Collection: THOMAS CRAWFORD and THE AMERICAN CLASSICAL ORCHESTRA: THE MUSICAL HERITAGE SOCIETY RECORDINGS

Based in New York City, the American Classical Orchestra (ACO) stands as a premier ensemble dedicated to performing 17th, 18th, and 19th-century music on period instruments. Founded in 1984 by Artistic Director Thomas Crawford, the ACO brings the masterworks of the Baroque, Classical, and early Romantic eras to life with the unique sounds and stylistic practices envisioned by the composers themselves.

Through meticulous research and the use of historically accurate instruments – gut strings, valveless brass, period winds – ACO performances reveal the transparency, brilliance, and distinct timbres inherent in the music of Bach, Handel, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, and their contemporaries. This historically informed performance (HIP) approach offers audiences a fresh, often revelatory perspective on familiar repertoire, highlighting the nuances and expressive power intended by the composers.

Under Maestro Crawford's visionary leadership for four decades, the ACO has earned critical acclaim for its vibrant interpretations, dynamic energy, and commitment to authenticity. The orchestra frequently performs in prestigious venues like Lincoln Center's Alice Tully Hall. Beyond the mainstage concerts, ACO is dedicated to education, often incorporating insightful pre-concert lectures by Maestro Crawford that illuminate the historical context and musical intricacies of the works performed.

The American Classical Orchestra provides a vital connection to music history, offering listeners an immersive and historically rich experience. By championing period performance practice at the highest artistic level, the ACO continues to enrich the cultural landscape of New York City and beyond, inviting audiences to rediscover classical masterpieces through the lens of their original sound world.