Affetti takes its name from the Italian term meaning "human passions and feelings expressed through gesture." Consisting of sopranos Anne McKenna and Lieve Hendren, alto Christine Bancroft, tenor David Kellett and baritone Matthew Walsh, Affetti was founded in the summer of 2014 to present vocal music of the Renaissance and Early Baroque periods and chamber music of all eras. Founded by tenor David Kellett, the five singers bring an abundance of experience in solo and ensemble repertoire and performance. Kellett, McKenna and Bancroft met several years ago while singing with the New York Continuo Collective, an early music ensemble founded by the late lutenist and teacher, Pat O'Brien, to teach lutenists and baroque guitarists the art of playing basso continuo (the baroque musical convention of supplying only a melodic line and a bass line with the expectation that the accompanying players would improvise the harmonies).

Affetti presented its debut concert with afternoon of vocal chamber music and instrumental songs and dances with lute, guitar and renaissance recorders, featuring selections by Des Prez, Monteverdi, Caccini, Peri, Dowland and Morley. Entitled Banquetto and performed on November 16th, 2014, Affetti was assisted by guest artists John Burkhalter on renaissance recorders and John Orluk Lacombe on lute and baroque guitar.

Explore this site to learn more about Affetti. The site includes his biographical and performance information, photos, and repertoire lists.