Founded in 2020 by Rhode Island-born countertenor Christopher Lowrey, Ensemble Altera “has swiftly joined the front rank of chamber choirs” (BBC Music Magazine). Drawing on Lowrey’s training in the English choral tradition, the ensemble combines exceptional precision with the warmth, color and individuality of American professional voices.

Altera has rapidly built an international profile through recordings, touring and ambitious new work. Its debut album, The Lamb’s Journey, won the German Record Critics’ Award; Dazzling Light was hailed by Gramophone as “a treasurable recording” and named among its classical discs of the year; Feminine Voices at Christmas was BBC Music Magazine’s five-star Christmas Choice; and The Four Elements, Altera’s first release with PENTATONE, has now been named a five-star Choral Choice by BBC Music Magazine. The ensemble has appeared at Carnegie Hall with the Orchestra of St. Luke’s and Raphaël Pichon, toured across the United States, and in 2026 premiered Piers Connor Kennedy’s concert-length work Declarations, to be released by PENTATONE in 2027.

Altera is known for programs built around strong ideas rather than conventional repertoire groupings: familiar landmarks sit alongside living composers, commissions and rediscoveries in concerts designed to speak directly to contemporary audiences. Alongside its concert and recording work, the ensemble undertakes educational residencies, clinics and its Sing Out! In Schools initiative, bringing professional choral singing to young people and communities across Rhode Island and beyond.