Melos Music Society Inc.

Melos Music Society Inc. is a Canadian nonprofit organization based in Kingston, Ontario, dedicated to the performance and education of early music. Founded over three decades ago, it primarily operates through its ensemble, the Melos Choir & Period Instruments, which specializes in historically informed performances of music spanning the 12th to the 18th centuries.

Mission and Activities

The society's main mission is to perform early music from the Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque periods using period instruments and techniques that reflect the historical context of these works. This approach aims to illuminate the development of Western music and culture across these centuries. In addition to live performances, Melos Music Society Inc. places strong emphasis on education, serving as a resource for both youth and adults interested in early music, history, and performance practices.

A key component of the society is the Melos Choir, an auditioned ensemble consisting of approximately 30 experienced singers with backgrounds in professional and academic music environments. The choir is supported by a group of period instrumentalists playing instruments such as the harpsichord, Baroque oboe, recorders, viola da gamba, and various early wind and string instruments. The ensemble strives to present rarely heard and challenging repertoire, including music by women composers from Europe to Persia, highlighting underrepresented musical traditions and historical figures.

History and Organization

Melos Music Society Inc. was founded in 1984 and has since become a prominent cultural fixture in Eastern Ontario's early music scene. The organization is structured as a registered charity under Canadian law, with the Business Registration Number 847416310RR0001. Its governance includes a Board of Directors supported by members from the choir and instrumental groups.

The society regularly organizes concerts, educational workshops, outreach programs, and fundraising events such as silent auctions. These activities help sustain its mission and broaden community engagement with early music.

Notable Projects

Among its recent initiatives, Melos has produced thematic programs such as Voces Feminarum, which showcases early music by and about women ranging from the Medieval to Baroque periods and includes works from European, Persian, Armenian, and Sephardic traditions. This program features collaborations with guest artists skilled in period performance, emphasizing cross-cultural musical influences.

Online and Community Presence

Melos Music Society Inc. maintains an active online presence providing information about upcoming events, recordings, and educational resources. The society also offers digital access to its performances to expand its reach beyond Kingston, engaging a global audience interested in early music.

Melos Music Society Inc. represents a vibrant example of dedication to preserving and revitalizing early music traditions in Canada, fostering both high-level performance and community education in historical music practices.