Canty was formed in 1998 by the 4 regular female singers with Cappella Nova, Scotland's leading early music vocal ensemble.

As individuals, the 4 singers bring to the group a wealth of experience, both as soloists and as members of other distinguished groups such as The Sixteen, The Tallis Scholars and The Monteverdi Choir.  Together they explore a unique repertoire combining Medieval music, much of it transcribed and edited by Rebecca Tavener, and  contemporary works written specially for them.