Kantorei is a Denver-based, choral ensemble comprised of volunteer singers under the direction of Artistic Director Joel M. Rinsema.
JOEL M. RINSEMA Artistic Director
JENNIFER MOORE President
Welcome to our 24th season! It is hard for me to believe I have been with you for seven seasons now! We have done so much over the past 7 years; from two internationally released recordings on Naxos, our performance at the National ACDA conference in Kansas City, and opening the Aspen Music Festival this past July with Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony – it has been dizzying! Not even a worldwide pandemic can slow us down! I am excited to share this season with you and look forward to seeing you in person at our concerts. On a personal note, one of my favorite myths is the Phoenix. The legend of rebirth and regeneration is a story that I can personally relate to on many levels. While we will not be experiencing rising from the ashes, we will be celebrating a return to “normalcy” and the continuation of the momentum we have been building on the last several years. I believe that the spirit of this brochure captures the creativity and diversity that this season brings, the momentum and perpetual motion of our journey onward, and the vibrancy and colors of the Phoenix myth. We are glad that you are with us on this exciting journey.
It is a pleasure to write this letter knowing that Kantorei will be performing in person for our 2021-2022 season. For 15 months the pandemic stole our ability to connect with each other and to share what we hold most dear, our art. As we return to live performances with an ambitious and exciting season, we will continue to fulfill our mission: to “elevate the human experience through choral excellence.” Featured this season are world premieres of works we have commissioned from Sarah Quartel, Jocelyn Hagen, and Jake Runestad. We will be raising our voices with our Artist-in-Residence M. Roger Holland, II of the University of Denver and The Spirituals Project to celebrate and uplift the human spirit as we emerge from this time of isolation and loss. On behalf of the singers of Kantorei and the board of directors, thank you for supporting us through a year without live performances. Your loyalty and generosity have allowed Kantorei not only to survive but to thrive. We are excited to sing for you and to reconnect with you in person. With joy & anticipation,
Formed in 1997 under the leadership of six friends and artistic director, Richard Larson Kantorei has established itself as one of the nation’s premier choral ensembles. Our choral artists have studied at schools with strong music programs across the United States such as Baylor University, Brigham Young University, Eastman School of Music, Indiana University, St. Olaf College, Wartburg College, and Westminster Choir College. Kantorei’s singers reside throughout the greater Denver area. Some serve as choral music educators, church choir conductors, and vocal instructors. Others are doctors, social workers, optometrists, counselors, clinical psychologists, accountants, realtors –all brought together in weekly rehearsals for shared artistic excellence and community. Kantorei has performed for major choral conventions across the U.S., toured the world, and has commissioned and premiered new choral works from such renowned composers as Kim André Arnesen, Eric William Barnum, Abbie Betinis, René Clausen, Ola Gjeilo, Jocelyn Hagen, Sarah Quartel, Jake Runestad, Joshua Shank, and Eric Whitacre. Kantorei has released two recordings on the Naxos label. “Sing, Wearing the Sky” (2020) choral music of Jake Runestad reached the #3 best-selling classical album on iTunes, #4 on the Traditional Classical Billboard Charts, and the top ten in both the best-selling classical album and new classical release categories on Amazon. “Infinity: Choral Works of Kim André Arnesen” (2018) climbed to the #2 best-selling classical album on iTunes, #6 on the Traditional Classical Billboard Charts and #19 on the overall Classical Billboard charts. Santa Barbara Music Publishing Inc. publishes the Kantorei Choral series. Kantorei’s mission is “to elevate the human experience through choral excellence.”
“Kantorei is an outstanding choir…excellent ensemble balance, fine intonation and musical expression…high level of energy.” Bruce McCollum, MusicWeb International, January 2021
“What finer advocates for his music could a composer have than these excellent singers of Kantorei?” David Vernier, Classics Today, April, 2018
Contemporary women composers hold the spotlight in our first concert of the season. Vox Femina (the female voice) features some of the most creative and active composers working today. “Night Flight” for choir and cello was written by Cecilia McDowall to mark the centenary of Harriet Quimby’s pioneering flight across the English Channel. Ysaÿe Barnwell (of Sweet Honey in the Rock) sets her popular “Wanting Memories” for unaccompanied choir. “Panda Chant” is a section from The Games: A Science Fiction Opera by Meredith Monk, who is considered a pioneer in extended vocal technique and interdisciplinary performance. We are also excited to premiere two works: “Give Joan a Sword” by Jocelyn Hagen, and “Peace” by Sarah Quartel, commissioned by Kantorei for these concerts.
American composer, Conrad Susa explores the Christ child’s birth through the many moods, rhythms, and colors of Bethlehem carols that use varied texts – Biscayan, Catalonian, Puerto Rican, Spanish, Andalucian, Castilian, and Mexican in Carols and Lullabies: Christmas in the Southwest. The evocative timbres of the harp, the marimba and vibraphone, and the guitar are woven into an instrumental fabric that is at times beautiful and serene and at other times rhythmically energetic. Other lullaby and carol settings will complete this program, including a carol sing-along to raise your voices with Kantorei to celebrate the season!
Music includes: Carols and Lullabies Conrad Susa Three Carol Anthems Herbert Howells Sussex Carol arr. Elaine Hagenberg A Christmas Lullaby Dan Forrest Det är en ros utsprungen Jan Sandström Hush my dear Gabriel Jackson
Throughout history, peoples have been exiled from their native homelands. Some because of religious or political persecution, others due to government overthrow or hostile takeover for economic gain. Australian composer Paul Stanhope juxtaposes ancient Hebrew texts from the Lamentations of Jeremiah, depicting the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BCE, with modern-day Palestinian and Syrian poetry in his “Exile Lamentations.” Dutch/South African composer Péter Louis van Dijk composed the moving lament “Horizons” for the King’s Singers; it is based on a 16thcentury Bushman painting of a European ship inhabited by people they saw as “gods” but who would soon be the cause of the Bushmen’s nearextinction. Humberto Ak’abal (1952 - 2019) was one of Guatemala’s most important and revered poets. Ak’abal wrote of the natural beauty of his native Guatemala, the traditions of his K’iche’ culture, and the genocide against the indigenous Mayan population that devastated thousands from 1960-1996. Kantorei, along with the Guatemalan choir Vocalis, has commissioned Grammynominated composer Jake Runestad to create a new work for string quartet, choir, and marimba (the national instrument of Guatemala) using a collection of Ak’abal’s poetry. Runestad noted: “I have completely fallen in love with Humberto Ak’abal as a human and artist. His clear and compelling voice has captivated millions across Latin America and beyond, and continually brings me to tears as I uncover the music his poetry inspires.” Special guest: Jake Runestad, composer
The origin of spirituals takes us back centuries, to those who were brought here on ships from Africa in chains and those born of slavery. For our first collaboration with Artist-in-Residence, M. Roger Holland II, Kantorei explores stories that spirituals tell, illuminating the African American cultural narrative. Special guests: The Spirituals Project; M. Roger Holland, II, conductor
MIXED CHOIR HIGH SCHOOL FESTIVAL April 7, 2022, 7:30pm April 8, 2022, 7:30pm Kantorei will join the evening concert after a day of clinics and workshops for area high schools. Our featured guest clinician is Jake Runestad.
A WINTER’S NIGHT Friday, December 3, 2021, 7:30pm
COLORS OF THE WORLD CABARET
Bethany Lutheran Church Cherry Hills Village
Spring 2022
This time-honored annual tradition brings together Kantorei and the Meistersingers of Cherry Creek High School. We are always pleased to be joined by this excellent group of young singers, as we encourage them to pursue the gift of singing beyond their high school experience. We invite you to bring the whole family for a program of familiar songs of Christmas—you’ll want to make it a part of your own holiday traditions.
Let the singers of Kantorei take you on a musical journey as you snack on hors d’oeuvres and sip your favorite beverage in a cabaret atmosphere. From arias and art songs to musicals and popular favorites, there is sure to be something for everyone!
Plymouth Hall at First Plymouth Congregational Church Cherry Hills Village
ENJOY THE BENEFITS OF A SEASON SUBSCRIPTION • Save $33 on each Adult Season Subscription compared to single ticket prices (average price of $21 per ticket) • Save $29 on each Senior Season Subscription compared to single ticket prices (average price of $16 per ticket) • Exclusive first offer to purchase new Jake Runestad CD • Purchase additional guest tickets at subscription price
VENUES BETHANY LUTHERAN CHURCH December 3 ADDRESS
4500 E Hampden Ave, Cherry Hills Village, 80113 PARKING
Ample free parking on east, south, and west of building MORE INFORMATION
www.bethany-denver.org
• Reserved front and center seating (just for you!) CHRIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH December 12 ADDRESS
202I-2022 SEASON TICKETS
2950 S University Blvd, Denver, 80210
(available now)
PARKING
• Adult Season Ticket - $84
MORE INFORMATION
• Senior Season Ticket - $68
Free parking on north, east, and south sides of the building www.christchurchdenver.org FIRST PLYMOUTH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH October 9, December 11, March 5, May 21
202I-2022 SINGLE TICKETS
ADDRESS
(available now)
3501 S Colorado Blvd, Cherry Hills Village, 80113
• Adult Single Ticket $25 ($30 Christmas) - $3 more at the door
PARKING
• Senior Single Ticket $20 ($25 Christmas) - $3 more at the door
www.firstplymouthchurch.org
Ample free parking on south and west sides of the building MORE INFORMATION
LONE TREE ARTS CENTER December 9 ADDRESS
SINGLE TICKETS SOLD SEPARATELY • Cherry Creek High School Meistersingers and Kantorei • Mixed Choir High School Festival
10075 Commons St, Lone Tree, 80124 PARKING
Ample free parking on south side of building
VENUES ST. ANDREW UNITED METHODIST CHURCH April 2022 ADDRESS
9203 S University Blvd, Highlands Ranch, 80126 PARKING
Ample free parking on south and east sides of the building MORE INFORMATION
www.gostandrew.com WELLSHIRE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH October 10, March 6, May 22
On sale now at kantorei.org/sing-wearing-the-sky
ADDRESS
2999 S Colorado Blvd, Denver 80222 PARKING
Free parking on east, west, and north of the building. Street parking to the west of the building is also available. MORE INFORMATION
www.wpcdenver.org
HOW YOU CAN HELP! We rely on patrons like you to help us achieve our mission and goals and there are many ways that you can have an impact on Kantorei in addition to attending our concerts. Here are just a few ways you can help: » Make a tax deductible contribution at kantorei.org/giving/individual » Donate stocks, securities and annuities » Underwrite/sponsor a concert » Commission a new choral work » Place an ad in one of our concert programs » Donate your used vehicle » Donate airline miles » Volunteer at a concert Please contact us at kantorei@kantorei.org for more information.
STAY IN TOUCH Sign up for our e-mail list at: www.kantorei.org/contact
Kantorei would like to thank our sponsors for their generous and ongoing support!
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KANTOREI 202I-2022 CONCERT SEASON OCTOBER 9-I0: VOX FEMINA Saturday: First Plymouth Congregational UCC Sunday: Wellshire Presbyterian Church
SEASON SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM
This order form is for season subscriptions only. Concert tickets can be purchased at www.kantorei.org or at the door ($3 more at the door). You may also subscribe online if you prefer.
Name (please print) ________________________________________________________ Address __________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ Phone ________________ Email _____________________________________________
MAKE YOUR SELECTION ( First, indicate number of Adult and/or Senior. Second, select the dates for each concert series. )
DECEMBER 3: A WINTER'S NIGHT Friday: Bethany Lutheran Church
DECEMBER 9, II-I2: CAROLS AND LULLABIES A KANTOREI CHRISTMAS
Thursday: Lone Tree Center Saturday: First Plymouth Congregational UCC Sunday: Christ Church (Episcopal)
MARCH 5-6: EXILE LAMENTATIONS Saturday: First Plymouth Congregational UCC Sunday: Wellshire Presbyterian
APRIL 7-8: HS MIXED CHOIR FESTIVAL Jake Runestad, clinician
MARCH/APRIL (TBD): COLORS OF THE WORLD CABARET Saturday: Plymouth Hall @ First Plymouth Congregational UCC
MAY 2I-22: JOURNEY TO FREEDOM Saturday: First Plymouth Congregational UCC Sunday: Wellshire Presbyterian
I. SEASON TICKETS (SELECT ONE) Adult ___ tickets @ $84/set = $_______ Subtotal $ ______________
[ OR ]
Senior ___ tickets @ $68/set = $_______
2. SELECT YOUR DATES Concert 1 “Vox Femina” Saturday October 9 ____ Sunday October 10 ____
Concert 3 “Exile Lamentations” Saturday, March 5 ____ Sunday, March 6 ____
Concert 2 “Carols and Lullabies” Saturday December 11 ____ Sunday December 12 ____
Concert 4 “Journey to Freedom” Saturday May 21 ____ Sunday May 22 ____
3. ADDITIONAL SINGLE TICKETS FOR SEASON TICKET HOLDERS ONLY Vox Femina ___ Adult tickets @ $20/each [ OR ] ___ Senior tickets @ $16/each Carols & Lullabies ___ Adult tickets @ $24/each [ OR ] ___ Senior tickets @ $20/each Exile Lamentations ___ Adult tickets @ $20/each [ OR ] ___ Senior tickets @ $16/each Journey to Freedom ___ Adult tickets @ $20/each [ OR ] ___ Senior tickets @ $16/each A Winter’s Night ___ Tickets @ $20/each HS Mixed Choir Festival ___ Tickets @ $15/each ___ Thursday April 7 ___ Friday April 8 Cabaret: Colors of the World ___ Tickets @ $100/each Subtotal $______________ I would like to donate to the Kantorei Scholarship Fund $ ______________ For more information: kantorei.org/giving/scholarship General donation to Kantorei $______________ ( Thank you! ) Total Amount Enclosed $______________ Check enclosed: Please make checks payable to “Kantorei .” Credit card Number: _____________________________________________________ Expiration: ______/________ CVV ________ Zip: __________
DETACH AND MAIL ORDER FORM AND CHECK TO: Kantorei, 3501 South Colorado Boulevard, Englewood, CO 80113
kantorei.org
350I South Colorado Boulevard Englewood, CO 80113
Kantorei PLACE POSTAGE HERE