common pulse vocal ensemble

as passionate advocates for innovation and collaboration,

we create art that moves audiences to help the world become a more open and connected community

“We managed to present challenging calls to action and invite reflection, yet it was done respectfully, artfully, and beautifully. The captive audience, soaking our music and visual art… it gave me meaning when I needed it, it made me feel proud to be a part of a team.”

Nick Odizor | Collaborating artist

FAQs

  • common pulse was founded in 2014 by 18 Chicago singers and director Lydia Lane Stout. In 2019, the leadership of common pulse helped found Chicago Artists for Action, now the nonprofit home for the ensemble. This professional vocal ensemble is a community of excellent musicians dedicated to collaboration and innovation, working alongside artists and activists to create more open and connected communities in our beloved city.

  • We like to say that common pulse is choir reimagined. While our art is rooted in singing, we constantly aspire to bend and push the boundaries of the genre.

    We invite audiences behind the scenes to observe and participate in our artistic process. The way we make our art matters, and we hope to share that vision with you.

    Our events span genres. Whether you love folk tunes, resistance music, soul classics, or choral standards, you’ll find something delightful in our programs. Collaboration is core to who we are, so you’ll often experience instrumental music, dance, visual art, video, poetry, culinary arts, and more at our events.

    We weave together group, ensemble, and solo singing. Our artists guide audiences through a participatory journey, and we always present original music.

    Accessibility in all its forms matters to us. We strive to present events rooted in hospitality for all who choose to join us.

  • common pulse events happen at the end of every summer. Check out our events page for more details, and subscribe to our email list to be updated when tickets go on sale.

  • common pulse is an auditioned semi-professional vocal ensemble that rehearses and performs primarily during the summer months. Interested singers can submit an audition inquiry form here. We welcome new singers to our community as spaces in our sections open from year to year.

    Chicago Artists for Action is also a founding partner of Justice Choir Chicago, a non-auditioned community singing group that aims to amplify local voices building justice and dismantling systems of oppression. We love suggesting JCC to those interested in the intersection of music and justice work!

  • Are you an artist interested in exploring a collaboration? We’d love to hear from you. Reach out by filling out our brief contact form, and a member of the team will get back with you as we are able. Thank you!

“We use music, mindfulness, and collaborative creative practices as expressive devices while recognizing that the tools we craft are really about acting upon our visions of a more understanding, inclusive, and connected society.”

Lydia Lane Stout | Founding Artistic Director

“common pulse gives us a space to care for body, mind, and spirit within a beloved community. We have the opportunity to strive together for an imagination of a more gentle and caring world, and that imagining gives us fuel for the work of movement building.”

Kaleb Sutherland | Director of Operations

explore our recent work