About US
“Our journey over the past sixteen years has been one of passion, creativity, and community. Each note we sing is a bridge between tradition and innovation, and this concert is a celebration of how far we’ve come together.”
—Beth Carter, Artistic Director
OUR MISSION
Valley of the Moon Chamber Ensemble is dedicated to cultivating the craft of a capella vocal music performance out of love and admiration for this art form.
The mission of the Valley of the Moon Chamber Ensemble is to bring excellence in the performance of diverse and engaging choral music to audiences of all ages in the Sonoma Valley. We are committed to exploring and performing a truly global repertoire: medieval to modern, sacred and secular. In all we seek to expand knowledge and appreciation of the a capella choral music art form for both audiences and performers.
Valley of the Moon Chamber Ensemble promotes greater awareness of the arts in our community by contributing financially to Sonoma Valley arts organizations through an annual series of benefit concerts.
Our story
The Valley of the Moon Chamber Ensemble (VOMCE) was conceived by the five “founding members” of the Ensemble (Brian Sebastian, Sheila Whitney, Shannon Howlett, Jerome Smith, and Greg Grabow) during an informal Christmas party at Brian’s home in 2006. Over the course of the following year, the concept grew and singers were added, rounding out the Ensemble with eight voices – two on each part.
VOMCE gave its debut performance in December 2007, singing a Christmas concert at the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art as a benefit for the museum. It was a smashing success. Since then, the group has evolved, increasing its membership to 16 voices, deepening technical and artistic performances, and gaining notoriety in the community and a loyal and enthusiastic audience. With an embrace of 500 years of a capella classical choral repertoire, VOMCE has performed a holiday and a Spring program every year since. In July 2016 VOMCE continued to break new ground with its first-ever summer pop-up concert at Madrone Vineyard Estates in Glen Ellen. As with every concert since 2007, VOMCE donates the concert proceeds to local charitable arts programs through its collaboration with the Sonoma Community Center.
VOMCE has also been honored to perform privately, including for San Francisco’s prestigious Francisca Club; the Sonoma Valley Fund at Rick and Renee Dellar’s wine cave in 2010; and at a wedding mass at St. Francis Solano Roman Catholic Church in 2011. In May 2012 we were privileged to perform original choral works by our accompanist emeritus John Burke at the retrospective concert celebrating his achievements, at Trinity Episcopal Church. In 2014 and 2015 we were honored to perform for the Sonoma International Film Festival dinner. And at our 10th Spring concert we were honored to perform the world premier of Bradley Ellingboe’s “The Reason For My Song”.
“vomce 2.0”
We’re a smaller ensemble since the pandemic — 12 to 14 voices — and we’re exploring some new musical avenues. We are thrilled to be sharing our joy of a cappella music with you again!