Taking the stage for the first time, “Dances and Airs” will showcase the new Baroque Chamber Orchestra. A collaboration between the University of St. Thomas Music Preparatory School and Music Department, the performance is at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 29 in Cullen Hall, 4001 Mt. Vernon.

The Baroque Chamber Orchestra will perform works by J.S. Bach, George Frideric Handel, Georg Muffat, Jean-Philippe Rameau, Antonio Vivaldi and Astor Piazzolla. Conductor and violinist Zachary Carrettin will direct the group.

"I am thrilled we are the first student orchestra in Houston to be utilizing baroque-period bows,” Carrettin said. “Every musician in the ensemble now owns such a bow. We will continue to explore the baroque and classical period equipment next semester as we venture on to the symphonic works of Haydn and Mozart."

Music Preparatory School Director Paul Krystofiak said the inaugural performance is a combined group of musicians from the University Music Department and core of strong pre-college musicians.

“Most students are studying with outstanding instructors from the preparatory school or have attended summer music institutes sponsored by MPS,” Krystofiak said. “Maestro Zachary Carrettin has taken this initiative to the next level. We are very excited to bring these students together for rehearsals."

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Ann Candler Harlan at 713-525-3159 or harlanac@stthom.edu.