St. Paul, Minnesota – May 13, 2025 – The Lyra Baroque Orchestra is thrilled to announce the appointment of Bojan Čičić as our new Artistic Director. This significant addition to our leadership team marks an exciting new chapter for the orchestra and reflects our commitment to excellence in the performance of early music.
Bojan Čičić, originally from Zagreb, Croatia and now residing in Oxford, England, is a distinguished violinist and leader known for his innovative interpretations and deep understanding of the early music repertoire. With a career that spans across Europe and North America, Čičić has garnered acclaim for his performances and leadership of some of the most prestigious early music ensembles in the world, including the Academy of Ancient Music. He is also the historical violin faculty at the Royal College of Music in London, the founder of the Illyria Consort, and a Delphian Records recording artist. His expertise in historically informed performance practices aligns perfectly with Lyra’s mission to present exceptional performances of Baroque music on period instruments.
Čičić was selected after a two year long search process led by a special committee. The search began with 40 candidates from around the world. Four outstanding finalists were chosen to present a concert with Lyra in our 2024-25 mainstage season. Other finalists included Judith Steenbrink of the Netherlands, Pedro Gandía-Martín of Spain, and Rachell Ellen Wong of the United States. The decision process included consideration of surveys of the audience and significant input by the musicians.
In his role as Artistic Director, Čičić will oversee programming, artistic vision, and community engagement initiatives. He aims to enhance the orchestra’s connection with audiences through diverse concert offerings that highlight both well-known works and lesser-known gems from the Baroque era.
“I’m truly honoured to have been offered the post of the Artistic Director of Lyra Baroque Orchestra,” said Bojan Čičić. “The experience of performing with my colleagues from Lyra Baroque Orchestra in January of this year was one of mutual respect and trust in creating a concert event for our audiences that was informative, entertaining, and, most importantly, rich in emotions during the performance. I very much look forward to continuing in our endeavour to create similar concert experiences with my musical family in St. Paul for the years to come.”
The Lyra Baroque Orchestra has been a cornerstone of Minnesota’s cultural landscape since its founding in 1985. Known for its passionate performances and dedication to scholarship, the orchestra engages audiences through concerts, outreach programs, and engagements with both local artists and guest artists from around the country and abroad.
Jacques Ogg, Lyra’s retired Artistic Director and newly elected Artistic Director Emeritus, had the following to say about the appointment of Čičić:
“I am happy with the choice of Bojan Cicic as my successor. I met him for the first time last summer, when we both taught at a summer course in Salamanca, Spain. He is a wonderful violinist, a dedicated teacher, and a warm, friendly colleague! The concert he gave in January was just beautiful. I trust he can lead Lyra to a bright future and create programs that will make audiences happy.”
Čičić will officially assume his position on July 1, 2025. The orchestra looks forward to unveiling an exciting season under his leadership that promises to inspire both longtime patrons and new audiences alike.
For more information about upcoming concerts or to learn more about Bojan Čičić’s vision for the Lyra Baroque Orchestra, please visit www.lyrabaroque.org.
Contact: Eva Elizabeth Skanse
Executive Director
Lyra Baroque Orchestra
Email: info@lyrabaroque.org
