Jan 4, 2022 3 min read

Chatham Baroque Inc. will relocate to the 10-acre Pittsburgh Theological Seminary Campus, in East Liberty/Highland Park.

The move will enable the organization to have its offices, rehearsal space and a performance venue all in one location for the first time in its 30-year history.

Chatham Baroque has established itself as one of the nation’s most distinguished period ensembles and the region’s largest organization dedicated to early music.

The 2021-22 season includes both in-person concerts and on-demand videos performed by Chatham Baroque and an array of guest artists, along with other distinguished touring ensembles.

For the past 18 years, Chatham Baroque has been headquartered at the Ice House in Lawrenceville, with rehearsals and performances occurring at various locations throughout the city. With its move to the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, the ensemble will be able to centralize many activities.

“What first caught our attention about the PTS campus were the accessibility and remarkable acoustics of the Hicks Memorial Chapel,” Chatham Baroque executive director Donna Goyak said. “But it was the potential for cross-organizational collaboration with PTS and partnerships with surrounding schools, businesses, and agencies that really inspired us to pursue this opportunity. Though we will continue to hold our programs in a variety of locations, we couldn’t be any more excited about our new home base.”

In addition to its practical advantages, the new location also is a cultural fit for Chatham Baroque, as its programming includes a mix of secular and sacred music performed in both concert hall and worship settings. Visiting artists hosted by the group present devotional and sacred music from a variety of traditions, including early Jewish and Ottoman music.

The historical connection between music and worship can also be traced in the collection of ancient musical manuscripts found in PTS’ Barbour Library.

“Chatham Baroque will be a valued partner in the PTS community, helping us to explore the intersection of faith and the arts,” the Rev. Dr. Asa J. Lee, president and professor of theological formation for ministry, said.

“Music is an important part of our expression of faith. Many of the baroque pieces that make up the core of their music were composed in service to Christian liturgy. They will be a wonderful partner in helping our students understand the role of music, the arts, and liturgy in ministry.”

Chatham Baroque’s 2021-22 season continues with:

• Twelfth Night, “Flash and Elegance,” Jan. 15 at Calvary Episcopal Church, Shadyside;
• ”Les Nations,” Feb. 25 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Upper St. Clair, and Feb. 26-27 at Calvary Episcopal Church, Shadyside;
• ”Stabat Mater,” April 2-3 at East Liberty Presbyterian Church;
• East of the River, “Hamsa,” April 30 at Hicks Memorial Chapel, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.

Chatham Baroque is joining many fellow arts organizations in requiring proof of vaccination for in-person attendance. Attendees are also required to wear masks. Additional safety measures include holding concerts in large venues to maximize physical distancing.

For more information, visit www.chathambaroque.org.