Nicholas McGegan has done more for the early music movement in America than nearly anyone else, and his tireless explorations of the byways of Baroque opera have put many fascinating works into the concert hall and onto recordings. Although he is primarily identified with Handel, he has played repertoire stretching into the 19th century and has brought the same sense of fun to all of it. McGegan served as the music director of the Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra for 34 seasons, taking on the role of music director laureate in 2020. McGegan, leading the SWR Symphonieorchester, backed Gil Shaham on a recording of music for violin and orchestra by Mozart in 2022.