Now in its 30th anniversary season, Cantus is acclaimed for its signature warmth, rich blend, and inventive programs spanning music from the Renaissance to today. One of the nation’s few full-time vocal ensembles, Cantus performs without a conductor, creating collaborative, emotionally resonant performances praised for their “exalting finesse” and “spontaneous grace” (The Washington Post). The ensemble tours widely, records prolifically, and remains deeply committed to education and the creation of new works for low voices.
PROGRAM: LAND THAT I LOVE
America the Beautiful — Samuel Ward; arr. Paul John Rudoi
Lejanas Voces (Distant Voices) — Carlos Cordero
Leron, Leron Sinta (Leron, Leron My Dear) — Traditional Filipino folk song; arr. Saunder Choi
Rimas Tropicales (Tropical Rhymes) — Tania León
El Manisero (The Peanut Vendor) — Moisés Simons; arr. Yosvany Estepe Díaz
TaReKiTa — Reena Esmail
Fengyang Song — Anhui Folk Song; arr. Chen Yi
Tipitin — María Grever; arr. Raul Dominguez
N-400 Erasure Songs — Melissa Dunphy
That Lonesome Road — James Taylor & Don Grolnick; arr. Simon Carrington
On the Pulse of Morning — Maya Angelou (reading from stage)
Ave Que Emigra (Migrating Bird) — Gaby Moreno; arr. Alexander Nishibun
Manush Dhoro Manush Bhojo (Embrace Humanity Serve Humanity) — Baul Rashid Uddin; arr. Shabnam Abedi
Plakatap — Sydney Guillaume
The Road Home — “Prospect” tune from Southern Harmony; adapted by Stephen Paulus
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Now celebrating its 30th anniversary season, the “engaging” (New Yorker) low-voice ensemble Cantus is acclaimed for its trademark warmth, impeccable blend, and bold, thoughtful programming. Known for riveting performances that span the Renaissance to the 21st century, Cantus has been praised by The Washington Post for its “exalting finesse” and “expressive power.”
As one of the nation’s only full-time vocal ensembles, Cantus is defined by its unique collaborative process. Performing without a conductor, its members rehearse and create as chamber musicians, shaping programs that reflect shared human experiences. The Star Tribune notes, “The hallmark of the Cantus sound has always been sheer quality and an unbroken belief in the special way vocal music warms and invigorates the human spirit.”
Based in Minneapolis–St. Paul, Cantus maintains a robust touring schedule, with appearances at Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center, San Francisco Performances, Tanglewood, and Bravo! Vail. Its pandemic-inspired digital concerts now reach audiences in all 50 states and 16 countries.
Cantus records for Signum Classics (UK), with releases including Manifesto, Into the Light, and The COVID-19 Sessions, and maintains a substantial self-released catalog. Devoted to expanding repertoire for low voices, Cantus commissions new works and revives overlooked gems. The ensemble has received grants from New Music USA, NEA, Chorus America, and others, and in 2023, received Chorus America’s Alice Parker Fund Award for its authentic programming of Black and Latinx traditions.
Cantus collaborates regularly with leading artists and organizations including the Minnesota Orchestra, Boston Pops, Canadian Brass, Chanticleer, and Sweet Honey in the Rock. The ensemble appears frequently on public radio and SiriusXM.
Education is central to Cantus’ mission. Through masterclasses, residencies, and its award-winning high school programs, Cantus reaches over 5,000 students annually. Its new High School Mentorship program and statewide tenor-bass festival deepen this impact, alongside its Young and Emerging Composers Competition.
