Our Mission

Constellation Ensemble is a Chicago-based vocal group dedicated to creating distinct performances in unique spaces, empowering the next generation of singers through educational engagement, and expanding the repertoire for men’s vocal music by commissioning new works from both emerging and established composers.

Our Commitment

Constellation Ensemble’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion is inseparable from its dedication to musical excellence achieved through affirmation of musicians and an audience of diverse gender, racial, sexual orientation, nationality, and ability differences. Constellation supports personal and musical growth of its musicians through active recruitment of diverse artists who, by their presence and performance of a breadth of composers and styles of music, seek to dismantle systems of inequality in the arts.

Our History

Constellation Ensemble was founded in Chicago in 2013 by a small group of singers who believed that exceptional music-making begins with community. Originally formed by vocalists with connections to Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music, the ensemble was created to explore new artistic possibilities for vocal music while fostering meaningful connections among performers, composers, and audiences.

In its earliest years, Constellation established itself through thoughtfully curated programs and a commitment to musical excellence. As the ensemble grew, so did its desire to contribute something new to the vocal landscape. This vision led to the creation of NOVA (New. Original. Vocal. Art.) in 2016, an annual initiative dedicated to commissioning and premiering new works by living composers. What began as a single concert series has since become a defining part of Constellation’s artistic identity, resulting in dozens of world premieres and lasting collaborations with composers from across the United States.

Over the years, Constellation has expanded its reach through educational partnerships, artistic residencies, recordings, tours, and performances in some of Chicago’s most distinctive spaces. From cathedrals and conservatories to public parks and neighborhood gathering places, the ensemble has sought to create experiences that invite audiences into deeper engagement with music and one another. The organization’s commitment to community grew further through the establishment of the Community Uplift Partnership, which connects annual artistic projects with nonprofit organizations serving the Chicago region. By pairing new music with meaningful civic engagement, Constellation continues to explore how the arts can inspire dialogue, understanding, and collective action.

Recent milestones include the release of the ensemble’s debut album, Man Up / Man Down on Sono Luminus Records, appearances as a featured ensemble at the Ear Taxi Festival, continued partnerships with Music of the Baroque’s Strong Voices program, and the ongoing growth of the NOVA series as a platform for contemporary vocal music.

In 2026, the organization formally adopted the name Constellation Ensemble, reflecting both its artistic evolution and its vision for the future. Today, Constellation Ensemble continues to champion contemporary vocal music through innovative performances, artistic collaboration, educational engagement, and a steadfast commitment to creating meaningful musical experiences throughout Chicago and beyond.