An award-winning chamber choir drawing membership from across the Northeastern region, Ensemble Companio lives out its mission “to build bridges between people through authentic, inspiring performances of the finest choral music” through its innovative programming, frequent collaborations, and uniquely accessible model.

Ensemble Companio takes its name from a Latin form of “companion”, the etymology of which is “one with whom one shares bread.” The name reflects the musicians’ belief that sharing in choral music, like the sharing of food, is an essential, nourishing, and healing experience. With rehearsals and performances distributed throughout Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, and other locations along the eastern seaboard, Ensemble Companio attracts a diverse community of highly dedicated, exemplary musicians from a variety of professions who are unified in their passion for the power of choral singing.

Regularly performing local, regional, and world premieres of contemporary works, Ensemble Companio is known for its adventurous programming and vibrant, moving concert experiences. A typical season weaves together unaccompanied repertoire spanning from the medieval period to modern day, highlighting music by underrepresented composers, rarely performed masterworks, and choral gems of all genres.

In the spirit of its mission, Ensemble Companio regularly collaborates with a wide variety of school, community, and collegiate ensembles across the Northeast. Recent projects include workshops and/or performances with Union College, Swarthmore College, VOICES Boston, and the Capital Hearings, among others. Rehearsals are open to the public; visitors are encouraged to observe at any point during the preparation process. Rehearsal dates and locations can be viewed on our website.

Now in its thirteenth season, Ensemble Companio placed third for both the 2018-2019 American Prize in Choral Performance (community division) and the 2018-2019 Ernst Bacon Memorial Prize for the Performance of American Music. Previously, the ensemble has been awarded the 2012 American Prize in Choral Performance (community division), performed at the 2013 ACDA of Pennsylvania fall conference, presented at the 2016 Chorus America conference, and has hosted such luminaries as composer/conductor Alice Parker, Matthew Oltman, director emeritus of Chanticleer, and Jameson Marvin, professor emeritus of choral music at Harvard University.

Spolia - Philadephia Performance

By ENSEMBLE COMPANIO

Spolia - Philadephia Performance

Ensemble Companio's 2024 concert season, "Spolia," explores the blurred edges between memory, prophecy, and creative agency through six centuries of choral music.