Cantus : Press : Alliance Artist Management

Cantus displays musical diversity

Tue, 21 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

"Cantus immediately displayed poise and polish in its centuries-spanning first set, which included Pérotin's Sederunt (circa 1200), Renaissance-era Tomás Luis de Victoria's O vos omnes, and twentieth-century American composer Randall Thompson's Alleluia. From lively to solemn, these three polyphonic works complemented each other and the men's voices, which moved fluidly together with forward motion through the varying textures, dynamics, and rhythms." -- Kristin Shafel Omiccioli, KCMetropolis.org

No weak link in Cantus ensemble's lineup

Fri, 17 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

"'On the Shoulders of Giants' was a polished and rewarding program to hear.... there’s no weak link in the group." -- John Heuertz, Kansas City Star

Cantus sings on the theme of spring, bridging classical and folk

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0400

"With 21 selections, they cover a great deal of territory. But what Cantus really excels at is the sequencing of the pieces. They gain meaning through their juxtaposition.... Throughout this formal section of the program, the men are stylistically and technically assured. But they still sing with passion and exuberance." -- William Randall Beard, Minneapolis Star-Tribune

On the Shoulders of Giants

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0500

"Here’s another prime album from Cantus, my all-time favorite male-sonority mini-choir (nine accomplished voices).... I was totally bowled over, as usual, by their luscious sonorities, technical perfection, and imaginative choice of repertoire." -- KOOB, American Record Guide

Cantus: Tiny Desk Concert

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0500

"Listening to Cantus, you understand that there's something about a group of people singing that touches listeners on a very human level." -- Tom Huizenga, NPR Music

"All is Calm" a simple holiday gem

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0500

"This raw and aching beauty defines 'All Is Calm.' Rothstein's decision to let the men speak for themselves seems wiser than ever, for these words assume a sacred quality. They carry the hopes and the amazement of young men terrorized by war and then healed by a moment of mysterious mercy. In this, 'All Is Calm' becomes a small, still litany, taking details of history and transforming them into something far greater -- a myth that manifests the highest ideals of humanity." -- Graydon Royce, Minneapolis Star-Tribune

Cantus delivers moving musical meditation

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0500

"It's a modern American update of England's 'Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols' with songs, poetry and prose that adhere to the themes of each lesson. And it's one of the most rewarding things that Cantus has ever created." -- Rob Hubbard, St. Paul Pioneer Press

Vocal ensemble explores forgotten war history at Opera House

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0500

"Writer Peter Rothstein learned about this unheard of Christmas truce and, working with the members and directors of Cantus, put together a riveting musical and spoken performance titled 'All Is Calm.'

"Last Friday night, Cantus held a Napa Valley Opera House audience spellbound as the details of this remarkable calm in the trenches were laid out."

-- L. Pierce Carson, Napa Valley Register

Cantus' songs of beginnings and endings deeply affecting

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0400

"Intellectually, emotionally and musically rich, this is the kind of program that expands the heart and imparts a richer sense of what it means to be human." -- William Randall Beard, Minneapolis Star-Tribune

Theme was death, but evening with Cantus anything but grim

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0400

"There was beauty to be found throughout the group's season-opening performance at Minneapolis' Cowles Center on Thursday, Oct. 25, as songs of war both triumphant and mournful segued into peaceful contemplations of the great beyond." -- Rob Hubbard, St. Paul Pioneer Press

First Listen: Cantus - On the Shoulders of Giants

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0400

"Listening to these favorites of the men of Cantus — from a twelfth century polyphonal maze to U2 — it's clear that the ensemble appreciates Newton's insight. And though On the Shoulders of Giants is not an exercise in tracing influence down the ages, the drama of each performance is richer for the deft juxtaposition of lament and love song, protest and delirious prayer." -- Bill Morelock, Minnesota Public Radio

Cantus sings of empowerment, and conviction is gratifying

Sun, 18 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0400

"And judging from the group's performance at St. Paul's Sundin Music Hall on Saturday, March 17, it just might be the best thing the ensemble has ever created - not just because the program spins such a powerful story but because the nonet's voices have never seemed so full of purpose, their hearts so unified in expressing one idea." -- Rob Hubbard, St. Paul Pioneer Press

Cantus sings music of peaceful revolution

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0400

"Artists often talk about the power of art to change lives. This music was art that changed nations. Cantus performed it with seriousness -- and joy. Much hope is to be found in it." -- William Randall Beard, Minneapolis Star Tribune

Cantus proves they are more than just the best

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500

"This evening was not just about music or talent. I got the distinct feeling that these men felt called to the mission of music." -- Gayle Williams, Sarasota Herald-Tribune

Our View: Moment of respite

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500

"In our view, this 90-minute timeout was a dose of healing elixir. Tears flowed, people laughed and the thunderous applause brought the group back for an encore." -- Joplin Globe

Local choral CDs charm with holiday, Minnesota themes

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0500

"... a CD that seems destined to become a perennial holiday favorite." -- William Randall Beard, Minneapolis Star Tribune

Joyous music fills hearts with sounds of the season

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0500

"For those who like music arranged for vocal ensemble, the nine virtuoso male singers on 'Christmas with Cantus' (Cantus Recordings) deliver an international feast for the ears." -- Ken Keuffel, Winston-Salem Journal

"All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914" at the Pantages Theatre: Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0500

"The program-a collaboration between Theater Latté Da, Hennepin Theatre Trust, and the male ensemble Cantus, who provide the stunning and almost ceaseless vocals-is not quite a play, but more like a vocal retelling of history.

"Because of the show's sheer beauty we are left with this imperfect, but not all together unsatisfactory, answer to the soldier's question. The story of the Christmas truce teaches us that at our best we are capable of laying down our guns and lifting our voices as one."

-- Madeline Salmon, Twin Cities Daily Planet

History Deconstructed

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0500

"All Is Calm first premiered in 2007, and the Hennepin Theater Trust continues to stage the show each year at Christmas time to remind audiences of one of the most magical Christmas tales of all. It is a wonderful break from the hustle and bustle of the corporatized holiday season, reminding us all that sometimes the best gives we receive are the simplest ones." -- Becki Iverson, Twin Cities Metro

A separate peace

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0500

"This is a true ensemble show, and each performer fully carried his weight. But greatest credit must go to Rothstein and musical arrangers Erick Lichte and Timothy C. Takach, whose music and story seamlessly intertwined." -- Matt McGeachy, Minnesota Playlist

'Christmas with Cantus' lovely despite dry acoustics

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0500

"If the male singing group Cantus didn't book itself so solid during the holiday season, it probably could double the number of its annual 'Christmas with Cantus' concerts and still sell them out. It's a tough ticket to get, but Friday morning's first performance at Minneapolis' Westminster Presbyterian Church demonstrated that it's one well worth seeking."
-- Rob Hubbard, St. Paul Pioneer Press

'All is Calm' offers peace on an intimate scale

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0500

"But especially thanks to the nine men of Cantus, whose harmonies are the heart and spirit of this work. It is they who vividly convey the combination of excitement and fear as soldiers answer the call to arms, their sadness as death tolls mount, and the hope and wonder as the truce ensues. The stories are strong, but it's the music that makes "All Is Calm" such a touching experience." -- Rob Hubbard, St. Paul Pioneer Press

All Is Calm

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0500

"Channeled through the impeccably layered vocals of chamber ensemble Cantus, songs combine with stories in paying solemn tribute to a universal humanity indivisible by dogmatic ideologies and national identities. In these ever combative times, such unbroken harmony represents nothing less than a genuine yuletide miracle." -- Brad Richason, City Pages

Yule Tunes for a different spin on Christmas

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0500

"Cantus, a nine-voice men's ensemble from Minneapolis/St. Paul, brings to mind Chanticleer, the ubiquitous Bay Area ensemble, but this group sings with more muscle." -- David Stabler, The Oregonian

Yuletide carols being sung by 10 choirs

Sat, 26 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0500

"The nine-man vocal group's facility with a variety of styles and languages is astounding, but its concerts are so disarmingly intimate that the group penetrates your soul with harmony." -- Rob Hubbard, St. Paul Pioneer Press

2011 Holiday Music

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0500

"The impossibly rich, warm tapestry of vocals of Cantus make this holiday music release a real treat." -- TJ Nelson, World Music Central

ClassicsToday.com

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0400

"Here's an early Christmas treat from the always entertaining Minneapolis-based men's ensemble Cantus, whose nine voices are always impeccably tuned, scrupulously balanced, perfectly blended, and artfully expressive. And the group, which performs without a conductor, never fails to convey a collective joy and spirit in every piece they sing." -- ClassicsToday.com

Who cares about theme when Cantus provides so many highlights?

Sun, 16 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0400

"Chris Foss' arrangement was a clever condensation of what the whole program was about: showing off what Cantus can do in a wide variety of styles." -- Rob Hubbard, St. Paul Pioneer Press

Cantus: A chorus of big 'Shoulders'

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0400

"But Cantus is about more than stylistic accuracy. Their performances speak to the soul." -- William Randall Beard, Minneapolis Star Tribune

Cantus: "That Eternal Day"

Sat, 01 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0400

"The most striking thing about the nine-voice male a cappella group Cantus is how much heart they put into their singing.... Judging from their presentation here, the gentlemen of Cantus know themselves well and value the relative greatness of the whole." -- Joanne Sydney Lessner, Opera News