The founder of the Crescendo Choir - composer, conductor and teacher Catalin Ursu - has a Master's Degree in Composition, Orchestra and Choir conducting. He graduated from the National University of Music, former "Ciprian Porumbescu" Conservatory in Bucharest, Romania. His teachers were among the most prominent musical personalities of Romania and among the leading musicians in Europe: Tiberiu Olah - composition, Iosif Conta - orchestra conducting, Stefan Niculescu. He also benefited from the caring advice and expertise of maestro Marin Constantin, one of the most celebrated Romanian artists, the founder and conductor of the Madrigal choir, Unesco Goodwill Ambassador. Catalin Ursu was editor and director of International Relations Department of the Romanian Radio Broadcasting Company from 1990 to 1998 when he immigrated with his family to Canada .
The scope of Catalin Ursu's music is very wide including symphonic, chamber, vocal-symphonic, choral, and electronic music. He also writes music for film and media.
Most of his music is recorded and may be found at each of the Canadian Music Centre's libraries in Canada and in the archives of the Romanian Radio Broadcasting Company. The music of Catalin Ursu has been performed in Canada, Romania, Germany, Italy, France, Bulgaria and Hungary. His name is included in some Romanian Music Dictionaries and Encyclopaedias.

Currently he is a certified teacher (BC College of Teachers) and teaches music, choir, band, and French for the Coquitlam School District. He also teaches composition, piano, musical analysis, harmony and music history and is a lecturer for Dana Wosk School of Performing Arts in Vancouver. He was a clinician for the British Columbia Music Educators Association and is often invited to adjudicate for various musical contests in Vancouver. Catalin Ursu led various music workshops for the Simon Fraser University.  

Catalin Ursu is Associate Composer with the Canadian Music Centre and member of the Romanian League of Composers. Catalin Ursu is also preparing his doctoral degree with the Simon Fraser University (Philosophy of Education).