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
Charpentier’s Messe de Minuit: annual reading
The annual reading of Charpentier's Messe de Minuit (1690), an EMSNS holiday tradition, returns this year on Saturday, December 28. Andrew Pickett, countertenor, Early Music expert, and former president of the […]
Halifax, Nova Scotia Canada
The Current Board
President: Harold Rennie
Vice President: Marcus Merrin
Treasurer: Margo Lindener
Secretary: Anita Regan
Members at large:
Karen Langille
Jay Perry
Christopher Purcell
Kate Wilkinson
Susan Barratt