Conductor John Ignatowski leads Esky Baroque in a recent rehearsal. The choir and orchestra will put on its winter concert Sunday at St. Joseph and St. Patrick Church in Escanaba. (R. R. Branstrom | Daily Press)

ESCANABA — Esky Baroque is counting down the days until its winter concert, set for 4 p.m. Sunday at St. Joseph and St. Patrick Church in Escanaba.

Esky Baroque, made up of choral singers and instrumentalists, performs classical music from the 17th and 18th centuries. Sunday’s concert will feature an opening piece by Claudio Monteverdi; a solo performance from visiting guest organist Steven Ball of an organ concerto by George Frideric Handel; and Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Magnificat.”

Formed only a few years ago with their inaugural concert in May 2023, Esky Baroque has been popular with the public and continues to grow. About a year ago, they announced their Orpheus Chorus, which is a callback not only to the mythological figure with god-like musical talent but also the name of a choir that existed in Escanaba decades ago.

In Esky Baroque’s ranks are professionals, amateurs and students. Last spring, they hosted a youth concerto competition, and three musicians who participated are now playing with the group.

“We’ve got some really talented young people coming up and joining,” Esky Baroque President Jillena Rose said.

Rose also noted the orchestra has grown by about a third since last year’s November performance of Handel’s “Messiah.”

Attendees of Esky Baroque’s concert on Sunday will be treated to the sounds of the 19-member Orpheus Chorus and an orchestra made up of violins, violas, violoncellos, oboe, bassoon, flutes, trumpets, organs, a timpani and a harpsichord.

The concert at St. Joseph and St. Patrick Church, 709 First Ave. S., is expected to last until about 5:15 or 5:30 p.m.

Though an admission fee is not required, free-will offerings will go to support future Esky Baroque productions.

As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the group is now able to pursue grants, and donors who wish to provide financial support may be eligible for tax deductions.

Esky Baroque’s next performance will be Dec. 21 at the Church Brewery in Hyde.