The Duke Vespers Ensemble is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1998 at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. The ensemble is made up of undergraduate and graduate students from Duke University, as well as members of the local community who share a passion for choral music. The founding of the Duke Vespers Ensemble was the brainchild of Rodney Wynkoop, who was the director of music at Duke University Chapel at the time. Wynkoop wanted to create a choral ensemble that would perform music from the Renaissance and Baroque periods, as well as contemporary works that were inspired by those styles. He also wanted the ensemble to perform in the context of a religious service, as a way of connecting the music to its spiritual roots. The first members of the Duke Vespers Ensemble were recruited from the Duke University Chapel Choir, which was already a well-established choral group on campus. The ensemble's first performance was in December 1998, as part of the Duke University Chapel's annual Advent Lessons and Carols service. The performance was well-received, and the ensemble quickly gained a reputation for its high-quality performances and innovative programming. Over the years, the Duke Vespers Ensemble has had many members come and go, but there have been a few key figures who have been instrumental in shaping the ensemble's sound and direction. One of these figures is Brian Schmidt, who joined the ensemble as its director in 2001. Schmidt is a composer and conductor who has worked with many other choral ensembles throughout his career, and he has brought a wealth of experience and expertise to the Duke Vespers Ensemble. Under Schmidt's leadership, the Duke Vespers Ensemble has continued to perform a wide range of music, from early Renaissance polyphony to contemporary works by living composers. The ensemble has also expanded its repertoire to include music from other religious traditions, such as Jewish and Islamic music. This has helped to broaden the ensemble's appeal and reach new audiences. One of the highlights of the Duke Vespers Ensemble's career was its performance at the 2009 American Choral Directors Association National Conference in Oklahoma City. The ensemble was one of only a handful of choirs selected to perform at the conference, which is one of the most prestigious events in the choral world. The Duke Vespers Ensemble's performance was well-received by the audience and critics alike, and it helped to raise the ensemble's profile on the national stage. Another notable performance by the Duke Vespers Ensemble was its collaboration with the North Carolina Symphony in 2014. The ensemble performed Handel's "Messiah" with the symphony, under the direction of conductor Grant Llewellyn. The performance was a huge success, and it helped to cement the Duke Vespers Ensemble's reputation as one of the premier choral ensembles in the region. In addition to its performances, the Duke Vespers Ensemble has also received numerous awards and accolades over the years. In 2005, the ensemble won first prize in the Sacred Music category of the National Choral Competition sponsored by Chorus America. The ensemble has also been featured on several recordings, including "Ave Maria: Music of Devotion and Praise" and "O Magnum Mysterium: Music for Advent and Christmas." Overall, the Duke Vespers Ensemble has had a long and successful career, thanks to the dedication and talent of its members and directors.

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