Gualala Arts Concert Series is privileged to host Musica Pacifica at 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 16 at Gualala Arts Center.

Musica Pacifica, a period instrument wind and string ensemble led by artistic directors Judith Linsenberg and Elizabeth Blumenstock, has been performing, touring, and recording since 1990. Mining a rich vein of Baroque literature, the group performs the spirited chamber concerti of Vivaldi and Telemann, colorful dance suites from the courts and opera houses of France, and the more intimate solo, duo, and trio sonatas from European countries. Musica Pacifica has been described by the press as "some of the best in the world" (Alte Musik Aktuell). Living in the San Francisco Bay area, the artists are members of the Philharmonia Baroque and appear with many other prominent early-music ensembles nationally and abroad.

Musica Pacificaâs stylish, high-energy, virtuoso performances have consistently received enthusiastic reviews from audiences and critics alike. They have appeared in numerous chamber and early-music concert series throughout the United States and have performed in festivals in Germany and Austria.

Among their five CD releases, their 2-CD Marais, Pieces en trio on the Virgin/Veritas label received a 5-star rating from the European Goldberg magazine. Their Telemann CD was described by Early Music America Magazine as "superbly elegant . . .exemplifying the finest in historical performance today."

The American Record Guide stated, "Musica Pacifica is made up of some of the finest baroque musicians in America. Their clear, clean sound and preoccupation with music rather than style makes the ensemble one of the best I have heard on disc. The playing just couldnât be better!"