There was no conductor guiding musicians through sheet music or any black-tie dress code to attend, but audience members experienced a world-class concert hall performance by student Baroque ensemble Camerata Capistrano on Sunday evening inside Capistrano Hall.

Small and intimate, the concert was attended by approximately 100 people and highlighted selections from the Baroque period of classical music that flourished during the 17th and 18th centuries in Europe. Works by famous composers like J.S. Bach and Antonio Vivaldi were chosen for the biannual event, as well as a 24-piece orchestral arrangement of George Handel’s “Water Music.”

Nearly half of the orchestra was made up of new members from the fall semester, a welcome sight for program director Lorne Peters.

“I’m just thrilled to have new blood in the group,” Peters said.

During the concert Peters surprised one regular audience member with an orchestral rendition of “Happy Birthday.” The audience gave a loud round of applause as Peters came over and hugged the man in question.

“I was surprised and totally taken aback,” said part-time professor Emanuel Gale. Gale intends to sponsor Camerata Capistrano’s concert next fall in celebration of his 85th birthday and has made previous donations to support the group.

“That’s what enriches our society? is investing in the arts,” Gale said. “These young people are real top-notch musicians?we’re very lucky here at Sac State.”

Senior music education major Paolo Reyes has been attending performances by Camerata Capistrano ever since he began attending Sacramento State. Reyes, who is friends with some of the musicians, likened some of Baroque’s characteristics to those of classical jazz.

“I think with Baroque, it’s a different experience?there’s a lot more intimate feeling to it,” Reyes said. “You have the melody, the main idea and the ornamentations and improvisations on top of it.”

Junior music major Kim Davis had a flute performance, playing “Trio in A Minor” by C.P.E Bach, son of J.S. Bach, with two other students on the violin and harpsichord. Davis’ performance was her first with Camerata Capistrano and said she hopes to continue performing when she graduates.

“The energy, just sharing music with everyone,” Davis said. “I definitely want to perform, I definitely want to teach.”

After concluding the concert with “Water Music,” the ensemble presented Peters with a bouquet of flowers to express their gratitude towards her.

“We couldn’t do it without you,” said harpsichordist Samantha Arrasmith.

Reyes said that he keeps coming back to see Camerata Capistrano perform because each time he is always amazed to see how much they have improved.

“They just keep raising the bar with each performance,” Reyes said.

Julia Baum can be reached at [email protected].