San Francisco's Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra is one of the oldest and most renowned ensembles in the U.S. that specializes in historically oriented performance of music from earlier eras, using original instruments. Founded in 1981 by harpsichordist Laurette Goldberg, the orchestra has been led since 1985 by music director Nicholas McGegan. In the words of the group's mission statement, period instrument performance involves more than just using historically appropriate instruments; "it also means performing music with a passion, joy, and vitality that provide a meaningful c...