Ménestrel

Ménestrel is an alternative early music group co-founded by Janelle Lucyk and Kerry Bursey, mixing ancient repertoire with oral folk traditions. Janelle Lucyk is a singer and producer among an emerging generation of Canadian artists specializing in old music and historically informed performance, taking ideas from conception to the stage. Kerry Bursey is a tenor and plucked string instrumentalist whose voice is appreciated for its luminous quality; and as a sought-after lutenist, he is also invested in the rare practice of self-accompaniment, in early and folk music of northwestern traditions.

Beyond traditional venues, Ménestrel is committed to bringing the transformative magic of music to unexpected places. In 2024, Ménestrel took to the road, giving performances and collaborating with singers and choirs in all Canada’s 13 provinces and territories. Since 2022, their “Messiah-on-the-go!” production congregates 20 emerging performers from across Canada to be featured in historic Nova Scotian venues. Their concerts aim to demystify early music, juxtaposing it next to folk songs, which are songs of the people. Ménestrel has been active across Canada since 2019.