Founded in 1998 by harpsichordist and conductor Matthew Dirst, Ars Lyrica Houston is a Texas-based ensemble that performs world-class Baroque music on period instruments.

The Grammy-nominated ensemble specializes in music from the golden age of the 17th and 18th centuries. Ars Lyrica’s world premiere recording of J.A. Hasse’s Marc Antonio e Cleopatra brought the ensemble its first Grammy nomination for “a thrilling performance that glows in its quieter moments and sparkles with vitality” (Early Music America). 

Ars Lyrica’s latest Sono Luminus recording, of Domenico Scarlatti’s comic intermezzo La Dirindina and his chamber cantata Pur nel sonno, was released in August 2012.

In addition to its concert and recording activities, ALH offers diverse educational and outreach programs that focus on enriching the concert experience and expanding audience interest. The organizations’ efforts include school workshops and collaborations, demonstrations of period instruments, performances at nontraditional venues and lectures.