Early Music Seattle

“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, 
flight to the imagination, and life to everything.”

– Plato

All Donations Matched Up To $25,000 Thanks To A Generous EMS Patron! 

Early Music Seattle: Beyond Baroque and Into the Future!

Over the past two years, Early Music Seattle's Beyond Baroque explorations have ushered in a new era for early music! We are inspiring the entire field with the possibility of connecting music traditions, uncovering the roots that tie us to our ancestors and neighbors, both in the US and abroad.  You have joined us on these journeys across time and distance; your encouragement has made the unimaginable possible!

Engaging Communities

In the coming years, EMS will follow up on its commitment to engage with the residents of the region and state. We have already begun a partnership with Washington State Parks, sending our artists this summer to Deception Pass and Cape Disappointment state parks. In the Seattle area, we are working with Orquesta Northwest and 4Culture to launch new instrumental programs in North Seattle schools. And a collaboration with the Seattle Art Museum is allowing us to present a diverse roster of artists free to the public on the Saturdays at SAM series.  

Supporting Artists

EMS inaugurated its Emerging Artists program this year, with pianist Patricia Garcia Gil as the first recipient of the award. Artists developing their careers can be at a loss when faced with the challenges of fully entering the profession.  Our program provides support for academic research, networking opportunities, mentoring, and concert experiences over multiple years. Partners in this new program include Classical King FM and Pacific Lutheran University.

Compelling Concerts

As we look towards our 50th anniversary season in 2027-28, you'll experience a summary of the many joyous moments that defined our first decades as artists such as Jordi Savall and Chanticleer return to our stages. At the same time, many surprises of unknown landscapes will take your breath away as we introduce early music viewpoints from the Middle East, East and South Asia, and Latin America.  

We challenge you to join us in this ever-expanding journey. Give today!

Why do you GiveBig? 

“When I Give Big, it is because Early Music Seattle gives a voice and an attentive audience to me and my community.” —Babak Khiavchi

“When I Give Big, it is because Early Music Seattle gives a sense of belonging.” —Gus Denhard

“When I Give Big, it is because Early Music Seattle gives me a sense of pride in being human.” —Jim Hessler

“When I Give Big, it is because Early Music Seattle gives me the opportunity to discover, embrace, learn, and share - cultures, history, ways of doing, thought, people, sounds.” —Sarah Thomson

“When I Give Big, it is because Early Music Seattle gives Big Rewards to me” —Richard Ginnis

“When I Give Big, it is because Early Music Seattle gives hope to me” —Ricardo de la Torre

Our Mission

Every day, Early Music Seattle aims to present outstanding early music, enrich cultural heritage via education and outreach, and engage new audiences through inclusivity and openness. 

With your support, we are designing a new way of thinking about Early Music: from the traditional European music of the Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque periods to the wider story of all cultures and communities, enriching our understanding of the cultural interconnectedness that forms the foundations of the world’s great music traditions.

Values

- Artistic Excellence: Compelling, historically informed performances by great artists.
- Education: Greater awareness, knowledge, and appreciation of early music.
- Community Outreach: Inclusivity and equity for audiences and performers. 

About Us

Formed in 1977 as Early Music Guild, Early Music Seattle is now the area’s largest presenter of Early Music and through its most recent format Beyond Baroque seeks to celebrate the interconnectedness of cultures by bringing excellent performances from across the world, together with Seattle local artists, organizations and partners - establishing Seattle as the home for groundbreaking, diverse artistry and outreach in the world of Early Music.