To elevate the human experience through choral excellence
Our Mission:
Kantorei is an inclusive community of volunteer singers that invites audiences to experience the richness and diversity of the choral art form, joyously executed at the highest standard of musical excellence. We are innovators: we responsibly leverage our resources to commission work by living composers, perform music by underrepresented and emerging artists, encourage future talent through educational engagement, and nurture the choral community.
Our Values:
TERRY SCHLENKER (B. 1957)
HEALEY WILLAN (1880-1968)
M ystic Chorus 1: Sara Michael, Chelsea Kendall, Chad Nelsen, Jordan Black
Sara Michael, soprano; Allison Pasternak, alto; Matt Weissenbuehler, baritone
2. GLORIA
Sara Michael, soprano
5. AGNUS DEI
Sara Michael, soprano; Allison Pasternak, alto; Matt Weissenbuehler, baritone
TERRY SCHLENKER
Musical Excellence – We maintain the highest possible standards. We hold ourselves and each other accountable for putting in the necessary effort. We take on artistic challenges that many choirs cannot. We provide our audiences with unique musical experiences performed with professionalism, accuracy, passion, and finesse. We are a volunteer choir with world-class aspirations and achievements.
Inclusion – We strive to create a singer community where individuals from all backgrounds and experiences can be their best. We celebrate and perform composers that have been underrepresented in the choral tradition alongside those who have historically enjoyed the spotlight. We amplify voices that should be heard, and seek to bring our voices to new places. We connect diverse audiences through the power of music.
Joy – We make music because it brings us joy and we are passionate about sharing that joy with others. Audiences feel our connection to each other and the music; through our work they experience intellectual and emotional expansion. Sharing this joy with each other and our audiences is a privilege.
Community – We provide an opportunity for singers, artists, students, and audiences from many different backgrounds and identities to share in musical experiences that allow us to transcend the world we live in. Our singers show up for each other, both musically and personally. We are in community with the composers who partner with us. We create nurturing relationships with other choirs so we can collectively thrive. We show young and emerging artists what their musical future can look like.
Innovation – As an organization, we are never stagnant. We feel a responsibility to use our funding to educate, delight, and amaze, which is evident through every aspect of our work: programming, recordings, concerts, and community impact. We move the art form forward by celebrating the full diversity of modern choral composition, and juxtaposing it with treasured work of the traditional canon. Our audiences can feel the musical past resonating with wisdom in the present, and the present reaching back to seek guidance from the past.
Land acknowledgement
Kantorei honors and acknowledges the Tséstho’e (Cheyenne), hinono’eino’ biito’owu’ (Arapaho), Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute), and Očhéthi Šakówiŋ (Sioux) Tribes, and all of the original Indigenous peoples of the land upon which we rehearse and perform.
PROGRAM NOTES
(by Sara Michael unless otherwise noted)
Composed in 1846 as a Christmas gift in for his friend, the painter Julius Hübner, Felix Mendelssohn's "Heilig" for double chorus stands among his final sacred works. This brief but powerful setting of the Sanctus text demonstrates the composer's mastery of choral writing while honoring the Lutheran musical tradition.
The work's structure brilliantly serves its text through sophisticated double-choir writing. Opening with hushed, antiphonal statements between the two choirs, the threefold repetition of "Heilig" builds to a magnificent climax at "Lord God of Sabaoth." The second section, "Heaven and earth are full of thy glory," unfolds in rich harmonic textures that suggest the vastness of creation.
Throughout the piece, Mendelssohn combines Baroque contrapuntal techniques with early Romantic harmonic language, resulting in a work that looks both backward to Bach (whom Mendelssohn had helped resurrect in the public consciousness) and forward to the more expansive tonal language of the later 19th century.
Johannes Brahms composed his Fest- und Gedenksprüche (Festival and Commemoration Sentences) in 1889 as a response to receiving honorary citizenship of his hometown Hamburg, with which he had a complex and emotionally charged relationship. Born into modest circumstances in the city's workingclass district of Gängeviertel, young Johannes grew up performing in the city's taverns and brothels to help support his family. He developed into a prodigious musical talent, rose to international acclaim, and pursued significant musical appointments there. However, Hamburg's musical establishment repeatedly overlooked him for important positions, most notably in 1862 when he was passed over for the conductorship of the Hamburg Philharmonic Society. This rejection deeply wounded him, and he subsequently moved to Vienna, establishing it as his primary residence.
27 years later, the awarding of honorary citizenship (the highest decoration in Hamburg) was a gesture that moved him deeply, and these motets stand as both a civic tribute and a spiritual statement. Brahms chose texts that spoke to themes of collective identity, divine protection, and the relationship between people and their homeland – themes that resonated both with his personal journey and Germany's recent unification under Bismarck.
Stylistically, these motets showcase Brahms' deep study of Renaissance and Baroque sacred music. Their composition reflects the influence of composers like Heinrich Schütz, while the careful text setting and contrapuntal mastery reveal his profound understanding of Bach's sacred works. They represent both a consummate achievement in sacred choral writing and a deeply personal statement of reconciliation with his native city.
The three movements are:
1. Unsere Väter hofften auf dich (Our fathers trusted in thee): Drawing from Psalm 22, this opening motet establishes the work's gravitas through rich antiphonal writing between the two choirs in the Venetian polychoral tradition.
2. Wenn ein starker Gewappneter (When a strong man armed): Based on text from Luke 11, this dramatic central movement depicts spiritual warfare through contrasting textures. The "strong man armed" is represented by forceful homophonic passages, while moments of peace are conveyed through more delicate polyphonic writing.
3. Wo ist ein so herrlich Volk (Where is there a people so glorious): The final motet sets text from Deuteronomy 4, celebrating divine protection and guidance. Brahms crafts a magnificent conclusion utilizing the strong but gentle and reflective plagal cadence.
Green Pastures, Still Waters notes from composer, Terry Schlenker
My mom was one of over one million Americans that died of Covid-19. She died in August of 2020, prior to the release of the vaccine. The saddest part about this, as with so many others, was that she had to die alone. My mother was a lifelong devout Christian, and I know she wanted to die with her family at her side, and to have a large church funeral. Neither of these could happen during the pandemic. On the night that she died, a feeling came over me, and I knew what was about to happen. I called into her hospital room, and I asked the nurse to put me on speaker; I sang some of her favorite hymns and I recited my favorite passage from the Bible. This was Psalm 23, an ancient poem written 3000 years ago which has become universal in times like these. I asked the nurse whether she felt my mom had heard me, since she was no longer conscious. She told me that she had opened her eyes. The funeral was a few dozen masked people gathered at the cemetery, overlooking the green pastures and
still waters of the rolling prairies and lakes of North Dakota, where this farm woman had lived her entire life. To honor her, I set this text following her passing. I have been waiting for the right moment and the right choir to have this piece premiered.
Though it is almost five years later, this is the right moment and the right choir to premiere this work to the world! For you, Mom...
Composed in 1921 for the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, An Apostrophe to the Heavenly Hosts stands as one of Healey Willan's most ambitious and mysticallyinspired choral works. The piece sets a powerful text drawn from translated Eastern Orthodox liturgies, and represents Willan at his most expansive, combining Renaissance polyphonic techniques with rich, lateRomantic harmonies.
The work's structure reflects the text's threefold division, addressing in turn the Angels, Saints, and Martyrs of heaven. Willan creates distinct musical characterizations for each group while maintaining a cohesive architectural whole. The opening section, addressed to the Angels, features soaring melodic lines and luminous harmonies that seem to evoke celestial flight. The Saints' section introduces a more contemplative mood with gentler contrapuntal writing, while the portion dedicated to the Martyrs builds to the work's most dramatic moments, with bold harmonic progressions and intense dynamic contrasts.
The work's sophisticated use of texture - ranging from intimate four-part writing to magnificent eightpart climaxes - demonstrates why Willan earned the nickname "the Dean of Canadian composers." The piece reflects Willan's deep Anglo-Catholic faith and his lifetime of service as organist and choirmaster at the Church of St. Mary Magdalene in Toronto. Like much of his sacred music, it combines ceremonial grandeur with deeply felt spiritual conviction.
Of particular note is Willan's text-setting, which manages to be both dramatically effective and lyrically idiomatic. The composer's own experience as a choirmaster is evident in how naturally the vocal lines flow, even while building complex contrapuntal structures. The work's ending, with its majestic "Amen," provides a fitting culmination to this journey through the hierarchies of heaven.
Mass for Double Choir – notes from composer, Terry Schlenker
In the late 1990s, my sister gave me a CD of the Dale Warland Singers performing the Mass for Double Choir by Frank Martin. I had never heard this piece, and I was exceptionally taken with it (and still am). I must have listened to it hundreds of times... and then... l lost the CD (this was prior to streaming). A number of years passed, but it persisted in my memory. Inspired by this memory, in 2002, I decided to write a Mass for Double Choir of my own, for a couple of reasons. First, I felt I was ready to write a major work for chorus. Composers have set the mass text for centuries, and in my opinion, it is comparable to writing a symphony for chorus. Second, though I don't consider myself to be traditionally religious, I do have a very deep spiritual connection with my source. I wanted to express that intimate connection, and the most profound way I knew how to do that, was through music. I believe that music is the deepest language, as it takes us far beyond traditional language to the emotional and to the spiritual. Beyond that, the human singing voice is the most beautiful sound any creature on earth can make – it simply comes from our bodies, and choral music takes that a step further. It is the human voice en masse, expressing words, emotions, and spirit together.
So, in the years 2002 and 2003, I embarked on the journey of creating this mass. Much of it was written in solitude in the mountains of Colorado at a cabin I owned at the time, in what was a truly magical and spiritual environment. As many artists do, I got lost in the work, and I often felt as though the music was falling through me, sometimes feeling as though I was uninvolved in its creation.
There is always an apprehension regarding the performance of a new work, especially an intimately spiritual one. It is as though the soul is exposed and laid bare. However, at the same time, there is the hope that the listener may make their own connection with the spiritual through the music. So... taking courage, the world premiere performance followed in June of 2004, by the St. Martin's Chamber Choir in Denver, CO. The European premiere was in 2008 by Dualis in the Netherlands. Though individual movements of the mass have been performed through the years, to my knowledge, the mass has not been performed in its entirety in 17 years. I am beyond excited and proud to have Kantorei perform this work!
JOEL M. RINSEMA
Managing Artistic Director
Joel M. Rinsema joined Kantorei (Denver, Colorado USA) in 2014, becoming the second conductor in its 25-year history. During his tenure, Kantorei has experienced tremendous audience growth, nearly quadrupled its budget, and launched an ambitious recording strategy. A frequent collaborator and champion of new works for chorus, Joel has commissioned and premiered works by many of today’s leading composers, including Kim André Arnesen, Mason Bates, René Clausen, Jean Belmont Ford, Ola Gjeilo, Jocelyn Hagen, Mark Hayes, Cecilia McDowall, Sarah Quartel, Jake Runestad, Christopher Tin, and Eric Whitacre.
In the summer of 2022, Joel conducted the Central American premiere of Jake Runestad’s El Último Hilo (The Last Thread) in Guatemala City and Antigua, Guatemala with Kantorei and the Guatemalan choir Vocalis. He returned in May of 2023 to conduct Eric Whitacre’s The Sacred Veil and serves as Artistic Advisor and Principal Guest Conductor of Vocalis.
Under Joel’s direction, Kantorei has released two recordings on the Naxos label. Sing, Wearing the Sky: Choral Music of Jake Runestad (2020) was the #3 best-selling classical album on iTunes, reached #4 on the Traditional Classical Billboard Charts, and was in 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 bestselling 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 Joel Rinsema / Kantorei Choral series.
Joel led Kantorei in performances at the 2019 National Convention of the American Choral Directors Association, and has prepared Kantorei as the primary chorus for the Aspen Music Festival, with Maestro Robert Spano conducting, in the
summers of 2021 and 2022. More recently, he conducted Kantorei along with the Canadian Brass in December of 2022, and commissioned and prepared Kantorei for the world premiere of the string orchestra version of Eric Whitacre’s The Sacred Veil, conducted by the composer, and guest conducted The Sacred Veil with the Washington (DC) Choral Arts Society in May of 2023.
A passionate advocate for the professional choral art form, Joel frequently consults with choral arts organizations around the country. Because of his leadership in his field, he received the Louis Botto Award for “Innovative Action and Entrepreneurial Zeal” from Chorus America, the industry’s advocacy, research, and leadership development organization for choruses, choral leaders, and singers.
Joel is an accomplished conductor of major works for choir and orchestra and was one of eighteen conductors chosen nationally through audition to participate in master classes and workshops presented by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association and Chorus America. As a tenor soloist, Joel performed across the United States as well as in Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic.
Joel also serves as Director of Music and Technology in Worship at First Plymouth Congregational Church in Cherry Hills Village, Colorado. He was also the North American Choral Promotion Manager for Oxford University Press based in Oxford, England from 2017 to 2020, a tenure during which he worked closely with and represented roster composers John Rutter, Mack Wilberg, Bob Chilcott, Sarah Quartel, Cecilia McDowall, Gabriel Jackson, and Will Todd among others.
He holds music degrees from Arizona State University and Whitworth University and is a member of the Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (Grammys), and the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA).
Joel came to Kantorei from the Grammy Award-winning Phoenix Chorale. Throughout his 23-year tenure with the Phoenix Chorale, he served in nearly every capacity with the organization, including his last 15 years as President & CEO and Assistant Conductor. He negotiated an ongoing recording contract with the prestigious U.K.-based Chandos Records, and Phoenix Chorale recordings received a total of eight Grammy nominations and two Grammy awards during his tenure. Joel appears on all Phoenix Chorale recordings and was a soloist on the Grammy Award-winning “Spotless Rose: Hymn to the Virgin Mary.” In addition to his work with the Phoenix Chorale, Joel served as the Director of Music at Church of the Beatitudes United Church of Christ in Phoenix for 15 years, and he was the founding chorus master of the Arizona Musicfest Chorus.
He and his wife Sarah Branton (Choir Director at Cherry Creek High School) and stepson Simon Harrison live in Centennial, Colorado along with their miniature Dachshund Lucia. They enjoy all that Colorado has to offer outdoors, including camping, fishing, golfing, and snow skiing.
Photo courtesy of Williams Pérez
Kantorei is a Denver-based, choral ensemble comprised of volunteer singers under the direction of Managing Artistic Director Joel M. Rinsema
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. and with The Aspen Music Festival, 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. In the summer of 2022, Kantorei performed the Central
American premiere of Jake Runestad’s “El Último Hilo” in Guatemala City and Antigua, Guatemala, along with Guatemalan choir Vocalis. In the fall of 2021, Kantorei began its three-year collaboration with M. Roger Holland, II as Artist-in-Residence.
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. In January 2025, Kantorei once again joined forces with Grammy-winning producers Soundmirror to record choral works of Grammy-winning composer Christopher Tin, this time on the Decca label.
Kantorei’s vision is “to elevate the human experience through choral excellence.”
“Thank you for the joy you have brought into my life.”
“I've been smiling all day long. I'm so glad I got to experience the beauty of Kantorei's performance. It was truly heartwarming.”
THE CHOIR
SOPRANO ALTO TENOR BASS
Victoria Bailey
Beryl Fanslow Wilson
Riley Jayne Gallivan
Christina Graham
Stacie Hanson *
Shannon Lemmon-Elrod
Sara Michael *
Lexie Orvin
Leah Porter Tracy
Martina Richardson
Alicia Rigsby ◊
Becca Schjodt
Christianna Sullins
Safia Ahmed
Emily Alexander
Lindsey Aquilina
Lyn Berry-Helmlinger
Sarah Branton *
Desiree Deliz-Morales
Erin Greenfield
Chelsea Kendall
Tegan Masoero-Palmer
Melissa Menter
Erin Meyerhoff
Jennifer Moore
Allison Pasternak *
Kaleigh Sutula
Jane Wright
* Section leader ◊ Collaborative Pianist
STAFF MEMBERS
Sarah Branton
Assistant Conductor
Alicia Rigsby
Accompanist, Collaborative Pianist
Sara Michael
Business Manager
Kai Berry-Helmlinger *
Ben Corwyn
Joshua Corwyn
Matthew Eschliman
Keith Ferguson
Mason France
Keith Harrison
Bryce Kennedy
Samuel Low
Alex Menter
Chad Nelsen
Seth O'Kegley *
Jonathan Von Stroh
John Wright
John Bartley
Michael Bizzaro *
Jordan Black
Michael Boender
Adam Cave
Garth Criswell
Scott Horowitz
Brad Jackson
Brad Larson
Bryan Lastrella
John Ludwig
John Schaak
Kirk Schjodt *
Griffin Sutherland
Matt Weissenbuehler
Becca Schjodt
Social Media Marketing & Communications Manager
Courtney Huffman
Director of Community Engagement
Ximena Wheeler
House Manager
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Josh Corwyn President
John Bartley Vice President
Desiree Deliz-Morales
Treasurer
Melissa Menter
Secretary
MEMBERS AT LARGE
Mark Aquilina
Judy Bloomberg Schenkein
Matthew Eschliman
Scott Horowitz
Daniel Paredes
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SEASON MEMBERS!
Bequests
Making a gift to Kantorei through your will or estate is a beautiful way to create a lasting legacy and to ensure that our music and our mission will live on well into the future.
A bequest is generally a revocable gift, which means it can be changed or modified at any time. You can choose to designate that a bequest be used for a general or specific purpose so you have the peace of mind knowing that your gift will be used as intended. Bequests are exempt from federal estate taxes. If you have a taxable estate, the estate tax charitable deduction may offset or eliminate estate taxes, resulting in a larger inheritance for your heirs.
For questions, or to request a Bequest Intention Form, please contact Courtney Huffman, Director of Community Engagement, courtney@kantorei.org.
Legacy society
Lynn Hardcastle
Bryce Kennedy & Josh Larson
John Ludwig
Joel Rinsema
Judd & Linda Rinsema
Andrea Ware-Medina
Security for you and the choir you love.
Charitable Gift Annuities
A charitable gift annuity is a powerful way to make a lasting impact while securing financial benefits for yourself or a loved one. By making a gift to Kantorei you can receive guaranteed, lifetime income at an attractive fixed rate, partially tax-free payments, and the satisfaction of knowing you re supporting a cause close to your heart.
After your lifetime, the remaining funds from your gift will dire ctly support Kantorei, ensuring your generosity creates a legacy of positive change. A charitable gift annuity is a meaningful investment in your future and the future of Kantorei.
Income stream for the rest of your life Immediate (partial) tax deduction, based on your life expectancy and the anticipated income stream Potential for a portion of the income stream to be tax-free Possibility of donating many types of assets: cash, securities plus personal property
Reduced or eliminated capital gains tax liability for gifts of appreciated securities and personal property Supporting Kantorei!
Where
Terry Schlenker studied music composition at the University of North Dakota and at the University of Denver’s Lamont School of Music, from which he holds a Master of Art’s Degree in Composition. A composer of many orchestral, piano, and chamber works, Schlenker has focused much of his recent energy on a cappella choral music. His choral works are widely recorded, published, and have been performed internationally on five continents. Many of his pieces are regularly heard on the National Public Radio Network, where he has been featured on the programs of Colorado Matters, Colorado Spotlight, Sacred Classics, and Classical Discoveries. His works have been performed at the national conventions of Chorus America and ACDA (The American Choral Director’s Association), at the International Festival of GALA Choruses, and at the National Choral Festival. For Schlenker, to compose music is not to engage in an esoteric, intellectual exercise, but to articulate beauty, to express his deepest self, and to make a connection with the spiritual, both for himself and for others.
An embryologist by profession, Schlenker cofounded and for 12 years directed one of the most successful human in-vitro fertilization laboratories in the world. Several years ago he partially retired, in order to focus more time on composing music. He continues to work part- time as an embryologist and consultant in embryology and frequently speaks internationally on the topic.
Photo courtesy of Terry Schlenker
TERRY SCHLENKER Featured Composer
Heilig (Holy, holy, holy)
Words from the Ordinary of the Lutheran Mass; English trans. John Rutter
Heilig, heilig, heilig, ist Gott der Herr Zebaoth!
Alle Lande sind seine Ehre voll, Hosiana in der Höh’!
Gelobt sei der da kommt im Namen des Herrn! Hosiana in der Höh’!
Holy, holy, holy, is God the Lord Sabaoth!
His glory fills the earth!
Praise the Lord who reigns on high!
God’s blessing is on him who comes in his Name!
Praise the Lord who reigns on high!
Fest- und Gedenksprüche
I. Unsere Väter hofften auf dich Psalm 22:5-6; Psalm 29:11
Unsere Väter hofften auf dich, und da sie hofften, halfst du ihnen aus.
Zu dir schrieen sie und wurden errettet, sie hofften auf dich und wurden nicht zu Schanden.
Der Herr wird seinem Volk Kraft geben, der Herr wird sein Volk segnen mit Frieden.
In thee have our fathers hoped, they have hoped, and thou hast delivered them. They cried to thee, and they were saved, they trusted in thee, and were not confounded. The Lord will give strength to his people, the Lord will bless his people with peace.
II. Wenn ein starker Gewappneter
Luke 11:21; Luke 11:17; Matthew 12:25
Wenn ein starker Gewappneter seinen Palast bewahret, so bleibet das Seine mit Frieden.
Aber: ein jeglich Reich, so es mit ihm selbst uneins wird das wird wüste; und ein Haus fället über das andere.
When a strong man guards his palace, his possessions are safe.
But: every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste and house will fall against house.
III. Wo ist ein so herrlich Volk
Deuteronomy 4:9
Wo ist ein so herrlich Volk, zu dem Götter also nahe sich tun als der Herr, unser Gott, so oft wir ihn anrufen.
Hüte dich nur und bewahre deine Seele wohl, dass du nicht vergessest der Geschichte, die deine Augen gesehen haben, und dass sie nicht aus deinem Herzen komme alle dein Leben lang.
Und sollt deinen Kindern und Kindeskindern kund tun. Amen.
Where is so great a nation that has statutes and decrees that are as just as the Lord our God’s, whenever we call on him.
However, take care and watch your soul, that you do not forget the stories, the things which your eyes have seen, that you do not let them depart from your heart all your life long.
And teach them to your children and to your children’s children. Amen.
Green Pastures, Still Waters
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures. He leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul:
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His names sake.
Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil: for thou art with me, Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:
Thou annointest my head with oil, my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
An Apostrophe to the Heavenly Hosts
Words compiled from Eastern liturgies by Rev. H. G. Hoscocks and Dixon P. Wagner, and a verse from a hymn by Athelstan Riley
Invoking the thrice threefold company of the Heavenly Hosts, sing we: Fire unquenchable encircling the resplendent and lifegiving Trinity, Ye six-winged Seraphim, and ye, the many-eyed Cherubim who soar aloft and are borne on pinions, Hymning in answering ranks the Thrice Holy, And ye, the Thrones, that unite with them in the first Hierarchy of Heaven, Praise, O praise the King of Glory, and transform our praises into the likeness of your heavenly song. Amen.
Ye who perform the one Eternal Will, Ye orders of Dominions, Princedoms, Powers, Conform our wills to His, the Strong, the Holy, the Unchanging Lord. Amen.
Ye ministering Angels, messengers of grace, Virtues, who govern men, And myriad hosts of Archangels and Angels, succour and defend us.
Hail, Michael, Prince of Heaven, and Vanquisher of Hell, Hail, Gabriel, Bringer of the Evangel, Sword of GOD, And Raphael, Spirit of Healing, Hail, Ariel, Strength of GOD, and Uriel, His Light, And Hail, ye countless hosts, Praise with us the One Holy, the One Holy Strong, the One Holy Immortal. Amen.
Ye watchers and ye holy ones, Bright Seraphs, Cherubim and Thrones, Raise the glad strain – Alleluya! Cry out Dominions, Princedoms, Powers, Virtues, Archangels, Angels’ choirs, Alleluya, Alleluya, Alleluya, Alleluya, Alleluya!
Mass for Double Choir
Words from the Mass Ordinary
I. Kyrie Kyrie eleison, Christe eleison, Kyrie eleison.
Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy, Lord have mercy.
II.
Gloria
Gloria in excelsis Deo Et in terra pax hominibus bonæ voluntatis. Laudamus te, benedicimus te, adoramus te, glorificamus te, gratias agimus tibi propter magnam gloriam tuam, Domine Deus, Rex cælestis, Deus Pater omnipotens.
Domine Fili Unigenite, Jesu Christe, Domine Deus, Agnus Dei, Filius Patris, qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis; qui tollis peccata mundi, suscipe deprecationem nostram. Qui sedes ad dexteram Patris, miserere nobis.
Quoniam tu solus Sanctus, tu solus Dominus, tu solus Altissimus, Jesu Christe, cum Sancto Spiritu: in gloria Dei Patris. Amen.
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of good will. We praise you, we bless you, we adore you, we glorify you, we give you thanks for your great glory, Lord God, heavenly King, O God almighty Father.
Lord Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son, Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of The Father, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us; you take away the sins of the world, receive our prayer; you are seated at the right hand of the Father have mercy on us.
For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
III. Credo
Credo in unum Deum, Patrem omnipotentem, factorem caeli et terrae, visibilium omnium et invisibilium,
Et in unum Dominum Jesum Christum, (Alleluia) Filium Dei unigenitum, et ex Patre natum, ante omnia saecula, Deum de Deo, lumen de Lumine, Deum verum de Deo vero, genitum, non factum, consubstantialem Patri: per quem omnia facta sunt.
Qui propter nos homines et propter nostram salutem descendit de caelis.
Et incarnatus est de Spiritu Sancto ex Maria Virgine, et homo factus est. (Alleluia) Crucifixus etiam pro nobis sub Pontio Pilato; passus et sepultus est, et resurrexit tertia die, secundum Scripturas, (Alleluia) et ascendit in caelum, sedet ad dexteram Patris.
Et iterum venturus est cum gloria, judicare vivos et mortuos, cuius regni non erit finis.
Et in Spiritum Sanctum, Dominum et vivificantem: qui ex Patre Filioque procedit.
Qui cum Patre et Filio simul adoratur et conglorificatur: qui locutus est per prophetas. Et unam, sanctam, catholicam et apostolicam Ecclesiam.
Confiteor unum baptisma in remissionem peccatorum. Et expecto resurrectionem mortuorum, et vitam venturi saeculi. Amen.
I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.
I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets.
I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.
IV. Sanctus
Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus Dominus Deus Sabaoth. Pleni sunt cæli et terra gloria tua. Hosanna in excelsis.
Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini. Hosanna in excelsis.
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of hosts. Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, grant us peace.
DONORS
DIAMOND BATON
$50,000 - $99,000
Keith* & Sue Ferguson
SCFD - Arapahoe County
SCFD - Denver County
GOLD BATON
$15,000 - $24,999
Olson-Vander Heyden Foundation
SILVER BATON
$10,000 - $14,999
Judy Fredericksen
Lynn Hardcastle
Bryce Kennedy* & Joshua Larson
BRONZE BATON
$7,500 - $9,999
SCFD - Adams County
DIRECTOR'S CIRCLE
$5,000 - $7,499
Lindsey* & Mark^ Aquilina
Linda & Randall Chilcote
Pamela Mahonchak
Virginia W. Hill Foundation
VIRTUOSO'S CIRCLE
$2,500 - $4,999
Michael* & Donna Boender
Joel Rinsema^ & Sarah Branton*^
Scott Horowitz* & Leah Weinberg
Susan Lewkow~
Lindsey Family Charitable Fund
Alex* & Melissa*^ Menter
Rev. Dr. S. Patrice Von Stroh
SOLOIST'S CIRCLE
$1,000 - $2,499
William Blyth
Leslie & Eric Britton
James & Jean Clark
Garth Criswell* & Mark Kraft
Elizabeth Duke
Heather* & Kevin Gunnerson
Marjorie & Preston Hofer
C. Stephen & Gracie Hooper
Brad Jackson* & Mark Jennison
Eric & Karen Johnson
King Soopers Community Rewards
Brad Larson*
David~ & Jennifer* Moore
Kathy Osvog
U.S. Bank Foundation
Jennifer & Jonathan* Von Stroh
Jane* & John* Wright
ARIA
$500 - $999
Kai* & Lyn* Berry-Helmlinger
Dr. Judy Bloomberg Schenkein^ & Ed
Schenkein
Beatriz Bonnet
Constance Branton
Rebecca Caldwell
Justin Cave
Colorado Gives Foundation
Linda & Kees Corssmit
Desiree Deliz Morales*^
Matthew Eschliman*^
Deb & Don Felio
Peter Fogg
Google
Pamela & James Grange
Jason Gruhl
Patricia Gunckel
Annette & Jim Gunnerson
Jason & Stacie* Hanson
Alan & Shirley Horowitz
Gordon & Liz Anne Johnson
Deanna Johnson
Roberta Larson
Ann Ludwig
John Ludwig*
Elaine Menter
Carol Roman & Robert Kihm
Renee McClaugherty & John Schaak*
Becca*^ & Kirk* Schjodt
Terry Schlenker
Chris & Keri Sexton
Lois Siegel~
Keith Small
Barbara & Erik Stone
Christina Von Stroh
Theresa Wallace
Andrea & Patrick Ware-Medina
Joan Winstein
CANTATA
$200 - $499
Margaret & Norman Aarestad
Safia Ahmed*
Richard Akeroyd
Nancy Atkinson
Brenda Bailey-Hainer & Eugene Hainer
Lizabeth Barnett
John Bartley*^
Boyd & Sharon Berry
Carly & Jordan* Black
Robert Blauvelt & Michael Corrigan
Gordon & Terry Bloomberg
Kathy Bollhoefer
Paul Boulis
Judy Bowman
Borrelli Bunch
Craig Campbell
Sara Fischer & John Cannon
Tom Carlock & Richard Schirrmacher
Kate Criswell
Leslie Eber
Randi Ellefson
Rev. Beverly & Bruce Fest
Don & Lil Filegar
Marilyn & Wilbur Flachman
Mason France* & Samantha Garrett
Mary Beth & Roger France
Richard & Mary Gallivan
Nancy Gallivan
Elaine & Michael Gardner
Genentech
Matt Gierke
Paul Gilbertson
Christina Graham*
Larry Graham
Ronald Gusé
Mark Hardcastle
Keith* & Julie Harrison
Suzanne & Will Helmlinger
Integrity Print Group LLC
Debora Jerome
Geoffrey Johnson
Chelsea Kendall* & Andrew Quinlan
Marcia Jory & Ray Kennedy
Edi King
Brett & Tami Krichiver
Dick & Judy Larson
Scott Elrod~ & Shannon Lemmon-Elrod*
Samuel Low*
Betsy & Tad Lyle
Eric & Sharon Martin
Erin Meyerhoff*
Sara Michael*^
Donald & Sharron Neufeld
Randy Nicholas Jason & Lexie* Orvin
William Peck
Erin & Karl Pettitt
Cindy & George Quinlan
Alicia*^ & David Rigsby
Judd & Linda Rinsema
Mary Rollar
Pearl* & David Rutherford
Christine Schaefer
Dean Schramm
Susan Seiler
Shelly Smith
Donald Branton & David Smith
Kelley Southerland
Spencer's Produce, Lawn & Garden Centers, Inc.
Charles & Ellen Sullins
Christianna* & Jeff Sullins
Karen Sutherland
Leslie & Michael Swenson
Judi Thomas
Treat Household
Kimberly Turnbow
Marjory Ulm
Deborah & Larry Weinberg
Matt* & Annell Weissenbuehler
Pam & Stan Whitaker
Justin Whitley
John Wilson
OPERETTA
$100 - $199
Diana Aberchah
John & Priscilla Adams
Emily* & Zach Alexander
Jennifer Allen
Georgia & Jorge Arribau
David & Lori Bailey
Norm Barber
Brian & Elizabeth Bauer
Jill & Robin Beemer
Michael Bizzaro* & Alex Barba
Lisa & Tim Bizzaro
Jesse Bloch
Trudy Boulter & Patrick Hynes
Cindy Bradder
Howard & Kathleen Brand
Adam Bruttell
Cindy Buchanan
Jim & Dolly Bunke
Carl Burgchardt
Jeremy Butkovich
Sharon Butz
Jim & Joanie Calhoun
Adam* & Emily Cave
Elizabeth Cave
Kelli & Steven Chan
George Chrest
Susan Clasen
Benjamin* & Joshua*^ Corwyn
Janet Crouch
Marilyn Dana
Jena Dickey
Greg Dieter
Steve & Vicki Doty
Judy Douglass
Amanda Draheim
Jamie Duncan
Julie Eisenberg
Marilyn Elrod
Debra & Paul Eschliman
James Esten
Beryl* & Arielle Fanslow Wilson
Eleanor Finlay
Karen & William Fisher
Lani & Richard Fletcher
Ryan Garrison
Barbara Garson
Kristin Gildersleeve
Mary Gill
Ola Gjeilo
Michael Glasgow
Diane Goodwin
Erin Greenfield* & Alex Shestik
Michael Greenfield
Nancy Gregory
Kaycie Grigel
Ankush Gupta
Gurr Family Charitable Fund
Richard & LeAnn Halgren
David & Mooey Hammond
Ed & Jeanie Hardey
Jennifer Heglin
Diane & Kenneth Hoagland
Larry & Susan Hoch
Edward Holloway
Antoinette Hubbard
Courtney Huffman
Lara Lee Hullinghorst
Lisa Hutchings
Donors who contributed $100 or more between February 1, 2024 and January 31, 2025 are recognized in this progam * Singers ^ Board & Staff ~ Volunteers
Clark Hyvonen
Intel Foundation
Lucretia Jackson
Michael & Virginia Jackson
Elizabeth Johnson
Jessica Johnson
Shelley & Dan Kauffman
Traci & Steve Kegley
Tyler Kendall
Thomas Kim
Mike & Angie Kitko
Barbara & Steve Knafelc
David Krell
Levone Larson
Steve Leighton
Noi Liang
Tim Libby
Jack & Jean Lindsey
Albert & Terri Link
Dennis~ & Nancy~ Lintvedt
Curtis Lintvedt
Chris & Elizabeth Mascitelli
Carol & Jerry Mayer
Laura McCleary
Lisa Medina
Paul Meissner
Nancy Mergler
Sarah Moyer
Kent Mueller
Ruth Neil
Denise Nelsen
Nancy Calkins & Lise Nelson
Stephen Nelson
Ladean Nuanes
Elizabeth & Theodore Obenchain
Anne Oleksy
D R & Katie Palmer
Adaline & Daniel^ Paredes
Linda & Mark Pasternak
Allison* & Timothy Pasternak
PayPal Giving Fund
Marc Petersen & Nathaniel Hess
Mick & Monica Peterson
Mike & Patricia Petraglia
Ann & Gary Polumbus
Leah Porter Tracy*
Sydney Purfield
Jenifer & J Scott Pusey
Kate Raabe
Sandra Rhodes
Timothy Robinson
Rick & Jan Rodabaugh
Jerry Roemer
Michael Rogers
Giovanna Romero
Jake Runestad
Vicki Sakata
Lynne Scholfield
Paul & Cass Seely
Roger Kleckner & Lynn Selby
John Shark
Alice Sikora
Anna & Caleb Simpson
Deborah Smith
David Spear
Susan Spencer
Rose Martinez & Melvin D Stolzenburg
Mary Sutula
Jeff & Lisa Swenson
Jason Tracy
Laura Tribby
Danielle Truesdale
Robert von Trebra
Laura Waligorski
Valerie Watkins
Lynn Wearden
Dr. Charles & Patricia Wheeler
Edwin & Kathleen Whitney
Bruce & Julien Wiley
Shelly Winemiller
Clara Winter
Karen Witt
James & Marcie Wolff
Becki Woodbury
Mindi Wright
Karen & Scott Yarberry
Thank you to ALL of our donors! While we can’t name everyone individually, please know that your generous contributions mean the world to us. We truly appreciate your support!
contributed
In Memoriam and Honorarium
Kelli Chan, in honor of Jennifer Moore
Mary H Fischer, in honor of Matthew Eschliman
Judy Fredericksen, in honor of Alex & Melissa Menter
Elaine & Michael Gardner, in honor of Alicia Rigsby
Annette & Jim Gunnerson, in honor of Kevin & Heather Gunnerson
Roberta Larson, in honor of Bryce Kennedy
Basil LeBlanc, in honor of Brad Larson
Nancy Mergler, in honor of John Bartley
Donald & Sharron Neufeld, in honor of Judy Fredericksen
Jerry Roemer, in honor of John Ludwig
Dean Schramm, in honor of Judy Bloomberg Schenkein
Lois Siegel, in honor of Kai & Lyn Berry Helmlinger
Paul Sutherland, in honor of Griffin Sutherland
Elevate Classroom Grant
John & Priscilla Adams
Georgia & Jorge Arribau
Robert Blauvelt & Michael Corrigan
Elizabeth Duke
Leslie Eber
Judy Fredericksen
Barbara Garson
Kaycie Grigel
Jason Gruhl
Lisa Hutchings
Gordon & Liz Anne Johnson
Jessica Johnson
Bryce Kennedy* & Joshua Larson
Rosalie & Tegan* Masoero-Palmer
Laura McCleary
Erin Meyerhoff*
Carol Roman & Robert Kihm
Christine Schaefer
Terry Schlenker
Shelly Smith
Judi Thomas
Herry Treat
Shelly Winemiller
Christopher Von Stroh, in honor of Jonathan Von Stroh
Rev. Dr. S. Patrice Von Stroh, in honor of Jonathan Von Stroh
Nancy Atkinson, in memory Ken Atkinson
Michael Bizzaro* & Alex Barba in memory Bill & Gay Eusitce
Amy & Greg Buerge, in memory Grace Martin
Andrew & Rachel Halladay, in memory Alison Roman
C. Stephen & Gracie Hooper, in memory Karl Johnson
Eric & Karen Johnson, in memory Karl Johnson
Deanna Johnson, in memory Karl Johnson
Shelley & Dan Kauffman, in memory Al & Grace Martin
Eric & Sharon Martin, in memory Grace Martin
Sara Michael*^, in memory Grace Martin
Kathy Osvog, in memory Karl Johnson
Alice & Andy Weydt, in memory Karl Johnson
Alison N. Roman Memorial Scholarship
William Blyth
Grace Bowen
Judy Douglass
Jamie Duncan
C. Stephen & Gracie Hooper
Carol Roman & Robert Kihm
Christine Schaefer
Jory Education Fund
Bryce Kennedy* & Joshua Larson In Kind
Safia Ahmed*
Kai Berry-Helmlinger*
Steve Cearley
Cherry Creek High School
Joshua Corwyn*^ First Plymouth UCC
Susan Lewkow~
John Schaak*
“Kantorei is an outstanding choir…excellent ensemble balance, fine intonation and musical expression…high level of energy.”
– Bruce McCollum, MusicWeb International, January 2021 (Read the full review here)
"...Always engaging and colorful...sung with depth and conviction by Kantorei."
- Karl W. Nehring, Classical Candor, December 2020 (Read the full review here)
The members of Kantorei are still singing because we were fortunate to have received a solid choral foundation in high school and college. Kantorei’s vision is that one day every music student in Colorado will have this solid foundation. In order to help achieve this goal we have created the Elevate Classroom Grant and the Alison N. Roman Memorial Scholarship Fund.
ALISON N. ROMAN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Alison Roman was a beloved member of the Kantorei family and a fiercely dedicated music educator. She touched countless lives, and for this reason, with the blessing of Alison’s family, the Kantorei board of directors has named the Individual Scholarship the Alison N. Roman Memorial Scholarship.
In this spirit, the Alison N. Roman Memorial Scholarship is dedicated to assisting a talented senior BIPOC, Asian, or Latinx student in pursuing their musical dreams. This scholarship offers a minimum award of $1000 to cover expenses related to choral ensemble participation, such as membership fees, uniforms, and private lessons.
ELEVATE CLASSROOM GRANT
The Elevate Classroom Grant supports underfunded high school choral programs by offering classroom grants to teachers to be used for expenses such as sheet music, uniforms, festival attendance costs, etc.
We’re more than choir Kantorei is joy
We’re more than choir Kantorei is joy
Choral music has a unique ability to create a profound sense of belonging, connection, and shared purpose. At Kantorei, this belief is at the heart of everything we do. As an inclusive community of volunteer singers, we invite audiences to experience the richness and diversity of the choral art form, performed joyously at the highest standard of musical excellence. Whether you’re singing on stage or listening from the audience, choral music creates a space where everyone feels they have a voice and a place.
Choral music has a unique ability to create a profound sense of belonging, connection, and shared purpose. At Kantorei, this belief is at the heart of everything we do. As an inclusive community of volunteer singers, we invite audiences to experience the richness and diversity of the choral art form, performed joyously at the highest standard of musical excellence. Whether you’re singing on stage or listening from the audience, choral music creates a space where everyone feels they have a voice and a place.
When you donate to Kantorei you support more than beautiful music; you support joy, inclusion, and community. Through the power of choral music, we build bridges across differences, celebrate the beauty of diverse voices, and offer moments of joy and connection that stay with our singers and audiences alike. In a world that can sometimes feel divided, Kantorei reminds us of the unifying power of music and the deep sense of belonging it inspires. Donate Now kantorei.org
When you donate to Kantorei you support more than beautiful music; you support joy, inclusion, and community. Through the power of choral music, we build bridges across differences, celebrate the beauty of diverse voices, and offer moments of joy and connection that stay with our singers and audiences alike. In a world that can sometimes feel divided, Kantorei reminds us of the unifying power of music and the deep sense of belonging it inspires. Donate Now kantorei.org
Support Joy, Inclusion, and Community
Support Joy, Inclusion, and
Community
KANTOREI 2024-25 CONCERT SEASON
YEARNING TO BREATHE
Sponsored in part by the Virginia W. Hill Foundation
Saturday, May 17, 2025 @ 7:30 PM
First Plymouth UCC
3501 S Colorado Blvd, Cherry Hills Village
Sunday, May 18, 2025 @ 3:00 PM
Wellshire Presbyterian Church
2999 S Colorado Blvd, Denver
Details & tickets at www.kantorei.org/concerts
ASPEN MUSIC FESTIVAL
SIDDHARTHA – by composer Christopher Theofanidis, conducted by Robert Spano
Saturday, August 2, 2025 @ 8:00 PM Klein Music Tent 960 N 3rd Street, Aspen
Details & tickets at www.aspenmusicfestival.com/events/calendar/siddhartha-she
Kantorei would like to thank our sponsors for your generous and ongoing support!
