About the Dryden Ensemble

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!"

In April 2023, the Dryden Ensemble presented its Swan Song, as founder and artistic director Jane McKinley stepped down as artistic director of the ensemble’s regular concert series after 29 years in order to devote more time to writing poetry. As 2024 rolls into 2025, the Dryden Ensemble will rise again: a phoenix in place of a swan. Daniel Swenberg—lutenist with the group for the past 15 years— will take up the role of artistic director. The band is getting back together. We look forward to welcoming, engaging with, and entertaining our Princeton and Bucks County audiences.