‘Music of the Spheres: The Ecstasies Above’

BRUNSWICK — Vox Nova Chamber Choir, a Midcoast-based ensemble dedicated to the creative exploration of modern and contemporary vocal music, will present a concert of contemporary choral music at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, and at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19, in Studzinski Recital Hall at Bowdoin College.

This exciting concert features two major choral works for voices and strings. The Ecstasies Above, the title piece on the program, is an otherworldly and serenely expressive work set to the prodigious poem “Israfel” by Edgar Allan Poe. The program concludes with a pleasingly emotive work that swells to satisfying height entitled “Sunrise Mass” by Norweigan composer Ola Gjeilo.

Tickets are $15 in advance at Now You’re Cooking in Bath; Gulf of Maine Books in Brunswick; and Sherman’s Books and Stationary in Freeport and $20 at the door. Admission is free with Bowdoin I.D. Students attend free of charge.

Vox Nova Chamber Choir was founded in 2009 by Shannon Chase and Karen Topp and features members of the Maine Midcoast community, including Bowdoin College faculty and alumni. The group champions the expansive body of modern and contemporary choral music and seeks to engage audiences in a fresh musical experience through exposure to new music written by living composers.

Although the choir typically performs an entirely a cappella repertory, Vox Nova has become known for inventive programming and has sought in recent years to engage in meaningful collaborations with soloists and instrumentalists in order to bring the audience a well-rounded listening experience.