Artistic Director
Elizabeth MacIsaac
Originally trained both as a pianist and singer, Elizabeth MacIsaac has been a choral director for over 25 years in Canada and in Paris, France. She received her primary choral conducting training under Bruce More at the University of Victoria for whom she sang for many years with the UVIC Chamber Singers. After studying musicology for 2 years at the graduate level, Elizabeth moved to London, England and then on to Paris for her solo singing career. While there, Elizabeth directed music programmes at several international schools, including Marymount School in Neuilly.
Elizabeth returned to Canada in 1996. She joined the teaching staff at the Victoria Conservatory of Music in 2000 and taught there for 10 years. She is now Pops Orchestra and Concert Choir Director at Brentwood College School in Mill Bay, where she has taught since 2000. With Douglas Hensley, she co-founded the chamber group, Continuum Consort, which frequently performs with Ensemble Laude. The two continue to collaborate on creative projects, including an Elizabethan masque and new works incorporating music and dance.
In the realm of medieval music, Elizabeth MacIsaac has studied under some of the greatest performers in this field, notably Benjamin Bagby, Eric Mentzel, Laurie Monahan and Barbara Thornton. Elizabeth is heard regularly on CBC Radio both as singer and as guest speaker for the exploration of medieval repertoire.
Elizabeth maintains her international career as a vocalist specializing in early and contemporary music. Her Duo Laude travels annually to Europe, giving period performances of medieval music. The duo has just released their first CD, Stonecrop.
For more information about Elizabeth, please visit her website at www.elizabethmacisaac.com.