The Toronto Consort is Canada's leading ensemble specializing in the music of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Formed in 1972, the Consort has performed throughout Canada, the USA, Great Britain and Europe. It has frequently collaborated with other early music specialists including Paul O'Dette, Julianne Baird, Colin Tilney, the King's Noyse and Les Sonneurs de Montréal.
A number of twentieth-century works have been written specially for the ensemble, which has led to guest appearances with the Toronto Symphony, Montreal Symphony and North German Radio Orchestra. Each year the Consort offers a subscription series in Toronto. These concerts are constantly exploring new repertoires and innovative ways to bring early music to the modern audience.
The Consort often works in collaboration with actors, dancers and visual artists, to produce concerts which have dramatic as well as musical appeal. Recent projects have included a new transcription of The Play of Daniel, an evening of Renaissance dance with the Ken Pierce Dance Company, and a concert devoted to women's music of the Middle Ages and Renaissance, combined with readings and visual images.
The members of the Toronto Consort are: Laura Pudwell, mezzo-soprano; Paul Jenkins, tenor, keyboard instruments; David Fallis, tenor and Artistic Director; John Pepper, bass; Terry McKenna, lute, plucked strings; Alison Melville, recorders, early flutes.
* The Little Barleycorn: Winter Revels from the Renaissance - Dorian 93186, November 1999
David Fallis, Artistic Director/tenor/harsichord; Paul Jenkins, tenor/harsichord; Terry McKenna, baroque guitar/lute; A.M., recorder; John Pepper, bass and Laura Pudwell, mezzo-soprano with David Greenberg, violin; Ben Grossman, percussion, hurdy-gurdy; Katherine Hill, soprano, viola da gamba
"...[The Toronto Consort] brings a toe-tapping sensibility to Renaissance repertoire...the group whoops it up with infectious songs relating to the ale-soaked Œwinter revels.¹..." Discography
* O Lusty May - Dorian 93172, 1999
"The virtuoso talents of Alison Melville are featured on several solo tracks...and also contribute tasteful flourishes and ornamentation throughout. One solo in particular...accompanied by Paul Jenkins, is filled with ear-tickling impulsiveness and musical caresses."
Toronto Early Music News* Orlando di Lasso - Chansons & Madrigals - Dorian Discovery, DIS-80149, 1996
Vocal and instrumental treatments of works by Lassus, including solo songs, instrumental diminutions and intabulations, vocal and recorder consorts, and settings for the whole ensemble.
* Full Well She Sang - SRI, 1993 * Nowell Sing We - SRI, 1992 * The Sweet Hereafter (movie soundtrack, music by Mychael Danna) - Virgin, 1998
