GREENVILLE, S.C. (January 13, 2015) – The Minnesota-based men’s vocal ensemble Cantus will be in concert at Bob Jones University’s Founder’s Memorial Amphitorium Tues., Jan. 27 at 8 p.m. Cantus will be performing their new program Anthem, which explores the traditions and customs of singing throughout the world with specific emphasis on when and why people sing together.
“Anthems are an expression of identity and create a way for communities to show support for a cause, belief, a heritage, or even a sports team,” says Cantus tenor Aaron Humble. “If you have once sung a song in a group, that music forever after will conjure the emotions of that moment for you: pride, identity, unity.”
The program includes songs from various cultures and traditions asking the question: When we gather together, how does singing help us celebrate, help us inspire, or help us heal? Anthem features works ranging from the Hebrew Burial Kaddish to the African American work song, “Rainbow ‘Round My Shoulder,” to works by Kodály, Holst, Verdi, Janáček and Tallis. Two new pieces commissioned for the program include “When We Sing” by Rosephanye Powell, inspired by the recent findings that people’s heartbeats start to synch when they sing together; and an arrangement of “How Can I Keep From Singing” from Stephen Caracciolo, who previously arranged “Simple Gifts” for the group.
Tickets for the Jan. 27th concert are available by visiting bju.universitytickets.com or by calling 864.770.1372.
About Cantus
The “intellectually, emotionally and musically rich” (Star Tribune) nine-member men’s vocal ensemble Cantus is known worldwide for its trademark warmth and blend and its engaging performances of music ranging from the Renaissance to the 21st century. Working without a conductor, the members of Cantus rehearse and perform as chamber musicians, each contributing to the entirety of the artistic process. The Washington Post hails the ensemble’s sound as having both “exalting finesse” and “expressive power” and refers to their music-making as “spontaneous grace.” Cantus performs more than 60 concerts each year both in national and international touring, as well as in its home of Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota and has released 17 albums on its own self-titled label. Each year the artists of Cantus share their own love of singing with thousands of students through workshops and master classes to ensure the future of choral arts. To learn more about Cantus visit: http://www.cantussings.org
