Fourth Wall Ensemble is rapidly gaining recognition as one of New York’s most innovative new vocal ensembles. The group’s performances have been praised for achieving “near musical perfection” with a sound that feels “otherworldly,” and evoking a “palpable fearlessness.” The ensemble is devoted to storytelling through sound and movement, bringing new works to life while also delving into the earliest traditions of vocal music. 

Founded in 2023, Fourth Wall Ensemble has quickly established itself with performances at Carnegie Hall, Merkin Hall at The Kaufman Music Center, and a collaboration with Death of Classical featuring works by Monteverdi and Caroline Shaw’s Partita for 8 Voices. Other highlights include a series at Power Station at Berklee NYC, a residency at Avaloch Farm Music Institute, and the ensemble’s debut album, created in partnership with GRAMMY® Award-winning trio Time for Three and five-time EMMY® Award-winning composer Jeff Beal (House of Cards).

This season, Fourth Wall Ensemble continues to expand its presence with performances at National Sawdust, where Artistic and Creative Director Christopher Allen will lead the group in Dark Sky, a program featuring works by Kaija Saariaho, Caroline Shaw, and Andrew Yee. The ensemble will also return to Carnegie Hall for Echoes of Ireland, performing alongside tenor Emmet Cahill, and has been re-engaged for the 2025–2026 season at Merkin Hall. The ensemble will also be featured in the world premiere of SENSORIUM EX, a new opera by Paola Prestini and librettist Brenda Shaughnessy, presented by Beth Morrison Projects. In November 2025, Fourth Wall will embark on its first West Coast tour, bringing its distinctive sound to new audiences.

Under the Artistic leadership of Christopher Allen, Fourth Wall Ensemble continues to redefine vocal performance, blending tradition with bold new artistic explorations.

As led by Christopher Allen, each member sang with disarming character and color; together they harmonized with conviction and instinctual flair.
— Interludes

Upcoming

National Sawdust + Presents Dark Sky

National Sawdust
Wednesday, February 12, 2025 7:30 PM

Fourth Wall Ensemble, led by Artistic and Creative Director Christopher Allen, takes the stage at National Sawdust for Dark Sky, a captivating program featuring works by Kaija Saariaho, Caroline Shaw, and Andrew Yee.

Echoes of Ireland

Carnegie Hall
Sunday, March 16, 2025 3 PM Zankel Hall

This performance features songs from the Emerald Isle woven together on the emigrant journey to America. The program features the leading tenor of Celtic Thunder, Emmet Cahill, and Fourth Wall Ensemble, led by Christopher Allen.

Discography

Awake

2024 Album

Samuel Siskind, Christopher Allen, Conductor, Jonathan McCullough, Baritone, Fourth Wall Ensemble

AD MANUS

2024 Debut Album

Featuring Time for Three

What if..? The Genesis of an Ensemble