The Newberry Consort brings together singers and instrumentalists of the highest caliber to create historically informed performances of music from the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, the Baroque, and beyond. By integrating historical performance and research with contemporary themes and multimedia, we inspire audiences, musicians, and scholars by providing a window into earlier times and diverse cultures. The Consort continues to uplift Chicago’s early music community through mentorships, teaching, and engagement of local artists. The Newberry Consort performs on historical instruments and at a variety of historical pitch levels. Most Consort projects feature music from the 15th through 17th centuries.

One of our New Year’s resolutions for 2024 is to learn more about the artists living in Chicagoland. On February 4, we will host a day of informal meetings with The Newberry Consort, during which musicians who live in the Chicago area may play or sing for Artistic Director Liza Malamut. For those who are not able to attend in person, an online submission option is also available. 

In-person meetings and virtual submissions are limited to artists living within a 60-mile radius of Chicago (approximate).

Interested artists should prepare two selections to be sung in a historical style or performed on period instruments. The two selections should be in contrasting styles and represent two of the following time periods: medieval, Renaissance, early 17th century, high Baroque (loosely composed before the end of the 17th century). Artists should use the appropriate pitch and temperament for their prepared repertoire.

The Consort will provide an accompanist and an electric transposing organ/harpsichord for those who request it. Music for the accompanist must be submitted via the Google form (below) no later than January 16th. Please specify the pitch and temperament for the accompanist with your request.

Virtual submissions may be submitted by artists who are not available to attend the in-person meetings in Chicago on February 4. Recordings may be audio or video, but they must be live-captured and unedited. Requirements are the same as above. The deadline for recorded submissions is 5pm (CST) on February 4

SUBMISSION FORM

Artists who select an in-person meeting will hear from The Newberry Consort after January 16 for scheduling. Artists who send virtual submissions will be contacted in February. The Newberry Consort is an amorphous ensemble of collaborating artists who are invited on a per-project basis. Because of this, there will be no communication about the “success” of an audition. By submitting virtual materials or coming for an in--person meeting, you are communicating your interest in working with the Consort. We will keep your materials on file for consideration in future seasons.

For questions relating to in-person meeting or virtual submissions, please write to gm[at]newberryconsort.org