Cantus, named the “premier men’s vocal ensemble in the United States” by Fanfare magazine, will perform at Gustavus Adolphus College at 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 27 at Jussi Björling Recital Hall.
Cantus’s appearance at Gustavus is part of a tour of greater Minnesota funded through Classical Minnesota Public Radio’s Artists-in-Residence program and a Minnesota State Arts Board grant. The tour includes concerts in Ely, St. Peter, Grand Rapids, and Crookston, Minn.
The ensemble’s performances are met with overwhelming praise for their unique blend of youthful vitality and polished nuance. The repertoire spans across periods and genres, including Gregorian chant, Renaissance motets, contemporary sacred works, art songs, world music, spirituals, and pop.
During the summer of 2002, Cantus sang to great acclaim at the Oregon Bach Festival and at the sixth world Symposium on Choral Music in Minneapolis. For the last three years, Cantus has also appeared in concert with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra. Having worked with thousands of young people across the country, including St. Peter High School’s senior choir, Cantus is committed to educational endeavors and encouraging singing with their motto “Live. Play. Sing.”
The Washington Post called the singers’ sound “beaming and elastic” and referred to their music as “spontaneous grace.” The Houston Chronicle wrote that a “weekend visit by Minnesota-based Cantus was a forceful reminder that professional male vocal ensembles are thriving.” And that Cantus produces “a robust sound inviting for its warmth, vigor and flexibility with an obvious love for the music and their work.”
Tickets for the Feb. 27 concert are available online at gustavustickets.com or by calling 507-933-7590. With underwriting from Minnesota Public Radio, tickets are $15 for general admission, $12 for MPR members, and $5 for students. Tickets remaining on the day of the concert will be available at the door.
Leave a Reply