Founded in 1982, the 21-member a capella choir is one of Chicago's preeminent vocal ensembles... Named after the 16th-century religious singers, the Clerkes sounds recreates the sound of early English choirs. The repertoire, which up until a few years ago was primarily liturgical, has broadened dramatically is varied from the sixteenth to twentieth century, the continent to the new world, incorporating -- among other things eastern European folks songs to New England hymns to Chinese works. Regardless, they're pretty fantastic. Chicago Reader critic Ted Shen calls them "uncanny imitators in tip-top vocal shape."

Their recordings include A Land of Pure Delight (Harmonia Mundis USA).