Biography
Cantus is a full-time, professional vocal chamber ensemble, made up of nine men singing in a TTBB (tenor, tenor, baritone, bass), changed male voice arrangement. The artists are self-led, with programming and musical direction coming from within the group itself. The ensemble is known for innovative concert programming, often tying together works of numerous genres to explore a selected theme, including classical music, orchestral-vocal repertoire, folk music, art song, popular songs, spirituals, and newly commissioned works.
The vocal group maintains a schedule of around 70 live concert performances and 30-40 education/outreach activities in a given season, both in the United States of America and abroad. Cantus is an active proponent of music education, encouraging people of all ages - especially men - to sing. The ensemble has worked with tens of thousands of singers throughout the country in educational activities ranging from master classes to festivals and collaborations. New members are acquired through annual national auditions.
The group was established by St. Olaf College students Brian Arreola, Albert Jordan, Erick Lichte, and Kjell Stenberg (three of whom were cellists), who recruited fellow students to sing with them in 1995. After a successful Northeast Tour in the summer of 1998, Cantus transitioned into a professional ensemble and non-profit organization by 2000, based out of Minneapolis, MN.
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