ars gratia populi
Ars Gratia Populi (Latin for "art for the people's sake") is a vocal ensemble founded in 2023 by All-Ireland champion singer Kevin Elam to explore the interplay between art music and folk music in an acapella setting. The group's name, which is a play on the well-known maxim ars gratia artis ("art for art's sake"), represents their view that art derives its meaning not from itself, but from the positive reaction it can create in the human mind and soul.
Tomas Luis de Victoria's 1572 masterpiece, "O Magnum Mysterium" - always a staple of our Renaissance Christmas repertoire.
By combining the technical excellence of a chamber choir with the relaxed, accessible presentation of a folk group, Ars Gratia Populi seeks to foster a meaningful connection with audiences, and inspire them to treasure the unaccompanied voice as a unique means of human expression.
upcoming performances
Renaissance Christmas - Thursday December 12th, 2024, 7:30 PM at the Mansion at Strathmore in Rockville, MD
Renaissance Christmas - Friday December 13th, 2024, 7:30 PM at the Mansion at Strathmore in Rockville, MD
Ars Gratia Populi in Concert - Sunday February 2nd, 2:00 PM at Alden Theatre in McLean, VA
Memento Mori: The Tudor and Stuart Royal Funerals - Friday March 28th, Westmoreland United Church of Christ, Bethesda, MD
Calvary Community Concert Series - Sunday October 5, 2025 at Calvary United Methodist Church in Frederick, MD
"Peace and Joy", from the Sacred Harp Hymnal. Recorded at our April 2024 concert at St. Luke's Episcopal in Alexandria VA.
James MacMillan’s setting of the Scottish Gaelic ballad “O chì, chì mi na mòrbheanna”, from our sold out February 2023 debut concert at AMP by Strathmore.
Ralph Vaughan Williams' setting of the folk song "The Turtle Dove", featuring a solo by Kevin Elam. From our March 2024 program "As the Lily: Songs of Springtime".
A beautiful Palestrina motet from our April 2024 concert at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Alexandria VA.