“As the deer longs for the water springs, so my soul longs for you, O God.” These lines from Palestrina’s Sicut Cervus remain one of the most beloved works of Renaissance polyphony — and one of the favourites of The Calgary Renaissance Singers & Players (CRSP), a group that has devoted itself to performing early music.
“We are performing those works that were created in that time, true to their original meanings,” said Elizabeth Graves, senior chorister with CRSP. The choir mostly performs a cappella without microphones or amps — it’s all acoustic.
“What we do is part of a movement called historically informed performance,” said Kristian Lo, a university choral scholar who sings with CRSP. “Some people abbreviate that as HIP, which is funny to me.”
To recreate the sound and style of the era, the group also uses period instruments: baroque bows, the cornetto and the sackbut (the early trumpet and trombone), along with historically informed costumes.
CRSP is one of Calgary’s oldest early-music ensembles. About a decade ago, it became a nonprofit, which opened the door to bigger projects and collaborations. The choir itself is volunteer-driven but works closely with professional musicians and choral scholars.
“Some of our members have been here since the very beginning in 1970. It’s a long, proud history of making music together, ”said Graves. The roster spans generations — from singers in their 20s to singers in their 80s — all sharing the same space and the same joy of performing.
To make it more inviting, the program includes not only sacred works but also lively secular pieces.
“There are madrigals, the sort of folk songs of the time, with lots of wink-wink, nudge-nudge moments that are really fun,” said Graves. During concerts, audiences get a full English translation of the music.
Early and classical music often carries a reputation for being exclusive, tied to the idea that they belong to the highly trained. Lo believes that mindset keeps new listeners at a distance.
“I hope younger people feel empowered to come to our concerts without thinking they need to be particularly well educated to attend, because that’s not what it’s about,” he said.
The group engages with public schools by visiting in costume, performing, and answering questions. “We do as much as we can because we want to share this with the kids,” said Graves. “We want this choir to go on for another 50 years.”
This month, CRSP presents Celestial Harmonies: The Magnificent Songs of Praetorius, the final program developed by artistic director Paul Grindley. The concert features works by German composer Michael Praetorius and evokes a Christmas Eve in 1615 in the town of Wolfenbüttel.
“It takes me back to my childhood of going to church on Christmas Eve,” said Graves. “It’s not about religion for me. It’s about the nostalgia of that magical Christmas time.”
The concert steps into the world of Vespers, the evening prayer service, to show what Christmas would have felt like in that era. “I love the idea that I’m singing the same music people sang 500 years ago,” said Graves.
Renaissance music draws people in for all kinds of reasons: its unusual sonority, its deep human connection, and the way it continues to inspire modern composers. It stretches a thread across centuries, letting us hear what moved and fascinated people long before us. And even if it doesn’t bring us closer to God, it inspires awe, a fleeting lift above the grind of everyday life. Isn’t that what we all long for, now and then?
Curious Questions
How do you ensure authenticity?
“We’re fortunate to have two longtime scholars — Nick Žekulin and Marcia Epstein, both retired University of Calgary professors. They sit in on rehearsals and advise on pronunciation and interpretation.”
Where do the instruments come from?
“We keep a small collection and bring in specialists from Ontario, Montreal, and Toronto. Locally, the String Theory Music Collective focuses on early string instruments.”
How are the costumes made?
“They were commissioned specifically for us. A researcher studied the period cuts, colours, and accessories — including the hats.”
What’s the biggest challenge right now?
“Attracting new singers.”
Celestial Harmonies takes place on December 14 at St. Stephen’s Anglican Church. For more details, visit renaissance-singers.com.
