THE VOCAL ART ENSEMBLE
In Davis, California, The Vocal Art Ensemble brings together experienced musicians pursuing artistic expression through finesse of the human voice. Formed in February 2008, VAE’s mission is to blend musical artistry, passion, and camaraderie — to create, to grow, to connect, and to enliven the human experience.
OUR MISSION
Incorporating visuals and storytelling into their themed programs, VAE connects with other artists to celebrate the elegance of Renaissance madrigals, tonal color of modern works, and exotic flavor of music from other cultures. Visit our YouTube Channel to get a glimpse of what we create.
SINGER BIOS
VAE is a highly dedicated and highly varied family of musicians. We are proud of the diverse musical backgrounds and life experiences that enriches this incredible group of artists. Click here for bios of the artists that make up the Vocal Art Ensemble.
CONTACT US
VAE aims to present exquisite evenings of music, appealing to both the discerning musician and the casual music lover. If you are interested in joining VAE, or in signing up for our low-volume concert announcement email mailing list, please contact traciabarbieri@gmail.com
UPCOMING CONCERTS
Amidst the busy holiday season, the Vocal Art Ensemble presents SKIES, where songs of colorful sunsets, moonlit nights, and twinkling starry spheres are punctuated by sounds of thunderstorms and warm rain. Guitarist Matthew Grasso and tabla player Alex Jenkins, with their intricate Indian ragas, weave an elegant backdrop to our musical magic carpet ride, as we explore the varied wonders of the heavens.
Fri Dec 12 2025 – 7:30 pm
Sat Dec 13, 2025 – 7:30 pm
Sun Dec 14, 2025 – 4:00 pm
Davis United Methodist Church – 1620 Anderson Road, Davis
Suggested Donation $15-25
Watch videos of VAE past concerts here
Concerts typically take place in Davis in December and May or June, with occasional special performances in Sacramento or throughout Yolo County, California. VAE is occasionally available to perform at special events, such as weddings, Christmas parties, or retirement community performances. Though scheduling times are limited, possibilities include everything from singing quartets for at-home Christmas parties, to full choral works at large church weddings. For inquiries, please contact traciabarbieri@gmail.com
VAE has toured internationally four times, taking its singers to Ireland (2010), England and Scotland (2014), Canada (2016) and Austria, Slovakia and Hungary (2018). The most recent adventure took place in June 2024, taking VAE to the Netherlands and Belgium.
VAE has been recognized nationally for its work, winning the 2012 American Prize for Creative Programming and Collaboration for featuring a capella choral pieces along with intimate instrumentals and mesmerizing dance. They also were featured in multiple concerts at SacSings! choral festivals from 2014-2016.
VAE FEEDBACK
We are always eager to hear your feedback!
“A richly varied evening of sentiment and humor that was a visual and auditory feast.” – Dick Frantzreb, Sacramento Choral Calendar
“Loved the movements and costumes. I know it takes a great deal of work and dedication by all members to provide these wonderful concerts – thank you!” -Audience Member
“An excellently chosen program and delivered with great musicianship and style. Your group makes a really beautiful sound. I really enjoyed the entire performance!” – Dr. David Mooney, Arranger/Composer, Dublin, Ireland
“Just about every selection was performed with a different combination of singers, starting in different formations. This resulted in sometimes overt, sometimes subtle differences in the sound, plus created visual interest in refocused the audience’s attention.” – Audience Member
“It was a fantastic program: beautiful choreography, talented and expressive singers, and a wonderful narrator. The opening number was breathtaking! Thank you for sharing your talents with the community!” – Audience Member
“You all cast a spell over me for the evening that is still with me when I close my eyes to remember. The subtle touches of percussion and costume and movement were simple yet eloquent. What a privilege to enjoy the Vocal Art Ensemble as it matures.” – Audience Member
YOU TUBE CHANNEL
Watch and Listen to VAE on our YouTube Channel here!
CONTACT US
Please sign up for our email mailing list by contacting traciabarbieri@gmail.com
AUDITION
To schedule an audition to join VAE, please contact traciabarbieri@gmail.com
The Vocal Art Ensemble 