It’s what you’ve come to expect. If you’ve been with us before, there are certain things you’ve come to expect from Kantorei. You know that you will be treated to an unparalleled artistic experience. You’re ready for a wide range and diverse offering of music, performed expertly. You want to be welcomed into our family and to feel the love emanating from the stage. Our 2019-20 season is no different. It’s what you’ve come to expect! I hope you can join us for all of it and that you will consider a season subscription. With all best wishes, Joel
JOEL M. RINSEMA Artistic Director
It is with great pleasure that we introduce our 2019-2020 season, which promises to be one of our most exciting and diverse ever. Of particular note are Kantorei’s world premieres: new musical compositions by renowned composers Ola Gjeilo and Jocelyn Hagen. Ola’s work, with libretto by renowned poet Tony Silvestri, will be debuted this fall. Jocelyn’s composition will be part of our spring Vox Femina concert, which will celebrate an all-star cast of female composers. Your continued support is what we thrive on. We look forward to seeing you at our concerts and hearing from you through our website and Facebook page. May our musical offerings elevate you! Keith
Kantorei is a Denver-based choral ensemble of volunteer singers under the direction of Joel M. Rinsema. Its choral artists have studied at schools with strong music programs across the United States, including 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, or vocal instructors. Others are doctors, social workers, optometrists, counselors, clinical psychologists, accountants, realtors, scientists, or engineers—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, Jake Runestad, Joshua Shank, and Eric Whitacre. Its first internationally released recording, in January 2018, Infinity: Choral Works of Kim André Arnesen on the Naxos label, was 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 and Joel Rinsema are engaged in educational collaborations with high school ensembles around Colorado. They regularly host high school choral festivals and workshops featuring leading composers and conductors. Recent workshops have featured composer Ola Gjeilo, Dr. Christopher Aspaas of Texas Christian University, and, in 2019, Dr. Jennaya Robison of Luther College. 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 and has performed for the American Choral Directors Association National Conferences in 2003, 2011, and 2019. Kantorei’s mission is “to elevate the human experience through choral excellence.”
“…This is an impressive ensemble, always precise and always well-blended.” Raymond Tuttle, Fanfare Magazine, July, 2018 “Maestro Rinsema’s Kantorei sounds gorgeous here.” Philip Greenfield, American Record Guide, July, 2018
KEITH FERGUSON President
“What finer advocates for his music could a composer have than these excellent singers of Kantorei?” David Vernier, Classics Today, April, 2018
Saturday, October 5, 2019, 7:30pm
Thursday, December 12, 2019, 7:30pm
Sunday, October 6, 2019, 3:00pm
Friday, December 13, 2019, 7:30pm
First Plymouth Congregational Church, Cherry Hills Village
Lone Tree Arts Center, Lone Tree
Wellshire Presbyterian Church, Denver
Saint John’s Episcopal Cathedral, Denver
Acclaimed composer, Ola Gjeilo joins Kantorei in this program featuring the world premiere of his new “The Road” an expanded musical portrait of his homeland, Norway with texts by renowned poet, Charles Anthony Silvestri. Written for Kantorei for these concerts, Ola will accompany the choir along with string orchestra.
Saturday, December 14, 2019, 7:30pm First Plymouth Congregational Church, Cherry Hills Village
Sunday, December 15, 2019, 3:00pm Christ Episcopal Church, Denver
Kantorei celebrates the 10-year anniversary of the release of our popular holiday CD “little tree” by reprising many of the selections on the recording, including its namesake by Eric Whitacre. We’ll also remember the late, great American vocal jazz composer and arranger, Phil Mattson with some holiday favorites. Finally, we’ll bring the Appalachian Mountains to the Rockies in a delightful suite by Malcolm Dalglish for choir and hammered dulcimer.
Also included on the program are Morten Lauridsen’s Madrigali: Six “Fire Songs” on Italian Renaissance Poems and songs of the elements by Frank Ticheli, John Rutter, Katerina Gimon and Eric Whitacre.
Music by Ola Gjeilo *world premiere Morten Lauridsen Frank Ticheli (earth) John Rutter (wind) Katerina Gimon (fire) Eric Whitacre (water)
Charles Anthony Silvestri, librettist
Music by
FIRE AND ICE Ola Gjeilo, composer
Photo credits: Catherine Norwood for Charles Silvestri, and Norsk Media for Ola Gjeilo
Malcolm Dalglish Phil Mattson J. David Moore Stephen Paulus Eric Whitacre
STAR IN THE EAST A Kantorei Christmas
Photo credit: Jenn Cress for Jocelyn Hagen
Saturday, February 29, 2020, 7:30pm First Plymouth Congregational Church, Cherry Hills Village
Sunday, March 1, 2020, 3:00pm Christ Episcopal Church, Denver
Saturday, May 16, 2020 7:30pm
First Plymouth Congregational Church, Cherry Hills Village
Sunday, May 17, 2020, 3:00pm Double your pleasure in these concerts featuring works for double and expanded chorus, including Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Mass in G Minor for double chorus, and Thomas Tallis’ monumental motet “Spem in Alium,” written for 40 individual voice parts. Experience it in surround sound with us!
Music by Johannes Brahms Edward Elgar Mark Hayes Charles Villiers Stanford Thomas Tallis Ralph Vaughan Williams
Christ Episcopal Church, Denver
Contemporary women composers hold the spotlight in our final 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 a new work by Jocelyn Hagen, commissioned by Kantorei for these concerts.
Music by
MASS APPEAL
Ysaÿe Barnwell Jocelyn Hagen (world premiere) Jennifer Higdon Cecilia McDowall Meredith Monk Sarah Quartel
VOX FEMINA Jocelyn Hagen, composer
Treble Choir High School Festival Friday, September 27, 2019, 7:30PM Augustana Lutheran Church, Denver
Co-hosted by Augustana Arts and the Colorado Women’s Chorale, Kantorei sopranos and altos will join the evening concert of the high school treble choirs in a day that starts with clinics and workshops for area high school sopranos and altos. Our featured guest clinician, Dr. Jennaya Robison, is the Associate Professor of Music at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa.
Dr. Jannaya Robison, clinician
Photo credit: Cody Arndtson for Jannaya Robison
salon: one night only! saturday, april 18, 2020 Plymouth Hall @ First Plymouth Congregational Church, Cherry Hills Village
A WINTER’S NIGHT
Kantorei & Cherry Creek High School Meistersingers Friday, december 6, 2019, 7:30pm Bethany Lutheran Church, Cherry Hills Village
Let the singers of Kantorei serenade you as you snack on nibbles 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! Seats are limited for this “one night only” event, so reserve yours today! ($100 suggested contribution)
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.
ENJOY THE BENEFITS OF A SEASON SUBSCRIPTION
VENUES
• Save $33 on each Adult Season Subscription compared to single ticket prices (average price of $21 per ticket)
September 27 Address 5000 E Alameda Ave, Denver, 80246 Parking General and handicap parking is available on the North side of the building. Additional general parking is available on the south side of the building. The main entrance is on the west side of the building. More Information www.augustanadenver.org
• 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 • Reserved front and center seating (just for you!)
augustana LUTHERAN CHURCH
BETHANY LUTHERAN CHURCH
2019-2020 SEASON TICKETS (available now)
• Adult Season Ticket - $84 • Senior Season Ticket - $68
December 6 Address 4500 E Hampden Ave ( at S Dahlia St ), Cherry Hills Village, 80113 Parking Plentiful free parking on east, south, and west sides of the building More Information www.bethany-denver.org
CHRIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
2019-2020 SINGLE TICKETS (available now)
• Adult Single Ticket $25 ($30 Christmas) - $3 more at the door • Senior Single Ticket $20 ($25 Christmas) - $3 more at the door
SINGLE TICKETS SOLD SEPARATELY • Cherry Creek High School Meistersingers and Kantorei • Treble Choir High School Festival
December 15, March 1, May 17 Address 2950 S University Blvd, Denver, 80210 Parking Free parking on east and south sides of the building More Information www.christchurchdenver.org
FIRST PLYMOUTH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH October 5, December 14, February 29, April 18, May 16 Address 3501 S Colorado Blvd ( at Hampden Ave ), Cherry Hills Village, 80113 Parking Free parking on south and west sides of the building More Information www.firstplymouthchurch.org
Kim André
LONE TREE ARTS CENTER
ARNESEN
December 12 Address 10075 Commons St, Lone Tree, 80124 Parking Free parking in lot on south side of the building More Information www.lonetreeartscenter.org
Infinity: Choral Works Even When He Is Silent • Flight Song Making or Breaking • Cradle Hymn
SAINT JOHN’S EPISCOPAL CATHEDRAL
December 13 Address 1350 N Washington St, Denver, 80203 ( between 13th Ave and 14th Ave, N Washington St and N Clarkson St ) Parking • Limited general and handicapped parking in cathedral lot south of the building ( enter off N Washington St ) • Morey Middle School ( enter off Emerson St between 13th Ave and 14th Ave ) • North across 14th Ave near Argonaut Liquors ( enter from N Washington St or N Clarkson St ) • Credit Union of Colorado ( after business hours ) ( SW corner of 14th Ave and Pennsylvania St and NE corner of 14th Ave and Logan St ) More Information www.sjcathedral.org
wellshire presbyterian church
October 6 Address 2999 S Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80222 Parking General and handicap-accessible parking lots east, west, and north of the building. Street parking to the west of the building is also available. More Information www.wpcdenver.org
On sale now at kantorei.org/infinity support Over two-thirds of our revenue comes from support like yours. Thanks to you, we’re able to bring exemplary performances to the Denver region and enrich our communities. Kantorei is a 501(c)(3) organization, and contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
Ways to GIVE • Mail a check to “Kantorei” at this address: Kantorei, 3501 S Colorado Blvd, Englewood, CO 80113 • Donate online through our online donations partner: ColoradoGives.org • Place your donation check in the envelope provided in your program at our concerts. • Make a gift of stock: Contact us at kantorei@kantorei.org
Kantorei would like to thank our sponsors for your generous and ongoing support!
kantorei’s 2019-2020 season Friday, September 27, 2019
Treble Choir High School Festival, 7:30 pm, Augustana Lutheran Church
Saturday, October 5, 2019
SEASON SUBSCRIPTION order form Single tickets may be purchased online at kantorei.org or at the door ($3 more at the door)
make your SELECTION
( First, indicate Adult or Senior. Second, select the dates for each concert series. )
1. season tickets (select one) Adult ___ tickets @ $84/set = $_______
[ OR ]
Concert 1 – “Fire and Ice,” 7:30 pm, First Plymouth Congregational Church
Subtotal $______________
Sunday, October 6, 2019
2. select your dates
Friday, December 6, 2019
Concert 1 “Fire and Ice” Saturday Oct. 5 ____ Sunday Oct. 6 ____
Concert 1 – “Fire and Ice,” 3:00 pm, Wellshire Presybterian Church “A Winter’s Night” – with the Cherry Creek High School Meistersingers, 7:30 pm, Bethany Lutheran Church
Thursday, December 12, 2019
Concert 2 – “Star in the East – A Kantorei Christmas,” 7:30 pm, Lone Tree Arts Center (tickets available through lonetreeartscenter.org)
Friday, December 13, 2019
Concert 2 “Star in the East - A Kantorei Christmas” Friday Dec. 13 ____ Saturday Dec. 14 ____ Sunday Dec. 15 ____
Senior ___ tickets @ $68/set = $_______
Concert 3 “Mass Appeal” Saturday Feb. 29 ____ Saturday Mar. 1 ____
Concert 4 “Vox Femina” Saturday May 16 ____ Saturday May 17 ____
3. additional single tickets for season ticket holders
Concert 2 – “Star in the East – A Kantorei Christmas,” 7:30 pm, Saint John’s Episcopal Cathedral
Fire and Ice
___ Adult tickets @ $20/each
[ OR ]
___ Senior tickets @ $16/each
Star in the East
___ Adult tickets @ $24/each
[ OR ]
___ Senior tickets @ $20/each
Saturday, December 14, 2019
Mass Appeal
___ Adult tickets @ $20/each
[ OR ]
___ Senior tickets @ $16/each
Vox Femina
___ Adult tickets @ $20/each
[ OR ]
___ Senior tickets @ $16/each
Concert 2 – “Star in the East – A Kantorei Christmas,” 7:30 pm, First Plymouth Congregational Church
Sunday, December 15, 2019
Concert 2 – “Star in the East – A Kantorei Christmas,” 3:00 pm, Christ Episcopal Church
Saturday, February 29, 2020
Concert 3 – “Mass Appeal,” 7:30 pm, First Plymouth Congregational Church
Sunday, march 1, 2020
Concert 3 – “Mass Appeal,” 3:00 pm, Christ Episcopal Church
Saturday, April 18, 2020
Salon – “One Night Only,” 7:00 pm, First Plymouth Congregational Church
Saturday, May 16, 2020
Treble High School Festival ___ Tickets @ $10/each A Winter’s Night
___ Tickets @ $20/each
Salon: One Night Only
___ Tickets @ $100/each
Subtotal $______________ Additional Donation to Kantorei $______________ ( Thank you! ) Total Amount Enclosed $______________
PAYMENT INFORMATION ( Please make checks payable to “Kantorei .” To make a credit card purchase, please visit kantorei.org)
Name Address
Concert 4 – “Vox Femina,” 7:30 pm, First Plymouth Congregational Church
Sunday, May 17, 2020
Concert 4 – “Vox Femina,” 3:00 pm, Christ Episcopal Church
detach and Mail order form and check to:
Kantorei, 3501 S Colorado Blvd, Englewood, CO 80113
KANTOREI 3501 S COLORADO BLVD ENGLEWOOD, COLORADO 80113
KANTOREI.ORG
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