what is ekmeles
[ɛk'mɛlɛs]
1. In Ancient Greek music theory, tones of indefinite pitch and intervals with complex ratios, tones "not appropriate for musical usage." In New York City, a new vocal ensemble dedicated to breathing life into those disallowed tones, new and old.
2. "A promising addition to the New York scene" ; "Virtuosically adventurous" - Alex Ross
Ekmeles is a vocal ensemble dedicated to the performance of new and rarely-heard works, and gems of the historical avant garde. New York is home to a vibrant instrumental New Music scene, with a relative paucity of vocal music. Ekmeles was founded to fill the gap by presenting new a cappella repertoire for solo voices, and by collaborating with these instrumental ensembles.
Director Jeffrey Gavett brings a hybrid vision to the group: he is an accomplished ensemble singer and performer of new works, and holds degrees from Westminster Choir College and Manhattan School of Music's Contemporary Performance Program. He has assembled a virtuoso group of colleagues who bring their own diverse backgrounds to bear on the unique challenges of this essential and neglected repertoire.
2011-2012 personnel
- Christie Finn, soprano
- Mellissa Hughes, soprano
- Linda Lee Jones, soprano
- Mary Mackenzie, soprano
- Megan Schubert, soprano
- Rachel Calloway, mezzo-soprano
- Silvie Jensen, mezzo-soprano
- Amirtha Kidambi, mezzo-soprano,
- Eric S. Brenner, soprano/countertenor
- Patrick Fennig, countertenor
- William Ferguson, tenor
- Matthew Hensrud, countertenor/tenor
- Nick Hallett, tenor
- Jeffrey Gavett, baritone
- Avery Griffin, baritone
- Steve Hrycelak, bass
upcoming
5-9-12: Nono - Quando Stanno Morendowith AMP New Music
recent
3-3-12: Columbia Composersat Roulette
2-17-12: Songs from the River and Elsewhere with Eve Beglarian
on the Avant Music Festival
2-10-12: Circular Trance
on the Avant Music Festival
2-4-12: First Performance Club
Premieres by NYU Grad composers
11-18-11: Circular Trance
at Music at First
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