About

Elus Vocal Ensemble, under the direction of Taylor Martin, has been stretching the boundaries of choral music through high-quality performance and intentional thematic programming for over a decade. Combining new choral music with staples of the repertoire, Elus emphasizes its place within the Denver community, using inventive programming to speak to both the beauty and difficulty of our humanity.

Comprised of volunteer singers from the Denver Metro Area, Elus combines a passion for choral excellence with a deep sense of community. Frequent supporters of local nonprofits and causes, Elus often partners with area organizations to support missions in conjunction with concert programs. Most recently Elus established a relationship with Dry Bones Denver supporting unhoused youth and teens alongside their performance of David Lang’s the little match girl passion.

As a collaborative partner in Colorado, Elus has performed with the Colorado Symphony, Breckenridge Music Festival, and Aspen Music Festival; performed with international EDM artist, Opiuo, at Red Rocks Amphitheater, and is featured on two commercial recordings.

 
The programs offered by Elus Vocal Ensemble are made possible in part through its partnership with Fractured Atlas.
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Elus Vocal Ensemble embraces and encourages diversity in many forms. We are committed to inclusivity among our community members, including all singers, and staff. We define diversity as people of different backgrounds, races, nationalities, genders, sexual orientations, beliefs, religions, socio-economic statues, and more, and inclusivity as an approach where we respect, welcome, encourage, and engage diverse perspectives. Our strength and success is built on the foundation of a wide range of perspectives and experiences.

Taylor Martin, Artistic Director

Taylor Martin is Artistic Director for Elus Vocal Ensemble and Associate Director and Conductor for the Colorado Symphony Chorus. Now in his seventh season with ELUS, Taylor has led performances of great a cappella repertoire through imaginative programming of new music and major works, such as David Lang’s the little match girl passion and Gabriel Fauré’s Requiem to considerable acclaim. In 2021, ELUS collaborated with international EDM artist, OPIUO, to perform a sold-out show at Colorado’s iconic Red Rocks Amphitheater.

 

In 2019 Taylor made his debut with the Colorado Symphony conducting their staged version of Handel’s Messiah, titled Messiah: Awakening. Now in his ninth season with the Colorado Symphony Chorus, he has frequently taken the podium during the holiday season for productions of A Colorado Christmas and Messiah. 

Taylor has prepared the Chorus for productions with the Colorado Symphony, New York Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, and Dallas Symphony, and he recently conducted a concert tour of Austria featuring works for chorus and organ, leading Anton Bruckner’s Te Deum with the Salzburg Domorchester. Known for his musical versatility, Taylor has prepared choruses for Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA, Al Green, and Josh Groban, among other critically acclaimed artists.

Josh Jackson, Assistant Director

Josh Jackson directs all vocal ensembles and teaches AP Music Theory at Chatfield Senior High School. Josh is also the Producer/Music Director of Chatfield’s annual spring musical. Josh is currently the Assistant Director/Rehearsal Accompanist and one of the co-founders of Elus Vocal Ensemble.

Josh received his Bachelor of Music Education (BME) degree from Metropolitan State University of Denver, specializing in Choral studies, piano accompanying, and voice. Josh completed his Master of Educational Leadership (MED.EDL)
degree from Regis University. He has worked with students at all levels from around the Denver Metro Area and has worked with musicals in the Douglas County School District, Adams 12 School District, and Jefferson County School
District. Josh is active in the music education field; serving on the board for the Colorado American Choral Director’s Association (COACDA) for the past sixteen years, and the Colorado All State Choir Governing Board for the past eleven years. Josh is an active accompanist around the state – working with public schools, choir concerts, All-State auditions, and Solo & Ensemble contests.
In addition to teaching, Josh is also active in the field of Information Technology. For the past eighteen years, he has been the Director of Information
Technology (IT) for RJH Consultants, Inc., a geotechnical engineering firm in Englewood, Colorado. He currently resides in cozy Castle Rock, Colorado
with his husband and their adorable orange tabby, Sasha.