SUBMITTED BY SALT SPRING BAROQUE
In the winter of 1606, on the rugged shores of the “New World,” Samuel de Champlain founded the Order of Good Cheer. It was North America’s first social club, a spirited mix of wine, camaraderie and music designed to keep spirits high during the long, isolated winters. This spirit of connection and cultural celebration is the heartbeat of Ménestrel, an alternative early music ensemble coming to Salt Spring Island to bring the 17th century to life.
Ménestrel is not your typical period-instrument ensemble. By juxtaposing early music with folk traditions — the “true songs of the people” — the group aims to demystify ancient repertoire. They showcase the melodies that forged the foundations of French-Canadian culture, proving that music from four centuries ago remains as timeless and relevant today as it was then.
The ensemble was co-founded by two of Canada’s most compelling emerging artists: Janelle Lucyk and Kerry Bursey.
Lucyk is a celebrated singer and producer specializing in historically informed performance. A graduate of the Conservatoire Royal de Bruxelles and Durham University, she balances a busy performance schedule with major administrative roles, including serving as the artistic and administrative director of Musique Royale in Nova Scotia. She also directs the new ArtChoral series at the historic La Grande Salle du 9e in Montreal.
Bursey, a Montreal-based tenor and plucked-string instrumentalist, is known for a “dreamy troubadouresque sweetness” in his performances. He is a sought-after lutenist and guitarist who specializes in the art of self-accompaniment. In addition to his work with Ménestrel, he regularly performs as a soloist with renowned groups such as Ensemble Caprice and the Studio de musique ancienne de Montréal.
Since its inception in 2019, Ménestrel has performed in all 13 Canadian provinces and territories. They recently returned from an international residency in France and Spain, where they focused on new workshops and recordings. Whether they are performing in prestigious concert halls or in unexpected historic venues — as they do with their popular “Messiah-on-the-go!” production — their mission remains the same: to share the transformative power of music.
Their upcoming program features an evocative selection of songs inspired by the sea, the “new world” and universal themes of hope. It is a rare opportunity to hear world-class early music in an intimate local setting.
• When: Friday, April 24 at 7 p.m.
• Where: All Saints by-the-Sea Anglican Church
• Tickets: Available online at saltspringbaroque.com and artspring.ca.