Constellation Men’s Ensemble
Constellation Men’s Ensemble (CME) is a Chicago-based vocal group dedicated to creating distinct performances in unique spaces, empowering the next generation of singers through educational engagement, and expanding the repertoire for tenor/bass vocal music by commissioning new works from both emerging and established composers. In 2016, CME founded our new music series NOVA—“New. Original. Vocal. Art.” NOVA seeks to capitalize on their mission of commissioning new works and expanding the repertoire for tenor/bass voices. In 2022, NOVA V premiered works dealing with the theme of humanhood including our largest commission to date, Robert Maggio’s Man Up/Man Down, exploring how masculine identity takes shape in our evolving world; how our personal histories of family, race, religion, education, status, exposure, geography, etc. affect the formation of our identities. Man Up/Man Down was released on Constellation’s debut album in 2023 with Sono Luminus Records. Most recently, CME commissioned Eric Malmquist and premiered Open, Clear, and Free in 2024, detailing the storied history of green space in Chicago. Since 2019, Constellation has begun partnering with other local nonprofits to raise awareness and funding for impactful organizations to the Chicagoland community through their Community Uplift program. Organizations to date include Chicago Park District, Center On Halsted, Boys & Girls Club of Metropolitan Chicago, Fostering Dignity, and the Alzheimer's Association of Illinois. CME has partnered with Music of the Baroque’s Strong Voices program to bring their music and passion to students within Chicago Public Schools. Workshop performances focused on careers in music, the joy of community through singing, and the multitude of ways that music can remain a part of your life after high school. CME is the 2019 winner of the American Prize in Choral Performance, professional division.
