About
The Vocal Arts Ensemble of Durham was founded in 1996 by Rodney Wynkoop to provide superior choral performance opportunities for outstanding singers in North Carolina’s Triangle region (Durham, Chapel Hill, and Raleigh). Its 32 members are selected mainly from among musicians who have sung in other choral groups under Dr. Wynkoop’s direction.
VAE’s mostly a cappella repertoire ranges from the Renaissance to the present and has included such diverse and challenging works as Tallis’s Spem in alium, Schoenberg’s Friede Auf Erden, Martin’s Messe, Penderecki’s Agnus Dei, and MacMillan’s Cantos Sagrados. In 2006, VAE presented the world premiere of Imant Raminsh’s Love Song, commissioned to celebrate the group’s 10th anniversary. In their June 2022 concert, VAE sang the world premiere of Daniel Elder’s I Love You, originally commissioned to celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2020. The group has released two CD recordings: My Spirit Sang All Day (on the Arsis label) and O Holy Night, a collection of Christmas music from past VAE concerts.
FUND-RAISING CAMPAIGN – The ensemble has initiated a broad campaign to raise funds to support future performances. A variety of donor levels is available, each with its own set of benefits. Please see the “SUPPORT” section for details and consider making a contribution. Thank you very much.
You can view the entire repertoire since VAE’s inception: