Avi Avital is a mandolin player and a composer with a broad repertory for his instrument, from many different genres. Suzanne spoke with him about the mandolin and his 2015 recording of Vivaldi Mandolin Concertos with the Venice Baroque Orchestra.

The visual arts and artists of the 17th century are much better known than the music and composers of that same time period, and guitarist Richard Savino wanted to address that oversight. He embarked on a comprehensive project to integrate the paintings of artists such as Artemisia Gentileschi and her contemporaries with music by composers such as Andrea Falconieri, Dario Castello, Giovanni Kapsberger and others. The result is the 2015 recording What Artemesia Heard featuring Richard Savino and his group El Mundo, and he spoke with Sunday Baroque host Suzanne Bona about it.

Guitarist Sharon Isbin is a passionate and articulate advocate for her instrument and for music in general. As an international performer, recording artist, teacher and mentor she is shaping the future of the popular instrument. Suzanne spoke with Sharon Isbin about her impressive career

German-born musician Matthias Maute has achieved an international reputationas conductor, recorder and flute player and as a composer. He is artisticdirector of Ensemble Caprice in Canada, and performs all over the world atfestivals and with other ensembles. His many recordings are regularlyfeatured on Sunday Baroque, and Suzanne had the chance to welcome him in thestudio to discuss his creative approach to being a musician.

Ronn McFarlane and Mark Cudek are among the most sought-after performers specializing in baroque and early music. The founding members of the Baltimore Consort spoke with Suzanne about their trio with Mindy Rosenfeld -- Gut, Wind and Wire. They explained the inside scoop on the group's name, talked about some of the unusual instruments they play, and revealed of their surprising and diverse musical tastes.

Claudio Monteverdi (1567-1643) is often called the first great opera composer, and the opera Il ritorno d'Ulisse (The Return of Ulysses) was one of Monteverdi's late masterpieces. Unfortunately it's not often performed, so The Yale Baroque Opera Project's production in early May 2012 marks its New Haven premiere. The semester-long preparations have brought together talented undergraduate and graduate students, and faculty from Yale's Music and Theatre departments as part of a larger project to promote the study and performance of Baroque opera. Three Yale professors who are working on YBOP, Ellen Rosand, Toni Dorfman and Grant Herreid, had a lively and informative discussion with Suzanne about this thrilling production and their ongoing baroque opera collaboration.

Canadian violinist Lara St. John and French harpist Marie-Pierre Langlamet are old friends who enjoy making music together for fun, and decided to share their enthusiasm and talent on an album featuring Sonatas by Johann Sebastian Bach. Since Bach didn't compose any violin and harp music, their collaboration features intriguing arrangements. Hear their conversation with Suzanne about adapting these lovely works, what is special to them about Bach's music, and which Sonata is their favorite.

Rick Steves is a tried and true expert on European travel, so Suzanne invited him to share his advice about hearing great, live music while you're on vacation in Europe. He talked about some of his favorite musical destinations, and gave suggestions for finding the kinds of venues and concerts to suit your tastes. (Make sure you listen for his insider's tip about getting the best seat in the house at Saint-Sulpice in Paris.)

Guitarist Richard Savino and his group, El Mundo, were nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Small Ensemble Performance for their 2011 recording The Kingdoms of Castille. Sunday Baroque contributor Amanda Pond interviewed him about the interesting variety of music on the recording, special considerations for performing it, and what it's like to receive a Grammy nomination.

With its 6,183 pipes, 95 stops, 111 ranks, 2 consoles and 7 keyboards, installation of the new French organ at New York City's Church of the Ascension was completed in early 2011. Master builder Pascal Quoirin was chosen to design the instrument by the Church's Music Director, distinguished organist and conductor Dennis Keene. Suzanne Bona visited Dr. Keene to discuss the magnificent new instrument, what makes it so special and his plans to introduce it to the musical community.