what is ekmeles

[ɛk'mɛlɛs]
1. In Ancient Greek music theory, tones of indefinite pitch and intervals with complex ratios, tones "not appropriate for musical usage." In New York City, a new vocal ensemble dedicated to breathing life into those disallowed tones, new and old.
2. "A promising addition to the New York scene" ; "Virtuosically adventurous" - Alex Ross

Ekmeles is a vocal ensemble dedicated to the performance of new and rarely-heard works, and gems of the historical avant garde. New York is home to a vibrant instrumental New Music scene, with a relative paucity of vocal music. Ekmeles was founded to fill the gap by presenting new a cappella repertoire for solo voices, and by collaborating with these instrumental ensembles.

Director Jeffrey Gavett brings a hybrid vision to the group: he is an accomplished ensemble singer and performer of new works, and holds degrees from Westminster Choir College and Manhattan School of Music's Contemporary Performance Program. He has assembled a virtuoso group of colleagues who bring their own diverse backgrounds to bear on the unique challenges of this essential and neglected repertoire.

2011-2012 personnel

• Christie Finn, soprano
• Mellissa Hughes, soprano
• Linda Lee Jones, soprano
• Mary Mackenzie, soprano
• Megan Schubert, soprano
• Rachel Calloway, mezzo-soprano
• Silvie Jensen, mezzo-soprano
• Amirtha Kidambi, mezzo-soprano,
• Eric S. Brenner, soprano/countertenor
• Patrick Fennig, countertenor
• William Ferguson, tenor
• Matthew Hensrud, countertenor/tenor
• Nick Hallett, tenor
• Jeffrey Gavett, baritone
• Avery Griffin, baritone
• Steve Hrycelak, bass