Ekmeles is a New York-based vocal ensemble that specializes in contemporary classical music. The group was founded in 2011 by Jeffrey Gavett, a baritone and conductor who had previously sung with the acclaimed vocal ensemble Roomful of Teeth. Gavett's vision for Ekmeles was to create a flexible ensemble that could perform a wide range of contemporary vocal music, from experimental works to more traditional choral repertoire. The ensemble's name comes from the Greek word "ekmele," which means "to sing out." This reflects the group's commitment to exploring the full range of the human voice and pushing the boundaries of vocal performance. Ekmeles is made up of a core group of eight singers, all of whom are highly trained in classical vocal technique. The ensemble also collaborates with a variety of composers, instrumentalists, and other artists to create innovative and boundary-pushing performances. One of the highlights of Ekmeles' early years was their performance of John Cage's "Song Books" at the 2012 Avant Music Festival in New York. This challenging work, which consists of 90 individual pieces that can be performed in any order, requires a high degree of improvisation and flexibility from the performers. Ekmeles rose to the challenge, delivering a mesmerizing and unforgettable performance that earned them critical acclaim. Since then, Ekmeles has continued to push the boundaries of contemporary vocal music, collaborating with a wide range of composers and performing in venues across the United States and Europe. Some of their most notable performances include a residency at the 2016 Resonant Bodies Festival in New York, where they premiered new works by composers like Erin Gee and Christopher Trapani. In addition to their live performances, Ekmeles has also released several recordings, including a 2014 album of works by the composer James Weeks and a 2017 album of works by the composer Kaija Saariaho. These recordings have earned the ensemble critical acclaim and helped to establish them as one of the leading vocal ensembles in contemporary classical music. Ekmeles has also been recognized with several awards and honors over the years. In 2014, they were awarded a grant from the Alice M. Ditson Fund to support their performances and recordings. In 2016, they were named a finalist for the American Prize in Chamber Music Performance, and in 2018 they were awarded a residency at the Civitella Ranieri Foundation in Italy. Overall, Ekmeles has established itself as a vital and innovative force in contemporary classical music. With their commitment to pushing the boundaries of vocal performance and their willingness to collaborate with a wide range of artists, they continue to inspire and challenge audiences around the world.

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