Baroquelyn’s mission is to bring music to the Brooklyn community of a quality that would typically only be found in well-established institutions like Carnegie Hall or BAM. We think it is exciting to present chamber music in a more grassroots and intimate way that reaches people who might not already be tuned in to that world. Plus, there’s value to the community in having great music performances available on a local level. 

Though Baroquelyn is an independent ensemble, our connection to Old First has been fortuitous in many ways. The church’s Upper Hall, built in the 1880s, is a uniquely wonderful space for what we do. The outstanding acoustics, natural light, central Park Slope location, and well-worn 19th-century charm make the hall an ideal spot for presenting Baroque music. Plus, Old First is Brooklyn’s oldest congregation (founded in 1654) so the connection to history is strong. As an ensemble working with historical music, we share an interest in making old things vibrant and new!