Described as “pure and radiant” (Gramophone), “immensely impressive” (Early Music Review), and “rich, full-voiced, and perfectly blended” (Early Music America), the Byrd Ensemble has been internationally acclaimed for its performances and recordings of chamber vocal music, particularly Renaissance polyphony. John Rutter describes the ensemble as “a fine group that has achieved an enviable standard of tuning, blend, and ensemble.” Founded in 2004, the Byrd Ensemble, directed by Markdavin Obenza, is a professional ensemble made up of 10 to 12 singers. The ensemble presents a subscription series in Seattle and tours across the United States and internationally.

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The Byrd Ensemble signed with the Scribe Records label in 2011 and has since produced seven records which have been reviewed by Early Music America, Gramophone, and Early Music Review. The Byrd Ensemble's recording of Estonian composer Arvo Pärt was reviewed in the Gramophone Magazine and was used in the French film L'apparition (2018).

 

The Byrd Ensemble aims to bring modern relevance to Renaissance masterpieces by commissioning Renaissance-inspired works from prominent contemporary composers. In 2023, the Byrd Ensemble commissioned a Byrd-inspired work, Fallings, by American composer Nico Muhly to celebrate 500 years of the death of William Byrd; and in 2025 commissioned a Palestrina-inspired work by British composer Kerensa Briggs to mark the 500th Anniversary of Palestrina. 

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The Byrd Ensemble is represented by Artist Manager

Marianne LaCrosse of Suòno Artist Management (marianne@suonoartistmanagement.com).

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ARTISTIC DIRECTOR MARKDAVIN OBENZA is a choral director, recording producer, singer, and composer. He is also the director of Seattle-based choral ensemble Radiance, specializing in the performance of American choral music, and is the Director of Choral Activities at Trinity Parish Church in Seattle, WA. As a producer for independent record label Scribe Records, Markdavin has produced CD recordings for over 40 choirs and soloists, of which several have been reviewed in Gramophone, Early Music America, Early Music Review, and Fanfare. Markdavin has also produced and directed a number of virtual choirs, including Caroline Shaw's and the swallow, which was featured on Modern Choral Masterworks, broadcast by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. He has also produced "concertmentaries" and musical broadcasts in collaboration with various music ensembles and artists during the pandemic, including Shaker Spirituals in Maine (2021), featuring composer Kevin Siegfried and Radiance for the Library of Congress American Folklife Center.