Organization Member
Contact Information
+1-514-894-2764
info@ensemblescholastica.cahttps://ensemblescholastica.ca/
Montréal, Quebec
Type of Organization
Performing EnsembleAbout
Founded in 2008 by musicologist Pascale Duhamel, Ensemble Scholastica is a group of talented and dedicated vocalists from Montréal’s thriving early music community, some of whom also play medieval instruments. Leading medievalist Rebecca Bain has directed the ensemble since 2012.
Ensemble Scholastica is Canada’s only female vocal ensemble that specializes in the performance of medieval plainchant and polyphony (from the 9th to the 14th century). While our work begins with the study of medieval manuscripts, historical authenticity is not our only objective. Our goal is to share with listeners the beauty and intricacy of medieval music, particularly the medieval liturgical traditions that are at the very root of Western music. We offer our audiences the opportunity to experience the remarkable joy and complexity of European medieval spirituality and culture.
In recent seasons Ensemble Scholastica has been expanding its repertoire to include the liturgical music of New France—a rarely performed repertoire that Scholastica is uniquely well-placed to explore. In 2018 and 2022, collaborations with Les Idées heureuses on this repertoire were nominated for the Prix Opus’ early music concert of the year. Additionally, we have been programming non-Western historical music and featuring guest artists of diverse origins, with the goal of presenting European early music in its proper global context, as one set of rich traditions among many. Since 2021, we have presented programs featuring Renaissance music from Mexico, Indian classical music, the Arabic poetry of medieval Spain, and music from the 14th-century Empire of Mali.
