The Dryden Ensemble
Free Baroque music concerts in and around Princeton, NJ
Celebrating Baroque Music
Named in honor of John Dryden, the English poet laureate whose words inspired Baroque composers including Purcell and Handel, the Dryden Ensemble specializes in performing music of the 17th and 18th centuries on period instruments. A line from Dryden's Song to St. Cecilia captures the essence of baroque music and our ensemble's philosophy: "What Passion cannot Musick raise and quell!"
The Dryden Ensemble
The Dryden Ensemble was incorporated as a New Jersey Non-Profit Corporation in 1994 and received 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status from the IRS in February, 1995. The organization is a registered charity.
Our MissionOur mission is to present the music of the 17th and 18th centuries in an historically appropriate style, and to educate and entertain our audience members. We carefully research each program we perform, sometimes incorporating recent musicological finds and reviving great works that have been neglected for centuries.
Accessible Music for AllSince 2024 we are presenting our concerts free to the public to make them accessible to as many community members are possible.Donate here to help us continue this important mission!
Accessible Music for AllSince 2024 we are presenting our concerts free to the public to make them accessible to as many community members are possible.Donate here to help us continue this important mission!
Artistic Director
Daniel Swenberg specializes in Renaissance and Baroque lutes, theorbos, Baroque and 19th-century guitars, and Baroque mandolino. He has performed regularly throughout North America with many leading ensembles and artists including Artek, Rebel, the Metropolitan Opera, the Carmel Bach Festival, Mr. Jones and the Engines of Destruction, Ensemble Viscera, Opera Atelier/Tafelmusik, Catacoustic Ensemble, the Four Nations Ensemble, Apollo’s Fire, the Handel and Haydn Society, and many others! He has been playing with Dryden for over 15 years.
Who We Are
Board of Directors
Carter van Dyke, President Gooitzen van der Wal, Treasurer Jane McKinley, Consultant Peggy de Wolf, secretary Charles Magee Daniel Swenberg, Artistic Director Barbara Taylor
Carter van Dyke, President Gooitzen van der Wal, Treasurer Jane McKinley, Consultant Peggy de Wolf, secretary Charles Magee Daniel Swenberg, Artistic Director Barbara Taylor
Our Artists
The Dryden Ensemble has had the pleasure of working with many of the most talented early music specialists working today.
The Dryden Ensemble has had the pleasure of working with many of the most talented early music specialists working today.
Donate to help us keep making glorious music!
Contact Us
We'd love to hear from you!
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Free Concerts for All
Enjoy complimentary performances showcasing Baroque and early classical music.
Explore Timeless Music
Discover the beauty and complexity of classical chamber music across the ages.
Community Engagement
Join us in celebrating music while connecting with local artists and audiences.
Concert Locations
Attend our free concerts in various venues throughout the greater Princeton area.