Tonality

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Tonality is a vocal ensemble whose mission is to deliver authentic stories through voice and body to incite change, understanding, and dialogue Established in 2016, Tonality is an award-winning ensemble known for “open hearted singing” (Lauri’s List). Tonality’s most recent award is the 2020 Chorus America/ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming, a prize given for commitment to singing and commissioning new works. Tonality is led by founder and Artistic Director Alexander Lloyd Blake. Blake imagined Tonality as an ensemble that represents the diverse cultures and ethnicities within the Los Angeles area. Within a year of its forming, Tonality’s mission evolved to use their collective voices to present concerts on themes of social justice in hopes to act as a catalyst toward empathy and community activism. The group premiered its first album in 2019 titled Sing About It. Tonality has collaborated with choral composers and film composers to create the works presented in concert, striving for diverse voices and perspectives within the composer community. Collaborators include Joe Trapanese, Roman Gianarthur, Gaayatri Kaundinya, Reena Esmail, Shawn Kirchner, Zanaida Robles, Moira Smiley, Alex Wurman. Tonality has performed with MacArthur Fellow Taylor Mac, Pete Townsend of The Who, pianist Lara Downes, and internationally acclaimed performer Björk.

REPERTORY

2026-2027 SEASON

AMERICA WILL BE

America Will Be was created in the midst of the global pandemic of 2020. As many people began a new way of life sequestered in their homes, attention and awareness of our surroundings became heightened. For many, some of the issues around inequality and injustice in the United States were placed in a global spotlight. As the world paused, we were forced to reconsider the America that we had been taught and look at the America we have been for too many. Black Lives Matter, the criminal justice system, immigration, climate change, LGBTQ rights, mental health were some of the many topics that rose to a new consciousness.

The music on America Will Be looks to speak directly to the injustices that have yet to be labeled. As Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stated: “There comes a time when silence is betrayal.” America Will Be speaks to issues that have been quieted in our attempt to portray the United States as a beacon of opportunity. In styles as diverse as the topics, this music brings voice to the most vulnerable – to lift them up, to reflect on the reality of our society, and to sing about peace and unity. Through our song, we look toward a more perfect union for ourselves and future generations.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE

You Are Not Alone is a concert for the “different.” This concert speaks through the eyes of poets and artists who have dealt with mental health issues. How can we support members of our community who will be fortified by compassion, empathy, and validation? We heal and grow together through our united story and bond through singing.

Put Your Guns Down

Put Your Guns Down addresses issues related to gun violence in the United States, including mass
shootings, police brutality, the effects on victims, and suicide prevention.

JUST ME

A powerful evening of music centered on the lived experiences of transgender and non-binary individuals. Under the direction of Dr. Alexander Lloyd Blake, the LA-based chorus transforms the concert stage into a space of solidarity. Through original works and soulful arrangements, Just Me celebrates the resilience of our non-binary and trans community. It confronts the injustices they continue to face, and invites us to listen.

Here, care becomes chorus. Each song becomes a story, each harmony a step toward healing. Join us for a transformative night of sharing the joys, pains, and strength of finding oneself.

With a deep commitment to social change, TONALITY brings together a diverse community of voices to reflect the richness of human experience.

STORIES FROM HOME

In this concert, Tonality uses our collective voices to speak to stories of the displaced, focusing on immigration, refugees, or the rampant experiences of homelessness. Join us as we re-center the Nativity story to highlight the spirit of “radical inclusion” and how we can expand what “home” means in our community.

2026-2027 Repertory

Tonality is a vocal ensemble whose mission is to DELIVER AUTHENTIC STORIES through voice and body to INCITE CHANGE, UNDERSTANDING, and DIALOGUE.

GALLERY

LISTEN

This Land is Your Land

"Home Care"

Change is Gonna Come

"America Will Be"

1232 Lyfe

"America Will Be"

Tonality, now a diverse ensemble of 16 singers, was established on June 6, 2016. The singers come from a variety of backgrounds, ethnicities and countries.

They are professional singers from Los Angeles who care about the future of our country and our world, and we sing in unity to actively demonstrate the beauty of diversity.

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