About

Founded by Artistic Director Caroline Nicolas, Ars Poetica is a singular ensemble whose performances blend dance, poetry, self-accompanied song, and multi-instrumental performance. The group brings historical music fully onto the stage, treating it not as museum repertory but as a living narrative. 

Dedicated to the power of storytelling through music, AP’s programs explore themes such as mythology, fairy tales, and love stories, drawing primarily on repertoire from the high Renaissance through the early Baroque. The ensemble is known for innovative programming choices paired with sophisticated, text-driven interpretations that foreground intimacy, drama, and emotional clarity. Ars Poetica’s work has been presented by leading presenters, including the Indianapolis Early Music Festival, Milwaukee Early Music Now, FLX Early Music, Newport Classical, and Gotham Early Music Scene.

Since its founding, Ars Poetica has experienced rapid artistic growth and recognition. In its first season, the ensemble presented two acclaimed programs. Love’s Farewell and Conjuring Magic explored music and dance from the English, Italian, and Spanish Renaissance. The success of these performances led to the ensemble receiving grant support from the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council. The second season turned toward French repertory, with Amours et Souvenir, featuring Burgundian chanson, and Nuit et Jour, which brought the refined world of the airs de cour vividly to life.

As Ars Poetica enters its third season, the ensemble continues to expand both its artistic scope and organizational foundation. Programming is growing in scale and ambition, including new interdisciplinary works, an upcoming recording project to be distributed by Avie Records. In later seasons, AP looks forward to an international collaboration with Taiwan’s The Gleam Ensemble. The ensemble was recently selected for a residency at the Avaloch Farm Music Institute, and was also chosen as a featured ensemble for Early Music America’s Emerging Artist Showcase.

Reflecting this momentum, Ars Poetica has formally transitioned to 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, strengthening its ability to expand educational and community-facing programming and support sustainable artistic growth.

The ensemble’s name is inspired by the belief that historical performance is akin to poetry: a form in which the smallest inflection, breath, or movement carries profound meaning. 

Videos and performance excerpts may be found on Ars Poetica’s YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@ArsPoeticaEnsemble.

Musicians:

Caroline Nicolas

Ben Matus

Kevin Payne

Alyssa Weathersby

Mission Statement

Ars Poetica Ensemble’s purposes include presenting concerts and related educational programming that celebrate, but are not restricted to, historical instruments and vocal practices from the Renaissance through the early Baroque, and promoting public understanding and appreciation of early or other musical traditions through historically informed performance.

The ensemble seeks to benefit the public by expanding access to early music, including both well-known and lesser-known masterworks, and by fostering greater awareness of the cultural and historical significance of this repertoire.

Values

Ars Poetica adheres to its core values of:

• Artistic integrity

• Creativity

• Commitment to inclusiveness

• Respect

• Collaboration

• Accessibility