We are a ‘period instrument’ orchestra formed in 1986 specialising in music composed between the 17th and 19th Centuries (and occasionally beyond) – by composers such as Bach, Handel, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven and many, many others.. Our sound is rooted in research and experiments to discover how the music and instruments of this period were played. The result is a vivid contrast that highlights the development of musical language and with the sounds of a ‘modern’ symphony orchestra. 

We are fascinated by the ideas behind the Enlightenment. It was a remarkable period of history. It is typically described as beginning with Newton’s scientific discoveries published in Principia Mathematica in 1687 and was followed shortly by the ‘Glorious Revolution’ in Britain. 

The music of the time tapped into this revolutionary thinking that had been unleashed in a powerful way. It often put centre stage the very stuff that was fueling the French and American revolutions, and indeed was a catalyst for long-term change in British society.

At the OAE we seek to meet their challenge through our commitment to performing and sharing this powerful, radical music.