Ex Cathedra Consort is a British vocal ensemble of eight to twelve singers, based in Birmingham, England. Founded in 1969 by Jeffrey Skidmore, who is the consort's conductor and artistic director, Ex Cathedra performs early music and new repertoire, presenting choral works from the Renaissance to contemporary pieces commissioned specifically for them. Skidmore and several members had sung previously in the choir at Birmingham Cathedral, and the name was chosen partly as a pun on the term "ex cathedra," meaning, "from the throne" or "with authority." The consort aspires to perform with authority, following historic scholarship and pursuing the finest artistry, thereby earning its name. Ex Cathedra gives concerts in Birmingham and London, performs in festivals in the United Kingdom and Europe, and has recorded on Hyperion, ASV, and Alto.