Stephanie, tell us about how the group Consorte Bella Donna started.

The Consorte Bella Donna started in 2000 as an in-house music group for the Bristol Renaissance Faire, and only had 4 female singers. It was co-directed by Jon Krivitzky and Stephanie Lewin, both madrigal performers in prior years.

In 2001, the group swelled to 9 women, and Stephanie joined the group as a singer and took over directing. Since then, the group has enjoyed a huge following, a successful cd "Shall We Play Barley Break", and has carved an unique niche by exploring new twists on old songs. In 2004, the Bella Donnas look forward to their 5th year at Bristol, a new cd in July called "Deserve the Kiss," and the challenge of adding instruments.

Share some comments about performing at the Bristol Renaissance Faire.

The Consorte Bella Donna loves performing at Bristol. It is our home faire and every one of us returns year after year because of the people and the new challenges each season brings us. Not only do we sing, we also provide our own clothing, do our own research and give up every weekend of our summer to do what we do. The people who come to Bristol are our family, performers and patrons alike, and there is no other place like it.