Role

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Ensemble

Genre

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Chamber

 

Cantus Sacred Music Ensemble is a renowned classical music ensemble that specializes in sacred music. The ensemble was founded in 1995 by a group of eight male singers who were students at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota. The founding members of the ensemble were Tim Takach, Aaron Humble, David Mennicke, Paul Rudoi, Gary Ruschman, Adam Reinwald, Dan Dressen, and Rick Kvam. The ensemble's name, Cantus, is derived from the Latin word for "singing" or "song." The group's mission is to inspire audiences through their performances of sacred music, which they believe has the power to connect people across cultures and religions. Cantus has undergone several changes in its membership over the years, but the ensemble has always maintained a commitment to excellence in performance and a dedication to the sacred music repertoire. Today, the ensemble is composed of nine male singers, including tenor Aaron Humble, baritone Chris Foss, and bass Samuel Green. One of the highlights of Cantus's career was their performance at the 2002 National Convention of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) in New York City. The ensemble's performance was widely praised for its technical precision and emotional depth, and it helped to establish Cantus as one of the premier vocal ensembles in the United States. Cantus has also received numerous awards and accolades for their recordings and performances. In 2009, the ensemble won the prestigious Margaret Hillis Award for Choral Excellence from Chorus America, which recognizes outstanding contributions to the choral art form. Cantus has also been nominated for several Grammy Awards, including Best Classical Crossover Album for their 2011 album "All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914." One of Cantus's most notable performances was their collaboration with the Minnesota Orchestra in 2017. The ensemble performed a program of sacred music, including works by Bach, Mozart, and Brahms, with the orchestra at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis. The performance was praised for its seamless integration of the vocal and orchestral elements, and it showcased Cantus's versatility and range as an ensemble. Cantus has also been recognized for their innovative programming and collaborations with other artists and ensembles. In 2015, the ensemble collaborated with the vocal ensemble Chanticleer on a program of sacred music, which was performed at several venues across the United States. The collaboration was praised for its unique blend of vocal styles and its exploration of the sacred music repertoire. In addition to their performances and recordings, Cantus is also committed to education and outreach. The ensemble regularly conducts workshops and masterclasses for students and aspiring musicians, and they have developed several educational programs that focus on the history and performance of sacred music. Overall, Cantus Sacred Music Ensemble has established itself as one of the premier vocal ensembles in the United States, with a reputation for excellence in performance and a commitment to the sacred music repertoire. The ensemble's innovative programming, collaborations, and educational initiatives have helped to expand the reach and impact of sacred music, and they continue to inspire audiences around the world with their performances.

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