Ensemble Altera at St. Alban's Waco

Ensemble Altera is a leading American chamber choir whose mission is curating and performing thoughtful programs of choral music.
About this Event

A chamber choir described by the BBC as “something extraordinary,” ENSEMBLE ALTERA has quickly established itself as “a leading ensemble on the American choral scene” (Scherzo Magazine). Guided by internationally celebrated countertenor , the group has become known for its fearless programming, passionate performances, and energetic advocacy for the importance of ensemble singing. In the words of Rondo Magazine, “handpicked professionals are at work here, led by a vocal fanatic who knows exactly what he wants.” The ensemble’s most recently released recording, Feminine Voices at Christmas, was named the 2025 Christmas Choice by BBC Magazine, its previous album, Dazzling Light, was hailed a “treasurable recording” by Gramophone Magazine, and its debut disc, The Lamb’s Journey, won the Preis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik (German Record Critics’ Prize), which remarked that "no recent recording debut in this field has been as spectacular."

Recent programs include The Four Elements, a contemplation of the awesome beauty and terrifying power of the natural world through the prism of sky, earth, fire, and water, Feminine Voices, weaving together music for upper voices and harp by women composers across the ages with Benjamin Britten's timeless Ceremony of Carols, A New Song: Psalms for the Soul, an exploration of the Biblical Psalm texts in all their dizzying variety, and A Christmas Present, a sumptuous collection of seasonal music written in the new millennium, as well as its annual presentation of a boldly reimagined chamber version of Handel’s evergreen masterpiece, Messiah.

In addition to performing, Ensemble Altera undertakes an extensive education and outreach program. Such activities include clinics and interactive presentations with school students in a variety of settings, with a particular focus on opening musical horizons to those from underserved backgrounds. Additionally, Altera has a profound faith in the healing power of music both in and out of the concert hall, and is proud to offer its complete recorded music library free of charge in collaboration with select partners in music therapy.