Cantus begins new season with its 10th CD

Cantus
Cantus
Album cover

The nine-member vocal ensemble has been busy this summer preparing for a new national tour. They've also released a new CD, "While You Are Alive," which features works commissioned by the ensemble.

"Our goal was to create a recording that celebrated life in all its aspects and stages, while at the same time, pushing all of the boundaries of what a choral album could be," said Cantus artistic director Erick Lichte.

Twin Cities composer Edie Hill composed "A Sound Like This" especially for the group. Hill has worked with Cantus before.

"This knowledge made it possible for me to tailor a piece for them like no other piece I have composed," said Hill.

The full range of Cantus' color palate, from the highest tenor line to the lowest bass sounds, are all put to use on the recording.

Cantus has a very busy schedule of touring this season. But the group will also be back to the Twin Cities for a collaboration with the Pantages Theater. Cantus will reprise the hugely popular "All Is Calm," which tells the story of the unofficial 1914 Christmas Eve truce between German and British troops fighting in the trenches.

A concert at Orchestra Hall with Bobby McFerrin will be another highlight of the coming season.

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