MISSION
Bella Voce crafts performances that engage audiences in the dialogue between early music and the music of our time.
HISTORY
Since its founding in 1983 under the name His Majestie’s Clerkes, Bella Voce has delivered unique, disciplined choral performances to live audiences in the Chicago area, earning recognition as a leading ensemble within early music and historical performance practices. Over time, as the ensemble’s repertoire expanded, a name change was in order and the group became Bella Voce in 2001.
The name “Bella Voce” comes from the Italian for “beautiful voice,” emphasizing that from a group of musicians we work together to craft a singular sound. The clean and precise sound that has become our hallmark evolved from the Cathedral Choirs of Britain—a sound characterized by a clean and pure upper register and a muscular bass.
In 2005, Andrew Lewis, who had been a singer for the group, became artistic director, and has continued to lead the group to artistic excellence and critical acclaim. For forty years, Bella Voce has continued to cultivate the living tradition of choral music from early chant to contemporary creations.
Our work centers around repertoire and performance practices of the European Renaissance and Baroque traditions, and modern masters who invoke or innovate within those traditions. Occasionally, we break those boundaries in order to enjoy more fully the living tradition of choral singing.
Receiving both critical recognition and media coverage, Bella Voce, at its heart, is about sharing the joy and miracle of music.
His Majesties Clerkes, circa 1989
LEADERSHIP
In 1985, Anne Heider became Artistic Director, and helped shape Bella Voce into a leader in early music and historical performance practices. In 2005, Andrew Lewis, previously a member of the Chorus, became Artistic Director, and has continued to lead the group to artistic excellence and critical acclaim. In 2016, Christopher Ruggles became Executive Director, and led a revitalization of the group’s administration, branding, and finances.
LEARN MORE
Learn more about our each of our ensembles by clicking the linked pages below.