Arts Empowering Life

What Arts Empowering Life does

Arts Empowering Life, Inc. (AEL) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation founded in 1988 and headquartered in Orleans, Massachusetts on Cape Cod. The organization operates as the parent entity for seven distinct performing ensembles: Gloriae Dei Cantores (a world-class sacred choral group with 30+ years of international touring and 50+ recordings), Gabriel V Brass Ensemble, Creare Symphonia (orchestra), Spirit of America Band, Elements Theatre Company, Chara Percussion Ensemble, and Gaudete Baroque Ensemble. AEL also operates the Mount Tabor Ecumenical Centre in Italy for international arts exchange. Core venues include the Church of the Transfiguration in Orleans, which houses the St. Cecilia surround-sound organ (a unique instrument composed of parts from 27 E.M. Skinner organs), and the newly opened Performing Arts Center in Brewster featuring Wingbeats Recording Studios.

The organization's business model is diversified across six primary revenue streams: ticket sales for concerts and performances ($0-$45 per ticket), educational program fees (youth summer camps at $25-$650, Pyware Visual Design Retreat at $1,750, Brass and Percussion Residencies, Early Childhood Music classes), recording sales distributed globally through Paraclete Press and Naxos of America reaching 150+ countries, corporate sponsorships (Zildjian, Vic Firth), foundation grants (Grace Jones Richardson Trust, Fieldstead & Company, Fred J Brotherton Charitable Foundation, Mass Cultural Council, USDA), and individual donations including charitable gift annuities offering 6%-11.5% lifetime income. AEL serves a hybrid customer base spanning general public concert attendees, students ages 3-18, advanced music professionals, music educators, corporate sponsors, and faith-based communities. The organization hosts 70+ events annually and operates with 11-50 employees under a leadership team headed by Director Richard K. Pugsley, with Elizabeth C. Patterson serving as Director Emeritus and Pam Jordan as Director of Marketing.

Name

Arts Empowering Life

Legal name

Arts Empowering Life, Inc.

Website

https://artsempoweringlife.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1988

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Arts Empowering Life is a Cape Cod-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation operating seven performing ensembles (choral, brass, orchestral, percussion, theatre, baroque, marching) and educational programs serving students, music professionals, and general audiences through concerts, recordings, summer camps, and residencies.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Performing Arts Services

NAICS

Musical Groups and Artists (711130), Musical Groups and Artists (71113), Performing Arts Companies (7111), Other Performing Arts Companies (711190), Theater Companies and Dinner Theaters (71111)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Phonograph Records & Prerecorded Audio Tapes & Disks (3652)

akta.pro primary industry

Performing Arts Organizations (Theater, Dance, Opera, Music) (BPAGAHAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Arts & Culture Service/Support Organizations (Networks, Advocacy, Capacity Building) (BPAGAHAL), Group Music Classes & Ensembles (Band, Orchestra, Choir) (EDAMANAC), Performing Arts Programs (Band, Choir, Orchestra, Theater) (EDAJAJAE), Performing Arts Centers & Presenters (Programming/Booking) (MPAGABAM), Concert Halls & Music Venue Operations (Symphony Halls, Recital Venues) (MPAGALAC)

Keywords

• Performing arts education
• Sacred choral music
• Classical concert series
• Youth music programs
• Performing arts foundation

Headquarters

HQ city

Orleans

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Ticket Sales and Admissions: Revenue generated from ticketed concerts, performances, and events at the Performing Arts Center and Church of the Transfiguration venues. Prices range from free to $45 depending on event and seating category.
2. Educational Programs: Fees from summer performing arts camps for kids, Pyware Visual Design Retreat, Brass and Percussion Residency Programs, and early childhood music classes. Programs serve youth ages 3-18 and adults.
3. Corporate Sponsorships and Donations: Support from businesses and corporate contributors who sponsor the organization to enable free youth tickets, school concerts, workshops, and community programming.
4. Foundation Grants: Charitable grants from foundation partners including Grace Jones Richardson Trust, Fieldstead & Company, Fred J Brotherton Charitable Foundation, Mass Cultural Council, and USDA.
5. Individual Donations and Bequests: Tax-deductible contributions from individuals, including planned giving through wills and charitable gift annuities providing lifetime income of 6% to 11.5%.
6. Ensemble Recordings and Discography: Sales and distribution of over 50 recordings by Gloriæ Dei Cantores and other ensembles, distributed through Paraclete Press and Naxos of America, reaching millions in over 150 countries.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Arts Empowering Life is a nonprofit foundation that operates seven performing ensembles (choral, brass, orchestra, percussion, baroque, theatre, and marching band) delivering ticketed concerts, educational programs for children and adults (summer camps, residencies, retreats, and lecture series), and produces/distributes a 50+ album recording catalog via Paraclete Press and Naxos of America. Its primary venues are the Church of the Transfiguration in Orleans, MA and the Performing Arts Center in Brewster, MA, where it hosts over 70 events annually while also touring ensembles internationally and reaching listeners in 150+ countries through recordings.

Product overview

Arts Empowering Life is a nonprofit foundation operating as a single unified organization with multiple performing ensembles and educational programs. The core portfolio consists of seven performing ensembles: Gloriæ Dei Cantores (choir), Gabriel V Brass Ensemble, Creare Symphonia (orchestra), Spirit of America Band, Elements Theatre Company, Chara Percussion Ensemble, and Gaudete Baroque Ensemble, plus the Mount Tabor Ecumenical Centre in Italy. Educational offerings include Arts Speak lecture series, the 250th Anniversary Celebratory Lecture Series, Pyware Visual Design Retreat, Brass and Percussion Residency Programs, Summer Performing Arts camps for youth, and the Outer Cape Community Band. The organization hosts events at the Church of the Transfiguration and the new Performing Arts Center in Brewster, MA. Over 70 different events are hosted annually, with a discography of over 50 albums distributed globally.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Gloriæ Dei Cantores: Internationally recognized world-class choir performing sacred choral music from Gregorian chant through the twenty-first century
• Elements Theatre Company
• Gabriel V Brass Ensemble
• Creare Symphonia
• Chara Percussion Ensemble
• Gaudete Baroque Ensemble
• Spirit of America Band
• Mount Tabor Ecumenical Centre
• Performing Arts Center
• Arts Speak
• Outer Cape Winds
• America 250

Products and services

• Gloriæ Dei Cantores World-class concert choir founded in 1988, performing sacred choral music from Gregorian chant through the 21st century. Has toured 24 countries and released over 50 recordings, including Stabat Mater: Choral Works by Arvo Pärt which reached #5 on the Traditional Classical Billboard Charts in 2020.
• Gabriel V Brass Ensemble Brass ensemble presenting fanfare and solo brass works, offering programs ranging from classics of the Venetian School to contemporary works, jazz, and holiday fare. Has toured 23 countries and performed in 49 US cities.
• Creare Symphonia AEL's resident orchestra (formerly Vox Caeli Symphonia) that performs major classical works and collaborates with Gloriæ Dei Cantores on operas, oratorios, and symphonies.
• Spirit of America Band A marching and field band with a 45-year history that has performed across the US and internationally in Australia, Canada, South Korea, and South Africa. Includes divisions for marching band, field band, wind ensemble, fife & drum corps, and winter percussion, and developed the 'Instrumental Theatre: In Motion!' performance genre.
• Elements Theatre Company Resident theatre company founded in 1993 performing classical, modern, and original dramatic works with emphasis on the integrity of language and context.
• Chara Percussion Ensemble Percussion ensemble bringing expressive percussion works from classical transcriptions to contemporary works to diverse audiences. Evolved from Spirit Winter Percussion, performing globally at the professional level.
• Gaudete Baroque Ensemble Baroque chamber ensemble performing authentic Baroque music using period instruments and bows. Based at Church of the Transfiguration, participating in worship services and public performances.
• Organists at the Church of the Transfiguration Concert programming featuring Dr. SharonRose Pfeiffer and Dr. James Jordan performing on the St. Cecilia organ, a unique surround-sound instrument comprised of parts from 27 different E.M. Skinner organs.
• Arts Speak Lecture Series Free arts and entertainment educational series of lectures and performance lectures celebrating the power of creativity in arts and music, featuring renowned experts and scholars.
• God of Our Fathers: 250th Anniversary Celebratory Lecture Series Year-long series of monthly lectures celebrating God's miraculous acts during America's fight for Independence, highlighting key moments of divine intervention during the Revolutionary War.
• Pyware Visual Design Retreat Week-long visual design retreat offering comprehensive training on Pyware 3D Drill Design software for marching band, drum corps, winter guard, and indoor drumline instructors. Includes Pyware 3D Version 11 Clinician Certification and a 40-hour Professional Training certificate, with all seminars, meals, and accommodations for $1,750.
• Brass and Percussion Residency Programs Week-long immersive residency programs for advanced students (18+) at the Performing Arts Center, including master classes, ensemble rehearsals, performance opportunities with professional musicians, and access to recording at Wingbeats Recording Studios ($150/hour).
• Summer Performing Arts For Students Summer programs for youth including Young Explorers (ages 6-10) and Young Artists (ages 11-18) theatre classes, plus Early Childhood Music (ages 3-6) held at the Performing Arts Center. Financial assistance is available.
• Outer Cape Community Band (Outer Cape Winds) Community wind ensemble for players of all ages and abilities, with weekly rehearsals and collaborative Wind Band Retreats at the Performing Arts Center.
• Gloriæ Dei Cantores Recordings (Discography) Choral recording catalog of over 50 albums distributed globally through Paraclete Press and Naxos of America, reaching millions of listeners in over 150 countries annually. Includes the Stabat Mater: Choral Works by Arvo Pärt album, which reached #5 on the Traditional Classical Billboard Charts in 2020.
• Mount Tabor Ecumenical Centre for Art and Spirituality International center in Italy promoting visual and performing arts, organizing educational programs, and facilitating cultural and ecumenical exchange through collaborative workshops and retreats.

Quantifiable outcome

• Reached #5 on Traditional Classical Billboard Charts with Stabat Mater album (2020)
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered minor, moderate, core and flagship.

• ZildjianminorOthersMusical instrument cymbal manufacturer providing sponsorship support to Arts Empowering Life's percussion programs and performances.
• Vic FirthminorOthersDrumstick and percussion mallet manufacturer sponsoring Arts Empowering Life's percussion ensembles and educational programs.
• Cape Cod Chamber of CommercemoderateGTM or Marketing PartnerRegional tourism and business organization partnering with Arts Empowering Life for cross-promotion of Cape Cod arts and cultural events.
• PygraphicscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDeveloper of Pyware Charting Aid and 3D Drill Design Software collaborating annually with Arts Empowering Life for the Visual Design Retreat, providing software training and clinician certification.
• Keith Lockhart and Boston PopsflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerTen holiday tours collaborating with Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops, performing together at major venues including Rockefeller Center and Symphony Hall.
• Paraclete Press and Paraclete Press & Paraclete DesigncoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPrimary distribution partner for Gloriæ Dei Cantores Recordings and Arts Empowering Life recordings, distributing to music retailers and directly to consumers.
• Naxos of AmericacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMajor classical music distributor enabling global reach of Arts Empowering Life recordings to millions of listeners in 150+ countries.
• Wingbeats Recording StudioscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPremier audio and video recording facility on the same campus as the Performing Arts Center, providing professional recording opportunities for residency participants at $150/hour.
• Community of JesuscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEcumenical monastery community housing the Church of the Transfiguration and hosting Arts Empowering Life's Gregorian Chant retreats and worship services.
• World Transformation NetworkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal transformation organization collaborating with Arts Empowering Life, with Dr. Mark Beliles serving as presenter for America 250 lecture series.
• Community of Jesus Retreat FacilitiesminorOthersBethany Guest House and family retreat house available for Arts Empowering Life visitors and program participants seeking quiet retreat settings.
• Outer Cape Winds / Woodland Park Wind SymphonyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity wind ensemble collaboration hosting Wind Band Retreats at the Performing Arts Center, serving players of all ages and abilities.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• The Sixteen: UK-based vocal ensemble specializing in sacred and early music with a global touring schedule and substantial recording catalog on CORO; mirrors AEL's choral-centric, recording-supported nonprofit model.
• Skylark Vocal Ensemble:
• Handel and Haydn Society: Boston-based nonprofit choral and orchestral organization founded in 1815; directly comparable as a classical/sacred performing arts nonprofit with educational programming and ticketed concert seasons.
• Choir of King's College, Cambridge: Internationally celebrated Anglican choral ensemble with extensive recording catalog and global touring; the benchmark peer for Gloriæ Dei Cantores in repertoire, recording volume, and international reputation.
• Apollo's Fire (The Cleveland Baroque Orchestra): Nonprofit period-instrument ensemble with international touring and a robust recording catalog on its own label; comparable as a sacred/classical touring and recording nonprofit with educational outreach.
• Cantata Singers: Boston nonprofit choral organization presenting choral-orchestral masterworks; directly comparable as a regional classical choral nonprofit with ticket sales, donor support, and educational programming.

Broad incumbents

• Tanglewood Music Center: BSO's summer educational and performance institute offering residencies and festivals; comparable to AEL's Brass & Percussion Residency Programs and Outer Cape Winds educational offerings in mission and format.
• Boston Symphony Orchestra: Large incumbent classical performing arts nonprofit with which AEL's Gloriæ Dei Cantores has collaborated at Symphony Hall; comparable venue, donor base, and educational mission but at vastly greater scale.

Regional players

• Cape Cod Chamber Music Festival: Regional nonprofit presenting classical chamber music on Cape Cod; directly overlaps AEL's Cape Cod concert market and competes for the same local donor and ticket base.

Emerging players

• Westminster Choir College: Premier choral music education institution feeding the same talent pool that AEL's faculty (e.g., Dr. SharonRose Pfeiffer) draws from; comparable in mission around sacred choral excellence and training.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC9_O3Et1LA_4RaI-Trpwa_g
• Facebookfacebook.com/artsempoweringlife
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/gloriae-dei-artes-foundation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Arts Empowering Life