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 fresh 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 the northeastern 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. 

Led by Artistic Director Erik Peregrine and entering its ninth season, Ensemble Companio is currently a finalist for both the 2017-2018 American Prize in Choral Performance (community division) and the 2017-2018 Ernst Bacon Memorial Prize for the Performance of American Music. Ensemble Companio won the 2012 American Prize in Choral Performance, and has hosted such luminaries as Alice Parker and Matthew Oltman as clinicians.

Life as a Companio

This unique traveling chorus meets ten weekends per concert season for weekend-long rehearsals and concerts. For many singers, this provides greater flexibility than the traditional weekly rehearsal model. However, this setup requires greater individual responsibility as singers are expected to study and memorize music between monthly rehearsals. This commitment is the secret ingredient to Ensemble Companio’s musical excellence and close camaraderie.

Rehearsals and concerts take place in a rotating set of locations across the northeast including Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington, DC. Members organize their own travel logistics, but we strive to help provide housing and travel support wherever possible. Carpooling and homestays are typical, chorus sections take turns providing Saturday lunches, and members often spend the Saturday evening of rehearsal weekends socializing.

Our membership is comprised of singers from all walks of life united by a love of singing and a belief in the transformative and restorative power of quality choral music performed beautifully. Open to adult singers 21 years and older, Ensemble Companio’s dynamic structure is ideal for young professionals and parents searching for a high-quality post-collegiate choral experience.

How to Audition

To audition for Ensemble Companio, email Ensemble Advocate Kimberly Rice-Smith at auditions@ensemblecompanio.org. Kimberly will give you an overview of the chorus and upcoming season and walk you through the audition process, which involves recording vocal exercises and musical excerpts for evaluation by our Artistic Director. The deadline for audition submissions is Sunday, August 18, 11:59 pm EST.

To hear Ensemble Companio in action and learn more about this amazing choir, please visit us on social media, SoundCloud, or our website. We look forward to hearing from you soon!