Elevation
ABOUT - Elevation
Elevation, Elevate Vocal Arts’ flagship ensemble, stands proudly as Delaware's sole fully professional vocal arts ensemble. Elevation transcends the traditional confines of vocal arts to deliver performances that are both compelling and relevant. The ensemble weaves a tapestry of sound that interlaces classical choral music with elements of jazz, Hip-Hop, R&B, storytelling, and spoken word. This fusion embodies Elevation's core belief that vocal arts go beyond traditional classical singing. The ensemble embraces an array of artistic expressions and idioms, fostering an inclusivity that magnifies the myriad ways the human voice can and should be utilized creatively.
Independently producing performances across Delaware, Elevation brings its soundscapes to New Castle County, Kent County, and Sussex County. In addition to self-produced performances in Delaware, the ensemble's vibrant performances and genre-blurring repertoire have garnered the attention of colleges and universities, vocal arts professionals, music venues, and houses of worship throughout the country.
Elevation's commitment to the arts stretches beyond performances. The ensemble is deeply committed to nurturing the future of vocal arts in Delaware and beyond. Elevation's Vocal Artists undertake the crucial role of mentoring EVA’s Vocal Arts Apprentices, ages 18-25. They also extend their support to arts educators by leading professional development and participating in school-based residencies.
Elevation is more than a performing ensemble—it's a movement harnessing the transformative power of vocal arts in Delaware and beyond to transform and heal communities.
Elevation Discography
Elevation - Are You Looking for Me?
Elevation - Are You Looking for Me?
Elevation’s second album Are You Looking for Me? is an exploration of the many dimensions of faith. Through a meticulously curated repertoire that blends ethereal melodies with raw, emotive lyrics, the album invites listeners on a profound journey inward and outward. It questions the essence of belief in the divine, in the goodness within people, in the transformative power of art, and in the relentless march of time. And, it challenges us to reflect on our own convictions and human potential.
Are You Looking for Me? echoes Elevate Vocal Arts’ unwavering commitment to nurturing talent and providing platforms for voices from historically marginalized communities. The album serves as a dynamic canvas for artists to explore the complex narratives of faith, resilience, and identity. It showcases the choir’s range of vocal artistry through music, storytelling, and spoken word, and stands as a testament to the power of song and story.
We are proud, yet humbled, for the opportunity to present this work of art with you, and we hope to spark conversation, inspire change, and strengthen the fabric of our democracy. Most of all, we hope it finds resonance with you.
Elevation - Eternity
Elevation - Eternity
“Eternity,” the album’s title, reflects the timeless and transcendent nature of the vocal arts. The vocal arts, in all their myriad forms, have persisted through the ages—reflecting the human condition in times of joy, sorrow, conflict, and peace. Like a thread of “Eternity,” this unbroken chain of expression ties the past to the present and extends toward the future. It represents the timelessness of music, its universality, and its ability to speak to the human heart, regardless of era or culture.
“Eternity” encapsulates the boundless scope of the ensemble’s musical influences—from classical choral compositions by J.S. Bach, to poignant traditional spirituals, to contemporary pieces influenced by jazz, R&B, including a fresh setting of a text by hip-hop legend Tupac Shakur. By embracing these diverse genres, Elevation honors the past, participates in the present, and shapes the future of vocal arts, reflecting an eternal cycle of artistic creation and evolution.
Finally, “Eternity” mirrors the lasting impact that Elevation aims to have on its listeners and on the broader arts community. Through their performances, mentorship of apprentices, and support for arts educators, the ensemble seeks to create a legacy that endures—resonating throughout time, much like the beautiful, everlasting echoes of their voices.