Ménestrel is a Canadian early music ensemble co-founded by Janelle Lucyk and Kerry Bursey, mixing ancient repertoire with Canadian oral folk traditions. Janelle is a singer specializing in old music and historically informed performance. Kerry is a tenor and a sought-after lutenist, interested in early and folk music of northwestern traditions.
Ménestrel has given performances and collaborated with singers and choirs in all Canada’s 13 provinces and territories. Their debut Leaf Music album was released in March 2026. Their concerts aim to demystify early music and make it accessible for all.
In ‘Songs of the Mayflower’ interwoven voices, plucked strings, and violin bring to life ancient music in an intimate manner, with folk songs, ayres and ballads highlighting the remarkable stories of ordinary people. The programme includes a spotlight on the Helen Creighton Collection. Helen Creighton is considered Canada’s first lady of folklore, she was from Nova Scotia and collected over 4,000 traditional songs across the Maritimes.