ars gratia populi
Hailed by choral titan Michael McGlynn (founder of Anúna) as “a dynamic and brilliant group of singers with a strong sonic vision”, Ars Gratia Populi (Latin for "art for the people's sake") is a vocal ensemble founded in 2023 by All-Ireland champion singer Kevin Elam to present acappella music, from folk to sacred, at a world-class level. We strive to sing and present our concerts in a friendly, accessible way, rooted in our belief that this music belongs as much to our audiences as it does to us.
The group's name, which is a play on the well-known maxim ars gratia artis ("art for art's sake"), represents their view that art derives its meaning not from itself, but from the positive reaction it can create in the human mind and soul.
“Eclectic and simultaneously accessible - a very fine ensemble.”
-Michael McGlynn, founder & director of Anúna
By combining the technical excellence of a chamber choir with the relaxed, accessible presentation of a folk group, Ars Gratia Populi seeks to foster a meaningful connection with audiences, and inspire them to treasure the unaccompanied voice as a unique means of human expression.
UPCOMING performances
February 6th, 2026, 7:00 PM || Songs of Midwinter
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Alexandria VA
March 22nd, 2026, 4:00 PM || Spring Concert
St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church, McLean VA
SELECT PAST PERFORMANCES
September 21, 2025 - Palestrina 500 (Cathedral of St. Thomas More, Arlington VA)
January 4, 2026 - The Holly and the Ivy (St. Bernadette Catholic Church, Silver Spring MD)
A beautiful Palestrina motet from our April 2024 concert at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Alexandria VA.
"Peace and Joy", from the Sacred Harp Hymnal. Recorded at our April 2024 concert at St. Luke's Episcopal in Alexandria VA.
James MacMillan’s setting of the Scottish Gaelic ballad “O chì, chì mi na mòrbheanna”, from our sold out February 2023 debut concert at AMP by Strathmore.
Ralph Vaughan Williams' setting of the folk song "The Turtle Dove", featuring a solo by Kevin Elam. From our March 2024 program "As the Lily: Songs of Springtime".