For most artists and ensembles, donations are a huge part of how they support their work. Ticket sales are only about 1/3 of their revenue, and they rely on their community to understand the value of their work and make donations above and beyond the price of a ticket sale. These ensembles simply cannot continue doing the important work of commissioning and premiering pieces without the help of new music music lovers such as yourself. In addition to Black Friday and the newly formed Cyber Monday, the non-profit world is promoting “Giving Tuesday”. In the spirit of giving, I offer these lesser known ensembles from across the country doing excellent work in the world of new vocal music as great organizations worthy of your support.C4: The Choral Composer/Conductor Collective:

C4 is a unique organization made up of composers and conductors who function with no single artistic leadership. They only perform work from the last 25 years and have premiered nearly 100 new works in less than 10 years.The Esoterics:

Well known for their annual composition competition, this Seattle based group led by composer Eric Banks focuses on new a capella with a philosophical and spiritual bent. Santa Fe Desert Chorale:

This stellar chamber choir has been around for more than 30 years. While they aren’t exclusive performers of new music, regularly commissioning work is part of their mission. Vocal Arts Ensemble:

Wonderful advocates of new music, this ensemble has won the ASCAP awards for Adventurous Programming of Contemporary Music and regularly host meet the composer events when doing their premieres.Minnesota has made a name for itself in the choral world, especially for new music. The Singers have commissioned over 50 pieces from composers like Jocelyn Hagen, Abbie Betinis, and Stephen Paulus. The Singers:

Minnesota has made a name for itself in the choral world, especially for new music. The Singers have commissioned over 50 pieces from composers like Jocelyn Hagen, Abbie Betinis, and Stephen Paulus. Sacra/Profana:

This funky group is not afraid to perform just about everything. They’ve sung medieval polyphony, Prince, and the music from The Legend of Zelda. And they do it well. San Francisco Choral Artists:

This ensemble, and their director Magen Solomon, are tireless advocates of new music. They have a

composer-in-residence and a composer-not-in-residence program, an Initiative for Living Composers, and the New Voices Project. Certainly worth supporting. New York Virtuoso Singers:

As the name implies, they are a powerhouse ensemble, and one with a great history of supporting contemporary music. For their 25th anniversary season, they recently commissioned 25 brand new works.]Brooklyn Youth Chorus:

This group, in addition to providing stellar music opportunities to hundred of young singers, also has a special focus on commissioning and premiering new works most recently from composers like Caroline Shaw and Toby Twining. Resonance Ensemble:

Less than 5 years old, this choir has already created an important niche in the Portland music scene. They aren’t afraid to program adventurous work and play with unusual collaborators, like Gamelan Ensembles. Definitely worth checking out.

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