Our ensembles

Community Baroque Ensemble of Toronto offers musicians two complementary pathways for exploring Baroque music and historical performance practice.

While each ensemble has its own focus, both share the same spirit of curiosity, collaboration, learning, and community. Together, they create opportunities for musicians at different stages of their Baroque journey to learn, perform, and grow alongside one another.

CBET 440: Exploring Baroque music on modern instruments

CBET 440 is a welcoming ensemble for musicians who wish to explore Baroque repertoire and style while continuing to perform on modern instruments.

Members come from a wide range of musical backgrounds and experience levels. Some are encountering historical performance practice for the first time, while others bring years of experience and enjoy sharing their knowledge with the group.

Together, we explore questions such as:

  • How did Baroque musicians approach rhythm, articulation, and phrasing?
  • What makes a dance movement dance?
  • How can we communicate more effectively as an ensemble?
  • How can historical knowledge deepen our musical expression?

No prior experience with historically informed performance is required—only curiosity, openness, and a willingness to learn.

CBET 440 rehearses at Chester Village (3555 Danforth Ave), where residents and family members are welcomed into the musical process through open rehearsals and performances throughout the season.

CBET 415: Exploring historically informed performance

CBET 415 offers musicians an opportunity to explore Baroque music through historically informed performance practices.

Many members perform on period instruments, while others use modern instruments adapted for Baroque techniques and approaches. The ensemble performs at A=415 and explores topics including:

  • Historical bowing
  • Articulation and phrasing
  • Ornamentation
  • Continuo practice
  • Historical tuning and temperament
  • Ensemble leadership and listening

This ensemble is not defined by perfection or expertise, but by a shared commitment to learning, exploration, and musical growth.

CBET 415 rehearses at Castleview Wychwood Towers (351 Christie St), where residents and family members are welcomed into the musical process through open rehearsals and performances throughout the season.

One musical community

Although each ensemble has its own focus, CBET is first and foremost a community.

Members of both ensembles share concerts, workshops, guest artists, and special projects throughout the season. Many friendships and musical collaborations have grown from these connections, extending beyond rehearsals into chamber music gatherings, shared meals, concert outings, and other creative projects.

Whether you are taking your first steps into Baroque music or pursuing historically informed performance in greater depth, there is a place for you within the CBET community.