Since 2017, the Folk Orchestra of Santa Barbara (FOSB), the only one of its kind in the U.S., has been taking listeners on musical voyages around the world.

For its next programs, FOSB will be time-traveling with Medieval Concerts, Jan. 30 -Feb. 1.

With musicians behind him, artistic director Adam Philips welcomes an audience to a performance by the Folk Orchestra of Santa Barbara. Phillips is wearing a black cap and black shirt, and has his guitar. over his shoulder. (Courtesy photo)
Artistic director Adam Philips welcomes audience members to a performance by the Folk Orchestra of Santa Barbara.(Courtesy photo)

Audiences will hear music performed on rare and unusual instruments, along with more familiar strings, drums and guitars. The musical pieces range from lively dance tunes popular in the 1500s to orchestral arrangements of international folk favorites, FOSB said.

Tickets are available at www.folkorchestrasb.com.
 
“The Dark Ages never sounded as light as this,” said founder and musical director Adam Phillips of the upcoming shows. “The music has powerful rhythms and ancient Melodies, all woven into the magnificent fabric of orchestral strings.”
 
Patrons will hear such rare instruments as the crumhorn from England (King Henry VIII owned more than two dozen!); gemshorn from Germany (and elsewhere in Europe); Middle Eastern Oud (said to be the ancestor of all string instruments); and Swedish nyckelharpa.

In Folk Orchestra tradition, there will also be an assortment of gaitas (bagpipes) from Spain and elsewhere.

The FOSB, which serves as the Musicians-in-Residence for El Presidio de Santa Barbara, was founded in 2017 by Adam Phillips, whose vision was: “To share the power, beauty and excitement of folk music from around the world.”

FOSB, which is currently 28 musicians strong, performs four concert sets annually, each featuring a different world region or era.