Ensemble Scholastica is a Canadian classical music ensemble that specializes in medieval and early music. The ensemble was founded in 2010 by Rebecca Bain, a soprano and musicologist, and has since become one of the most respected ensembles in Canada. The ensemble's name is inspired by Saint Scholastica, the twin sister of Saint Benedict, who is considered the founder of Western monasticism. The name reflects the ensemble's commitment to the music of the medieval and early Christian periods, which was often composed and performed in monastic settings. Ensemble Scholastica's core members include Rebecca Bain (soprano), Marie-Annick Béliveau (mezzo-soprano), Étienne Gagné (tenor), and Joel Cormier (baritone). The ensemble also collaborates with a number of guest musicians, including instrumentalists and other vocalists. One of the highlights of Ensemble Scholastica's career was their performance at the Festival de Musique Ancienne de Callas in France in 2013. The ensemble was invited to perform a program of medieval music, which was very well received by the audience and critics alike. The ensemble has also performed at a number of other festivals and concert series in Canada and Europe, including the Montreal Baroque Festival, the Ottawa Chamberfest, and the Festival de Musique de Lachine. Ensemble Scholastica has received a number of awards and accolades for their performances and recordings. In 2014, the ensemble won the Prix Opus for Best Early Music Concert of the Year for their performance of the medieval music drama "The Play of Daniel". The ensemble has also been nominated for several other Prix Opus awards, including Best Early Music Album of the Year and Best Concert of the Year. In addition to their live performances, Ensemble Scholastica has also released several recordings. Their debut album, "A Noël, a new world", was released in 2012 and features Christmas music from the medieval and Renaissance periods. The album was very well received and was nominated for a Prix Opus award for Best Early Music Album of the Year. The ensemble has since released several other albums, including "The Play of Daniel" and "Laudario di Cortona", which features music from a 13th-century Italian manuscript. Ensemble Scholastica's performances and recordings are characterized by their attention to historical accuracy and their commitment to bringing the music of the medieval and early Christian periods to life. The ensemble's members are all highly trained musicians and scholars, and their performances are marked by their virtuosity and their deep understanding of the music they perform. Overall, Ensemble Scholastica is a highly respected and accomplished ensemble that has made a significant contribution to the performance and study of medieval and early music. Their commitment to historical accuracy and their virtuosic performances have earned them a loyal following and numerous awards and accolades.

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