What Experts Are Saying

“Ars Populi are a dynamic and brilliant group of singers with a strong sonic vision. Eclectic and simultaneously accessible - a very fine ensemble.”

- Michael McGlynn, founder of Anuna

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It’s always a pleasure to discover a new performing group that exceeds expectations, and Ars Populi’s concert, Palestrina 500, was a joy in every way; good music, beautifully sung in a lovely space. Getting the right balance in a one-on-a-part renaissance vocal ensemble takes lots of work and constant attention, and the group has obviously spent its time wisely. The high voices soar, the low voices are warm and supportive, and the middle voices have an enviable blend and timbre.

Their well-chosen program was full of musical contrasts. William Byrd’s Vigilate was dramatic and unpredictable; Robert Parsons’ Ave Maria, was gentle and sculptural, and a number of pieces by Palestrina, including his Missa “Tu Es Petrus” demonstrated the composer’s iconic renaissance style (to quote the program notes): “gracefully flowing individual lines, a carefully regulated treatment of dissonance, and a mixture of imitative and free counterpoint, with true homophony (voices in rhythmic unison) reserved for climactic moments.”

The classic excellence of the group was most obvious in the last piece, Thomas Tomkins’ When David Heard, an expressive lament about the moment in 2 Samuel when David learned that his son Absalom was killed. One of the best-known pieces in the concert, its performance felt fresh and new; phrases were beautifully shaped, gestures were clear, tuning was ravishing. I hope to hear this group again soon.

- Tina Chancey, founder of Hesperus

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“It was a lovely selection of works…the tuning was just spectacular…it was on the level of the Tallis Scholars…”

- Stephen White, DC-based choral singer (National Cathedral, Washington Bach Consort, Choir of the Basilica of the National Shrine)