The Aulos Ensemble, which has been playing its style of critically acclaimed authentic baroque for nearly 30 years, is coming to Ames. With more than a dozen albums to date and nearly continuous performances, the New York Times has called the group’s music “authentic baroque at its best.” Formed in 1973 by five Julliard graduates, the Aulos Ensemble has garnered praise from all corners of the country. The San Francisco Examiner wrote that “their performances were by far the most exhilarating examples of Baroque playing that these ears have ever heard.”Baroque is classical music typified of the 18th century by some of the most famous composers in history such as Bach, Handel and Telemann. “Baroque is so interesting because it is so prolific,” Sue Haug, head of the ISU music department, said. Many melodies from famous composers have been used in television commercials and other advertisements, she added. Stephen Willson, publicist for the Ames Town and Gown Chamber Music Association, described baroque as being very stately and organized. The Association is responsible for bringing the Aulos Ensemble to Ames. In addition to its performance on Saturday, the Ensemble will also be appearing at both the Ames Middle School and High School on Friday as part of its outreach program. The Aulos frequently gives lecture-demonstrations at universities around the country. The Aulos Ensemble will be performing in the Martha-Ellen Tye Recital Hall in the ISU Music Hall, Saturday, January 27 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased for $20 at Riemans Music in Ames, Big Table Books and the Iowa State University Music Department office. Students are admitted free of charge with student ID.