Beyond Notes, Beyond Borders

San Francisco Bay Area's 21V is an innovative ensemble of soprano and alto voices, all genders united, singing the stories of the 21st century Americas. Founded by Martín Benvenuto, we weave modern melodies from North, South, and Central America.

We don't just perform, we redefine. Forget predictable harmonies and dusty scores. We embrace the bold and the unexpected, rethinking existing boundaries and assumptions – both artistically and socially.

We raise the torch for a new generation. We believe that choral artistry isn't a relic of the past, but a catalyst for change. Every concert is an invitation, a vibrant canvas for awareness and advocacy for music of the underrepresented American continent.

Join our journey.

Mission

A catalyst for change through a new choral sound, 21V is a select ensemble of soprano and alto voices of all gender identities that performs 21st century music of the Americas.

Vision

21V aims to be a ‘house of ideas’ that opens up unexplored spaces of artistic expression, and a ‘house of belonging’ that expands interconnectedness.

Values

Vitality: fosters deep engagement with its singers and community through socially engaged programming
Vibrancy: brings to the forefront art music from North, Central, and South America written after the year 2000
Vanguard: stretches artistic boundaries and ignites innovation
Vocal: advances and advocates for gender inclusivity and racial justice in all its endeavors

About 21V

About Martín

Founder & Artistic Director

Martín Benvenuto

About the Artistic Director

Martín Benvenuto (he/him) is one of the leading choir conductors in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. A native of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Benvenuto is the Founder and Artistic Director of 21V. He has served as Artistic Director of the Peninsula Women's Chorus, WomenSing, the Contra Costa Children's Chorus, and the Young Women's Choral Projects of San Francisco, and has been on the faculty of the Piedmont East Bay Children's Choir. Dr. Benvenuto is active as a clinician, panelist, and guest conductor at home and abroad.

Recognized for his exacting technique, and a passion for drawing the finest choral tone, Benvenuto's repertoire is extensive. He holds a D.M.A. in choral conducting from Boston University, master's degrees from Westminster Choir College, and undergraduate degrees from the Universidad Católica Argentina.

Get to know Martín's work

Board of Directors

Marion Atherton

Martín Benvenuto

Gail Doering

Susan Fish

Alex Varghese

Advisory Board

Virginia Bono

Robert Geary

Maria Guinand

Michele Kennedy