The name “Chantry” comes from the old French chanterie, “to sing.” In medieval and Renaissance times, a “chantry” was a chapel (often a small chapel inside a large cathedral) dedicated to the singing of masses for someone’s soul, or an endowment for the singing of such masses.

David Taylor, Chantry's founder and music director, holds a D.Mus.A. degree in choral literature and performance from the University of Colorado, a M.Mus. degree in conducting from the University of Maryland, where he studied with Paul Traver, and a B.Mus. degree in organ from Andrews University. In 2004, he played a leading role in the creation of the Washington Early Music Festival. Dr. Taylor was the founding music director of Musicorum, a southern Minnesota early music ensemble, and spent 15 years as a college choral director. He is a former member of the Choir of Men and Boys of Washington Cathedral under Paul Callaway, and has served as organist-choirmaster for numerous churches since beginning his church music career at age 13. Chantry sings much of its repertoire from performing editions prepared by Dr. Taylor.