Who We Are

The Calgary Renaissance Singers and Players is a performing group of singers, instrumentalists and actors. Although some members are professionally trained, as a group we are amateurs in the best sense of the word: we love what we do. Several of the current members have been with us since the 1970's and 80's. We benefit from the contributions of veterans and newcomers alike.

Photo by Murray Sagal

The core of the CRSP is a choir of approximately 25 singers who double on occasion as instrumentalists, dancers, actors, narrators, and court jesters. We are supplemented in many performances by players of Medieval and Renaissance instruments from outside the choir, and by guest soloists. We take pride in cooperating with Calgary music community to present unique and entertaining musical and theatrical events.

The CRSP was founded in 1970 by Dr. Anthony (Tony) Petti, a professor of Renaissance English literature at the University of Calgary. Tony started the group as a way of demonstrating Medieval and Renaissance music and drama to his literature classes, and then expanded it with a mandate for public performance. Concerts were, and still are, designed to educate as well as entertain. Tony was well known and loved for his dynamic narratives and flamboyant wit onstage as well as his kindness and encouragement to all of us. His death in 1985 left us with a serious decision to face: should we disband the group, or carry on with new leadership?

We did carry on, knowing that the future would bring new challenges -- musical, professional and personal. Our subsequent artistic directors have included Peter Togni (now the host of CBC's "The Weekender"), Malcolm Edwards (who is a professor in the Department of Music, U. of C.), Susan Lyle (a professional singer and voice teacher), and David Wilson, founder of the Spiritus ensemble. David is a leading innovator in Body, Breath and Voice Integrative Therapy. Janet Youngdahl was our next conductor and now conducts the Bach Festival Society Chorus. We have most recently said good-bye to Steve Weisbrod, who combines his accounting talents with his love of the performing arts as accountant for Vertigo Mystery Theatre and the Calgary International Children's Festival . Steve is an active accompanist and teacher in Calgary.

Each of the past conductors has enriched the choir's experience and expanded its repertoire. We now perform choral works from the 12th through 20th centuries, but our primary focus remains the Renaissance and early Baroque periods.

We welcome Jean-Louis Bleau as our current conductor and the unique perspective he, a breeder of Cashmere goats and Samoyed dogs, will add to the choir.