Vox Novus explores the questions of what it means to have a voice; how the human voice relates to tradition, storytelling, and record keeping; and the ways in which folk songs and folk tales relate to identity and understanding.

The concert features the talents of NAT 28 musicians alongside three vocalists who are celebrated for their performances of contemporary music. Soprano Jennifer Aylmer will be featured on two works by the award-winning Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho: Miranda’s Lament, a setting of the eponymous character’s words from William Shakespeare’s The Tempest, and Die Aussicht based on the poem by the German poet Friedrich Hölderlin. The American premiere of NAT 28 composer Jean-Patrick Besingrand’s Aux couleurs du couchant reflété par mes yeux for solo voice will be given by soprano Anna Elder. Anna will also be featured on the world premiere of Curtis Rumrill’s Domestic Beasts of Vinland Char based on a poem by the composer’s long-time collaborative partner, Zach Webber. The concert will end with Folk Songs by the iconic composer, Luciano Berio. Mezzo-soprano Kara Cornell brings life to this set of eleven “recomposed” folk songs from around the world.