About The Ensemble

Harpsichordist, professor and emeritus Artistic Director Sonia Gezairlian Grib, founded the LIBE in 1969. Since then we have been delighting growing audiences with its creative, diverse and varied programming. The concerts always feature a repertoire of rarely heard and unpublished works along with period favorites. A pioneer in American Early Music and the premiere professional early music group on the Island, the Long Island Baroque Ensemble duplicates the sounds and ambience of times gone by with concerts of early music performed on replicas of period instruments.

Sonia Gezairlian Grib, and many of the musicians currently in the ensemble, are American pioneers of early music performance practice in the US on period instruments. Subsequent to this innovative leadership, the early music scene has grown substantially throughout the US, and many of LIBE’s players teach and perform in the institutions nationwide that promote this genre.

As we reflect upon our history, we are proud to have an ensemble of musicians, active in all the great musical institutions in the world - Carnegie Hall, Juilliard, Lincoln Center, International festivals - joining with the Long Island communities to present great Classical works right here in Nassau and Suffolk Counties. This is possible because of our State and County endorsement, the generous support of our audience and our contributors, and the artists who remain dedicated to LIBE. In particular we honor Louise Schulman whose devotion and advice contributed to the last season’s great success.

Looking forward, LIBE remains committed to presenting live music- one of the threads that binds us to our humanity and each other - and continues to grow by increasing our audience, presenting more innovative programming, and creating education programs. Please continue to support LIBE. Those of you who can, please contribute generously to ensure these quality performances.