After a period of presenting concerts only sporadically, usually programs of a cappella choral music, one-on-a-part, Sanford Dole Ensemble is being re-launched as an all-pro group focusing on new music.

With the support of a new and enthusiastic board of directors, I am excited to begin regular performances with the Ensemble once again, exploring a niche that is not being served in the Bay Area.

A while back I realized that while there are several local chamber choirs presenting a healthy amount of contemporary a cappella music, and many instrumental chamber ensembles that specialize in the wet ink genre, little of the music being written for voices and instruments gets heard. With a degree in orchestral conducting along side my extensive background in choral music, I am uniquely qualified to be exploring this repertoire. And by employing the skills of the best professional singers and players in the region we can offer living composers the chance to hear their scores come to life exactly as they had envisioned.

We look forward to exploring the latest trends in vocal/instrumental music in all its permutations. From an initial focus on works for chamber choir with small ensemble, we'll also present solo songs with accompaniment and eventually, as budget permits, full scale choral/orchestral works. Come be a part of this exciting project!

— Sanford Dole