Novi Cantori was founded in 1978, during a time of exciting growth in the number of area choral ensembles. Large symphonic choirs in the region were already well established, but Novi Cantori was at the forefront of a movement that resulted in the launching of many new ensembles along the Connecticut River Valley.

Under the leadership of their first Artistic Director, Rick Harris, Novi Cantori consisted of sixteen singers, performing a wide range of unaccompanied repertoire with a special emphasis on early music. Following Harris’ departure, Charles Page was chosen as the new Director, expanding the size as well as the artistic reach and reputation of the ensemble. Allan Taylor became the third Director in 1992, leading Novi Cantori in six to ten concerts annually, including several appearances at Trinity College in Hartford.

Ellen Gilson Voth was appointed as the fourth Artistic Director of Novi Cantori in 2012. While remaining actively connected to its roots in Westfield, Novi Cantori began rehearsing at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church of Longmeadow in 2013, and expanded its reach throughout the greater Springfield, Pioneer Valley, and northern CT region. 

Noah Horn was named Artistic Director in 2019, and Todd Fruth took over the reins in 2020.