and Lully. At the same time we have also explored the lesser-known masters of the eighteenth century: Graupner, Heinichen, Zaschow, Pergolesi, and many others. We did not neglect the early seventeenth-century masters such as Castello, Frescobaldi and Monteverdi. Extending our scope in the other direction, we have performed early works of Josef Haydn and W A. Mozart.

This is a literature whose charm is, if not lost, then certainly diminished by the imposition of 19th/20th century instruments, performing styles and concepts of intonation. Our intention has been to apply the best and most enlightened scholarship to recovering the “period” sound of this music. This we do by the use of the most appropriate instruments available, the original editions or manuscripts where possible, and the powerful element of improvisation which was so much a part of the period and which makes the music seem new and fresh again.

In each concert we tell a story, or at least make a point. We research, devise, plan, rehearse and present these programs both for our own pleasure and gratification and for that of our audiences. It is they who make it possible through support of and attendance at our concerts, supplying the receptive ears without which the music loses a vital dimension.

~ JBO founder Jim Rich (1945-2013)