Taking its name from the Latin word for ‘fiery passion’, Ardesco Vocal Ensemble is a dynamic group of musicians who share a common love for the sound of the human voice and the intricate harmonies created when their voices are united. Based in Montreal, under the musical direction of Andrew Mangal, Ardesco has captivated audiences young and old with their passionate and highly communicative performances that aim to push the boundaries of a cappella music.

Co-founders Andrew Mangal and Nureen Ladhani were first inspired by the Finnish group, Rajaton, while participating in Festival 500, an international choral festival held in St. John’s Newfoundland. It was here that the seeds of Ardesco were sown. Currently consisting of 8 musicians of exceptional talent and varying musical backgrounds, Ardesco is unique in that they perform primarily their own arrangements of soul, jazz, pop, rhythm and blues, and gospel music. Both culturally and musically diverse, each singer and arranger of this ensemble brings his or her own individual sound and personality to the group, creating a sound that communicates with the heart and speaks to the soul – a unique blend that is Ardesco.

Ardesco has achieved remarkable success in their short two years of existence as a new vocal ensemble and their performances have earned a great deal of acclaim from audiences and organizers of the events and festivals where the group has performed. Just 2 weeks after beginning rehearsals as a full group, Ardesco was featured in the production project of a Sound Recording Masters student at McGill University. Outside the studio, with less than a few months of rehearsal time under their belt, Ardesco began performing with other members of the Montreal choral community, including the high energy and emotionally driven West Island Chorus of Sweet Adelines International and the dynamic Montreal Island City Chorus. Since then, Ardesco’s passion, spark, and unique edge has led them to a line-up of exciting performances, some of which include: a dinner honoring actor Christopher Plummer on the occasion of his Honorary Doctorate from McGill University, annual sold-out shows in Morin Heights, gold and silver medal wins in Le Mondial Choral Loto-Québec’s first annual competition, a request to sing on the morning TV show, “Des kiwis et des homes,” and a premiere performance of Canadian Composer, John Roby’s “For Helen: A Sort of Requiem.”

The current season is yet another promising one for Ardesco Vocal Ensemble. In addition to several full concerts this season, the choir also continues to inspire young aspiring musicians by performing in schools, for benefits, leading workshops, and contributing to greater causes, such as China Care, a charitable organization which helps to subsidize medical treatment for orphaned children in China. Exciting upcoming projects include studio work and performances with jazz musician and composer, Joel Miller, and Yoel Diaz, an accomplished latin jazz composer and pianist. Look out for the release of Ardesco’s first full-length studio album early in 2008. Join them on their journey through music, soul, and ‘fiery passion.’