Crescendo is an amateur a cappella choir resulted from passion and utter persistence. Its main goal is to promote the splendid heritage of the European Renaissance and Baroque along with North American and Romanian music.

A distinctive feature of this ensemble is the presence of vocal adaptations after instrumental pieces. These adaptations are unique and can't be heard anywhere else in the world.

Crescendo's repertoire also includes original compositions by Catalin Ursu, the founder and conductor of the ensemble, Associate Composer with the Canadian Music Centre.

Enjoy the calm and beauty of

"Chants of the Orthodox Liturgy" by Catalin Ursu and Crescendo Choir.

For CD orders call 1-604-454-0693

The Crescendo Choir was founded in 1998 having as starting point a small vocal group formed inside the Saint Nicholas Church in New Westminster, British Columbia Canada.

The evolution of this choir was spectacular: from 12 members to 30, from less than 100 spectators to almost 450. However, the most impressive evolution was musical. Out of a total void, Crescendo has today a repertoire of more than 60 pieces! The list includes Renaissance, Baroque, and Romanian music. Moreover, the ensemble has recorded the first Orthodox Liturgy entirely composed on the North American continent. In ten years this wonderful group of passionate women and men has learned more than 300 pages of music, an outstanding achievement for amateurs without any musical background. The result is a very flexible and versatile choir, capable to sing in six different languages. Since 2003, the Crescendo choir is a member of the British Columbia Choral Federation. Recently, Crescendo has become an independent, non-profit organization.

"Catalin, not since Rachmaninov's 'Vespers' have I been happier to hear your glorious chants. You brought out the sublime Greek Orthodoxy of all our souls. As well you have created a miracle with the 'Crescendo' choir."

Dr. Yaroslav Senyshyn. Ed.D., M.Mus., Professor, Simon Fraser University, Faculty of Education, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada.