The European Union Baroque Orchestra was founded in 1985 on the occasion of the European Year of Music which celebrated the 300th anniversary of three great musicians: Handel, Scarlatti and Bach. The Orchestra contributes to the professional training of young musicians by allowing them to play together under some of the greatest baroque musicians in the world, such as Monica Huggett, Ton Koopman, Marc Minkowski, Roy Goodman and Andrew Manze. Approximately 20 young musicians benefit each year from the Orchestra's programme of training courses, concerts, tours and recordings. Between 1985 and 1997, the Orchestra has worked with over 30 conductors and more than 200 students.
The European Union Baroque Orchestra has performed in every country in the European Union, as well as in Russia, the USA, South America, Japan, in Mediterranean countries and in Central and Eastern European countries. So far under its aegis approximately 1000 young musicians have also had the opportunity to attend week-long courses given by distinguished professors. The Orchestra is supported this year with an EU grant of Ecu 300,000.