NOVA IX: ZODIAC

Friday, June 5 • Saturday, June 6 • Sunday, June 7, 2026

Trinity United Methodist Church • Grace Episcopal Church • Lincoln Park Conservatory

To mark our 12th season, Constellation unveils NOVA IX: Zodiac, a groundbreaking cycle of twelve new choral works—each inspired by one of the astrological signs. From bold Leo to introspective Cancer, composers channel the elemental spirit of the zodiac into an expansive sound world for tenor/bass voices. Performed beneath architecture that raises our eyes to the sky as well as amid the lush gardens of the Lincoln Park Conservatory, NOVA IX: Zodiac invites audiences to experience a true constellation of premieres that bridge the cosmic and the earthly.

Our twelve composers this year include Adore Alexander, Tabes Bridges, Shane Cook, Elliott Encarnación, Nyandeng Juag, Benjamin Martin, Robert McConnell, Zae Munn, Elisa Schmelkes, Ryan Townsend Strand, Alissa Voth, and Benjamin Zucker.  

Constellation is partnering with the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) as their Community Uplift Partner, benefitting their incredible work with a donation following these concerts.

Concerts are performed free and open to the public with a suggested donation of $25.

CURRENT NOVA COMPOSERS

COMMUNITY UPLIFT PARTNERSHIP

The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) is a statewide coalition of more than 130 community-based organizations, faith institutions, unions, service providers, and advocacy groups working together to defend and advance the rights of immigrants and refugees. ICIRR is dedicated to promoting the rights of immigrants and refugees to full and equal participation in the civic, cultural, social, and political life of our diverse society. We are honored to partner with Constellation and incredibly grateful to them for supporting immigrant and refugee communities in Illinois.

PREVIOUS NOVA COMPOSERS