Spiritus Ensemble unveils new logo and visual identity
As we enter our 16th season of Spiritus Ensemble, we’re excited to introduce a fresh new look that reflects both our deep-rooted history and our forward-thinking vision. Our new logo and overall visual identity mark the next chapter in our journey of bringing exceptional choral and instrumental performances to life.
When approaching the redesign, we wanted to create something that would honor the legacy of Johann Sebastian Bach—whose works are at the core of our repertoire—while also reflecting the dynamic, flowing nature of the music we perform. After thoughtful consideration, we are proud to present a logo with layers of meaning, each element inspired by the rich tradition and artistry of Bach’s music.
A Nod to Bach's Seal
The logo design was inspired by Bach’s seal. This connection is subtle, but for those who look closely, it serves as a tribute to the great composer whose music has been the backbone of our work for over a decade. By weaving these historical references into the fabric of our new logo, we honor Bach’s influence on our past, present, and future.
The "Stream" of Music
One of the most striking features of the new icon is the series of undulating lines, which evoke the image of a flowing stream—an intentional nod to the meaning of "Bach" in German, which translates to "stream." These lines symbolize the continuous, living nature of the music we perform. Just as a stream flows with energy and life, so too does the music of Spiritus Ensemble, moving listeners and connecting us to something greater.
Polyphonic Harmony: Voices in Conversation
Bach's chorales are known for their polyphonic complexity, with multiple voices intertwining in harmonic conversation. Our new logo subtly captures this idea. The crisscrossing lines within the design represent this interplay of voices, reminiscent of the couplings and exchanges that characterize Bach’s work. It reflects the beauty of many individual voices coming together to create something harmonious and greater than the sum of its parts—a principle that has guided Spiritus Ensemble since the beginning.
A Symbol for the Seasons
The four quadrants within the icon are open to interpretation, but one way to view them is as a representation of the four seasons. Each season, much like each of our performances, brings its own mood, color, and spirit. The four quadrants could also represent the four key events in our annual performance calendar, underscoring the cyclical nature of our offerings and the diversity of experiences we bring to our audience.
Bach & Beyond
As we move into the next era of Spiritus Ensemble, this new visual identity is not only a celebration of where we’ve been but also a symbol of where we’re headed. We hope that our audiences, both long-time supporters and new faces, will feel the energy and thought behind this design. It represents a continuity with the past while embracing new possibilities for the future.
We invite you to explore this new chapter with us, as we continue to present music that moves the soul, just as it has for the last 15 years. Thank you for being a part of this journey, and we look forward to sharing even more beautiful music with you in the years to come.
We are grateful to Christine Guy and Janet Straker of Pollen Communication for this new design for our website and social media accounts.