Experiential Orchestra was founded by conductor James Blachly as a way to invite audiences more deeply into the sound and powerful experience of the symphony orchestra. Their Grammy®-winning world-premiere recording of Dame Ethel Smyth’s The Prison (1930) was critically acclaimed in The New York Times, Gramophone, The New Yorker, The Guardian, and many other publications. Their recording of the music of Julia Perry and Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson is set for release in March, 2024.

Musicians are top-tier New York freelancers, top-level soloists, and acclaimed string quartet members. The orchestra was founded on collaborations and co-creations between a generous spirit of celebration, and each curated performance is an exploration of “a new experience of sound” for audience members. As quoted in Symphony Magazine, Blachly says, “We try and keep it fresh for everybody. We are not trying to displace the standard concert experience, but invite people in so that when they next attend a traditional concert they hear things differently.” For more information, please visit www.experientialorchestra.com.

Hailed as “seamless” and “technically flawless” (Musical America) Artefact Ensemble brings together leading vocal artists from New York and around the country to craft immersive experiences of human connection through the transforming power of song. Partnering with schools, community organizations, and religious institutions, Artefact Ensemble — in collaboration with its sister organization, Artefact Institute — also offers workshops, masterclasses, culture creation events, and co-operative music-making experiences to students, teachers of music, music ministers, and underprivileged audiences who might not otherwise have access to high-level ensemble music. The ensemble “shone” (The New Criterion) and “stopped time” (Bachtrack) in their sold-out world premiere performances of Arvo Pärt’s O Holy Father Nicholas on the Met Museum’s LiveArts series in 2021.

Artefact’s 2023-24 season includes a free-of-charge summer choral program for high school students in Bethlehem, PA; the world premiere performances of Benedict Sheehan’s oratorio Akathist at Trinity Church Wall Street with The Choir of Trinity Wall Street, NOVUS NY, Downtown Voices, Trinity Youth Chorus, and conductor Elaine Kelly; performances of Arvo Pärt’s Passio with James Blachly and the Experiential Orchestra at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine; concerts and workshops in Louisville and Washington DC with music by Aaron Copland, Caroline Shaw, Trevor Weston, Benedict Sheehan and others; and a “Worship Experience” program at the Southern Regional conference of the American Choral Directors’ Association (ACDA). Learn more about Artefact Ensemble at artefactensemble.org