Words&Music was forged informally in 2006 with the mission of presenting a living composer’s magnum opus for vocal quartet and piano—Ned Rorem’s Evidence of Things Not Seen. In the process of tackling this major work, the group found its name, identity, and continuing mission: to probe the dynamic and compelling unity of two “languages” - words AND music - through the versatile medium of a vocal chamber ensemble.

The spectrum of musical expressivity possible at a Words&Music performance can range from the intimacy of a solitary voice in an innovative salon concert, to a black box theatrical production, to the grandeur of a choral-symphonic collaboration. At the core of the group’s existence, however, there has been a constant: exploring the artistic potential of vocal chamber music and encouraging the creation of new vocal chamber music works through commissions and competitions.

After a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, it was with gratitude that Words&Music returned in March 2023 with an interactive concert of favorites. We then partnered with AmiciMusic, a chamber music organization, in a series of concerts for vocal quartet and four-hands piano titled “Let’s Dance: Songs of Love & Romance.” We then presented our popular “Star of the Morning” program in December 2024 for the first time since 2019. Finally, we performed “Starry Starry Night: A Celestial Salon” in May 2024, featuring music from Bach to David Bowie.

The mission of Words&Music remains the presentation of artistically interesting traditional, new, and socially relevant vocal ensemble music. Given our exciting new ensemble and ambitious season, we respectfully invite you to consider a tax-deductible contribution to support our efforts in presenting both familiar and daring new music.

Margaret Leene Tiffany, Board Chair
Melissa Coombs, Co-Artistic Director
William Heim, Co-Artistic Director
Conor O’Brien, Treasurer
Christina Zola Peck, Secretary