Making Early Music in Nova Scotia since 1978
Early Music refers to music composed before approximately 1750. This includes composers such as Bach, Purcell, Lully and many others.
- to open lines of communication related to early music activities within the community
- to nurture early music making at all levels
- to encourage performance opportunities
- to build audiences that enjoy early music.
We host 'readings' where vocalists and musicians get together to play (without rehearsal), and workshops with professionals, including dance night, throughout the year and occasionally professional concerts. Many of our members are part of classes in a particular instrument and/or informal consorts which meet to play early music.
Characteristics of Early Music
played and promoted by EMSNS
- Written by western European composers before 1750, including the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and Baroque periods
- begins with plain (monophonic) Gregorian chant of the Middle Ages through the development of polyphony, madrigals and opera
Upcoming Events
Dame Emma Kirkby, Lucas Harris and Alex Dobson Sept 27 & 28 Cancelled
The Early Music Society of Nova Scotia, along with the Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts are very sorry to announce the cancellation of the Triplicitie of Musicke. Â Due to health […]
Halifax, NS Canada
The Virtual Early Music Summit (via Zoom)
October 17-October 19 This year, the annual summit of Early Music America will be held virtually for the first time in Canada. Individual EMSNS members can register on a pay […]
2026 Mid-Winter Tune-Up
We are happy to announce the return of the Mid-Winter Tune-Up, Saturday, January 24. at 7 pm, St. Margaret of Scotland Church, basement hall. Entrance off downhill driveway.  Registration details to […]
Halifax, Nova Scotia Canada
The Current Board
President: Harold Rennie
Vice President: Anita Regan
Treasurer: Margo Lindener
Secretary: Leslie Hallett
Members at large:
Karen Langille
Jay Perry
Christopher Purcell
Kate Wilkinson
Susan Barratt
Marcus Merrin