PROGRAM I – The Road Home
Samuel Ward (arr. Paul John Rudoi): America the Beautiful
John Stafford Smith: The National Anthem
Carlos Cordero: Lejanas Voces
Saunder Choi: Leron, Leron, Sinta
Tania León: La Guitarra, mvt. 3 from Rimas Tropicales
Moises Simons (arr. Yosvany Estepe Diaz): El Manisero
Reena Esmail: TaReKiTa
Chen Yi: Fengyang ge
María Grever (arr. Raul Dominguez): Tipitin
Melissa Dunphy: From N-400 Erasure Songs, II. N-400 (an erasure)
John Denver: That Lonesome Road
*****
J. Rosamond Johnson: Lift Every Voice and Sing
William Steffe: The Battle Hymn of the Republic
Gaby Moreno: Ave Que Emigra
Shabnam Abedi: Manush Dhoro
Sydney Guillaume: Plakatap
Stephen Paulus: The Road Home
Gloria Estefan: Mi Tierra

In commemoration of the United States’ Semiquincentennial, Cantus offers The Road Home– a concert program exploring what it means to celebrate a national identity encompassing cultures from around the globe. Alongside our Indigenous peoples, we are a nation of immigrants. The Road Home honors that diversity with captivating music by composers carrying their own immigrant stories. These composers are as wide-ranging and multi-faceted as the music they create, from Saunder Choi and Chen Yi to Gloria Estefan and Gaby Moreno. “A nation’s culture resides within the hearts and in the soul of its people” (M. Gandhi), and there can be no clearer means to express that collective heart and soul than through music.

PROGRAM II – WANTING MEMORIES
Bob Thiele, George David Weiss: What a Wonderful World
Tim Minchin: From Matilda, When I Grow Up
Taylor Swift: Fifteen
Christopher H. Harris: I Would Live in Your Love
A.R. Rahman (arr. Ethan Sperry): Wedding Qawwali
Alan Jay Lerner, Frederick Loewe: From Gigi, I Remember It Well
Stevie Nicks: Landslide
Ysaÿe M. Barnwell: Wanting Memories
*****
Richard Strauss: Traumlicht
Sydney Guillaume: Gagot
Spes (Hope): Mia Makaroff
Rosephanye Powell: When We Sing
Dolly Parton: Light of a Clear Blue Morning
Harold Arlen, E.Y. Harburg: Over the Rainbow
Sammy Fain, Irving Kahal: I’ll Be Seeing You

Why is it that we can recall the lyrics and melody of a song from our childhood, but we struggle to find our keys in the morning, or find ourselves unable to remember peoples’ names? Time and age can cause organized memories to gradually become a maze of fragments, but music often remains the one thing that helps us to remember who we are. As our memories fade, and life is transfigured for everyone around us, is music the final conduit for our memories, and the final connection to our past? In Wanting Memories, Cantus explores the unique and enduring relationship between music and memory in all of our lives. Through selections that include timeless tunes like "Over the Rainbow" and "What a Wonderful World", and anchored by Ysaÿe M. Barnwell’s "Wanting Memories", this performance traverses the realms of nostalgia and family, loss and love, grief, laughter, fear and hope.

PROGRAM III – CHRISTMAS WITH CANTUS: THREE TALES OF CHRISTMAS
Vince Guaraldi, Lee Mendelson (arr. Jay Giallombardo): From A Charlie Brown Christmas, Christmas Time Is Here
Traditional (arr. Alice Parker and Robert Shaw): O Tannenbaum
eden ahbez: Nature Boy
Paul John Rudoi: How You Are Made
Traditional (arr. Yumiko Matsuoka): Still, Still, Still (newly commissioned)
Chris Foss: Perennial Eternally
Mitchel Grassi, Scott Hoying, Audra Mae: Light in the Hallway
Sam Phillips: Where Is Love Now
Billy Hill: The Glory of Love
*****
Pyotr Tchaikovsky: Excerpts from The Nutcracker

1. Overture and March

2. Dance of the Sugar-Plum Fairy

3. Russian Dance

4. Arabian and Chinese Dance

5. Dance of the Reed-Flutes

6. Waltz of the Flowers

Jay Livingston, Ray Evans: Silver Bells
Traditional (arr. Chien Shan-Hua): diu diu dang a
Alan Silvestri: Spirit of the Season
Loreena McKennit: The Bells of Christmas
J.M. Førde: Bruremarsj
Alan Silvestri: Believe

Cantus weaves together three holiday stories with time-honored carols and new classics. Blending narration and song, the program features Margery Williams’ “The Velveteen Rabbit” and “The Polar Express” by Chris Van Allsburg alongside an abridged romp through Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker”. 

Three Tales of Christmas offers an opportunity to reflect on the meaning and joy of the holiday season. Join Cantus for its beloved holiday program that the (Minneapolis) Star Tribune deemed "as joyful a celebration of the season's spirit as any caroling party you're likely to attend this year."

PROGRAM I – Simple Gifts (Fall 2026)*
Joseph Brackett, arr. Stephen Caracciolo: Simple Gifts
Ko Matsushita: Sakura
Moises Simons, arr. Yosvany Estepe Diaz: El Manisero
Malcolm Dalglish: Little Potato
Isaac Lovdahl: When I Was Just a Boy
Mia Makaroff: Spes
John T. Hocutt, arr. Aaron Humble: A Thankful Heart
Andrea Ramsey: That Which Remains
Stacey Gibbs: New Commission
*****
Margaret Bonds: Moonlight Night (Carmel)
Bobby McFerrin: The Garden
Jennifer Higdon: A Quiet Moment
J. Rosamond Johnson, arr. Rod Kelly Hines: Lift Every Voice and Sing
Sydney Guillaume: Twa Tanbou
Marques L.A. Garrett: My Heart Be Brave
Lorenzo Lyons: Hawaii Aloha
Brent Michael Davids: Zuni Sunrise Song
Jean Sibelius: Finlandia
Robert Lowry, arr. Stephen Caracciolo: How Can I Keep From Singing

What are you grateful for? It’s a deeply personal question, yet there are undoubtedly overarching themes, like the joy of breathing in fresh air on a hike, savoring a recipe passed down through generations, and cherishing moments spent with those we love. 

In Simple Gifts, Cantus weaves together personal stories of gratitude along with beloved tunes including "How Can I Keep From Singing" and "Lift Every Voice and Sing", timeless classics from Jean Sibelius and Jennifer Higdon, and contemporary gems by Bobby McFerrin and Sydney Guillaume.

The result is a poignant and heartfelt program filled with energy and beauty that uplifts, inspires, and reminds us of what we hold most dear.

PROGRAM II – The Road Home (Fall 2026)*
Samuel Ward, arr. Paul John Rudoi: America the Beautiful
Carlos Cordero: Lejanas Voces
arr. Saunder Choi: Leron, Leron, Sinta
Tania León: La Guitarra, mvt. 3 from Rimas Tropicales
Moises Simons, arr. Yosvany Estepe Diaz: El Manisero
Reena Esmail: TaReKiTa
arr. Chen Yi: Fengyang ge
María Grever, arr. Raul Dominguez: Tipitin
Melissa Dunphy: II. N-400 (an erasure), from N-400 Erasure Songs
John Denver, arr. Simon Carrington: That Lonesome Road
*****
Gaby Moreno: Ave Que Emigra
Shabnam Abedi: Manush Dhoro
Sydney Guillaume: Plakatap
Stephen Paulus: The Road Home
Gloria Estefan, arr. Yosvany Estepe Diaz: Mi Tierra

Following the United States’ 250th anniversary, Cantus offers The Road Home – a concert program honoring our diverse American heritage with captivating music by composers carrying their own migration stories. From Saunder Choi and Chen Yi to Gaby Moreno and Gloria Estefan, these artists are as wide-ranging and multi-faceted as the music they create. 

“A nation’s culture resides within the hearts and in the soul of its people” (M. Gandhi), and there can be no clearer means to express that collective heart and soul than through music. Join Cantus for The Road Home,an uplifting program filled with pride and passion for our shared American identity.

PROGRAM III – Wanting Memories Encore*
Bob Thiele, George David Weiss: What a Wonderful World
Tim Minchin: From Matilda, When I Grow Up
Christopher H. Harris: I Would Live in Your Love
Alan Jay Lerner, Frederick Loewe: From Gigi, I Remember It Well
Stevie Nicks: Landslide
Ysaÿe M. Barnwell: Wanting Memories
Sydney Guillaume: Gagot
Mia Makaroff: Spes (Hope)
Dolly Parton: Light of a Clear Blue Morning
Traditional Spiritual (arr. Paul John Rudoi): Yonder Come Day
Harold Arlen, E.Y. Harburg: Over the Rainbow
Sammy Fain, Irving Kahal: I’ll Be Seeing You

Why is it that we can recall the lyrics and melody of a song from our childhood, but we struggle to find our keys in the morning, or find ourselves unable to remember peoples’ names? Time and age can cause organized memories to gradually become a maze of fragments, but music often remains the one thing that helps us to remember who we are. As memory fades, is music the final conduit for our memories and connection to our past? 

Back by popular demand is Cantus’ program exploring the unique and enduring relationship between music and memory in our lives. Wanting Memories, through selections that include timeless tunes like "Over the Rainbow" and "What a Wonderful World" and anchored by Ysaÿe M. Barnwell’s "Wanting Memories", traverses the realms of nostalgia and family, loss and love, grief and laughter, fear and hope.

PROGRAM IV – Cantus & Imani Winds: My Ancestors Speak*
Valerie Coleman: Red Clay and Mississippi Delta
Robert Lowry, arr. Stephen Caracciolo: How Can I Keep from Singing?
Gloria Estefan, arr. Yosvany Estepe Diaz: Vocalise 2 (from Wind Horse)
Chen Yi: Feng, Introduction and Rondo
arr. Jeff Scott: Rocking Jerusalem
*****
arr. Jeff Scott: Mr. Banjo
arr. Jeff Scott: Balm in Gilead
arr. Marsha Schweitzer: Ku’u Ipo I Ka He’e Pu’e One
Angélica Negrón: Left (New Commission)
Alex Weiser: My Ancestors Speak (New Commission)
arr. Jacob Christopher: Tritsch-Tratsch Polka

Join two of today’s most compelling chamber ensembles—Cantus and Imani Winds—for My Ancestors Speak, a powerful joint concert. Through a compelling fusion of story and song, this unique collaboration celebrates the rich, diverse cultural lineages of both ensembles, exploring deeply rooted connections to identity, tradition, and history.

 Renowned for their lush, expressive vocals, Cantus blends seamlessly with the bold, genre-defying sound of Imani Winds to present a dynamic program that traverses centuries and continents. Together, they create a musical tapestry that honors the past and reflects our shared human experience.

 The concert features two newly commissioned works–My Ancestors Speak by Pulitzer Prize finalist Alex Weiser and Left by 2022 Hermitage Greenfield Prize winner AngélicaNegrón–alongside repertoire that highlights a global array of musical traditions and voices.

PROGRAM V – Christmas with Cantus: Lessons and Carols For Our Time*
Traditional English, arr. Reginald Bowens: I Saw Three Ships
Paul John Rudoi: Last Kind Words
Brandon Spencer: Little Lamb
Marian L. Harrison: Tiny Child
Eric Whitacre: Lux Aurumque
Taku Izumi: Miagete Goran Yoru no Hoshi o
Ariel Ramirez: Los Pastores
Sarah Quartel: Sing, My Child
Traditional Slovenian, arr. Janez Močnik: Ta Stara Bozicna Pejsen
Franz Xaver Gruber, arr. Christopher Harris: Silent Night
*****
Traditional English, arr. Christine Donkin: O Come All Ye Faithful  (New Commission)
Kim Andre Arnesen: Even When He Is Silent
Cheryl Camm: Alleluia! Into the Light
Pärt Uusberg: Mis on inimene?
Francisco Grau Vegara, arr. Alberto de la Paz: Mensaje de Paz
Zanaida Robles: Kujichagulia
Sergei Rachmaninoff, arr. Thomas Beveridge: Bogoroditse Devo
Traditional Scottish, arr. Jo Goldsmith-Eteson: Auld Lang Syne (New Commission)
Franz Biebl: Ave Maria

Christmas with Cantus: Lessons and Carols for Our Time invites audiences to a rich, contemplative holiday experience that merges tradition with timely resonance. Cantus reimagines the beloved format of Lessons and Carols, exploring themes of hope, peace, and unity through classic carols, music from around the world, and a captivating blend of poetry curated by award-winning author Michael Kleber-Diggs.

Celebrate the season with the timeless beauty of carols such as “Silent Night” and “I Saw Three Ships,” alongside recent works from the bold, fresh voices of composers like Zanaida Robles and Marian L. Harrison. The program unfolds with a dynamic range of emotions and textures, featuring pieces by Rachmaninoff, Ariel Ramirez, and Eric Whitacre, that spark reflections on faith and humanity. At once classic and modern, Lessons and Carols for Our Timeis a heartfelt program that that evokes the spirit of celebration and reflection.

PROGRAM VI – Covers: ABBA’s Greatest Hits*
Mamma Mia
Knowing Me, Knowing You
Take a Chance on Me
Lay All Your Love on Me
Super Trouper
The Winner Takes It All
Money, Money, Money
SOS
Fernando
Voulez-Vous
Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)
I Have a Dream
Thank You for the Music
Waterloo
Dancing Queen

Get ready to dance, sing, and relive the magic of one of the most beloved bands of all time. Covers: ABBA’s Greatest Hits is a vibrant celebration of ABBA’s unforgettable sound and their lasting impact on pop music around the world. From the theatrical drama of “Mamma Mia” to the infectious pulse of “Voulez-Vous,” these iconic hits still sparkle with energy, heart, and that unmistakable ABBA flair. And of course, no celebration would be complete without “Dancing Queen”—the crown jewel of ABBA’s catalog and a song that continues to fill dance floors and hearts across generations.

This electrifying tribute brings bold harmonies and fresh takes to ABBA’s greatest songs, honoring their gift for melody, storytelling, and disco-glam emotion. Whether you're a lifelong fan or discovering the joy for the first time, ABBA’s Greatest Hits is your chance to immerse yourself in a night of hooks, harmonies, and pure musical delight.

PROGRAM VII – Walt Whitman: An American Journey*
Griffin Candey: Come Up From the Fields (New Commission)
Fred Hersch: Song of Myself

During the Civil War, American poet Walt Whitman devoted himself to the care of the wounded and dying, offering solace by writing letters to families, reading scripture, bringing fresh fruit, and providing the small comforts that might restore dignity and peace in their final days. Walt Whitman: An American Journey offers a portrait of Whitman not only as a poet but as a witness to human suffering and resilience.

At the heart of this program is the world premiere of “Come Up From the Fields” by Griffin Candey, a work featuring materials from the Library of Congress’ “By the People” project. It will be paired with “Song of Myself” by Fred Hersch reimagined for Cantus and piano. Together, these works reveal the many ways art can respond to trauma, inviting audiences to discover beauty in a time of hardship and to reflect on Whitman’s enduring belief in art’s power to bring light to our darkest moments.

*Program orders and repertoires are subject to change.

PROGRAM I – Lift Every Voice (Fall 2027)*

Jean Sibelius: Finlandia
Violeta Parra: Arauco tiene una pena
Violeta Parra: Gracias a la vida
Sergio Ortega and Claudio Iturra: Venceremos
Veljo Tormis: Double Dedication
Boriss Rezņiks: Atmostas Baltija
Mart Saar: Leelo
Traditional South African, arr. Jeffrey L. Ames: Tshotsholoza
Traditional South African, arr. Sidumo Nyamezele: Bawo Thixo Somandia
*****
Traditional Spiritual, arr. Stacey Gibbs: Steal Away
Traditional Spiritual, arr. Marques Garrett: Hold On
New Commission TBD
Sam Cooke: A Change Is Gonna Come
Traditional Gospel, arr. Rod Kelly Hines: This Little Light of Mine
J. Rosemund Johnson, arr. Reginald Bowens: Lift Every Voice and Sing
John Lennon and Yoko Ono: Imagine
Robert Lowry, arr. Stephen Caracciolo: How Can I Keep From Singing

Throughout history, music has been used as a vehicle to organize, challenge power, and affect societal change. In Lift Every Voice, Cantus celebrates the extraordinary role of song in real-life stories of resistance. From 20th-century examples of singing to overcome oppression in the Baltics, South Africa, and Latin America to the power of collective voices to promote safety, equity, and change during American slavery and the Civil Rights Movement, Lift Every Voice inspires and reminds us of what we can accomplish when we come together in song.

PROGRAM II – Simple Gifts (Fall 2027)*

Joseph Brackett, arr. Stephen Caracciolo: Simple Gifts
Ko Matsushita: Sakura
Moises Simons, arr. Yosvany Estepe Diaz: El Manisero
Malcolm Dalglish: Little Potato
Isaac Lovdahl: When I Was Just a Boy
Mia Makaroff: Spes
John T. Hocutt, arr. Aaron Humble: A Thankful Heart
Andrea Ramsey: That Which Remains
Stacey Gibbs: New Commission
*****
Margaret Bonds: Moonlight Night (Carmel)
Bobby McFerrin: The Garden
Jennifer Higdon: A Quiet Moment
J. Rosamond Johnson, arr. Rod Kelly Hines: Lift Every Voice and Sing
Sydney Guillaume: Twa Tanbou
Marques L.A. Garrett: My Heart Be Brave
Lorenzo Lyons: Hawaii Aloha
Brent Michael Davids: Zuni Sunrise Song
Jean Sibelius: Finlandia
Robert Lowry, arr. Stephen Caracciolo: How Can I Keep From Singing

What are you grateful for? It’s a deeply personal question, yet there are undoubtedly overarching themes, like the joy of breathing in fresh air on a hike, savoring a recipe passed down through generations, and cherishing moments spent with those we love. 

In Simple Gifts, Cantus weaves together personal stories of gratitude along with beloved tunes including "How Can I Keep From Singing" and "Lift Every Voice and Sing", timeless classics from Jean Sibelius and Jennifer Higdon, and contemporary gems by Bobby McFerrin and Sydney Guillaume.

The result is a poignant and heartfelt program filled with energy and beauty that uplifts, inspires, and reminds us of what we hold most dear.

PROGRAM III – Three Tales of Christmas*

Walter Kent, arr. Jo Goldsmith-Eteson: I’ll Be Home for Christmas
Joseph Brackett, arr. Stephen Caracciolo: Simple Gifts
Abbie Betinis: The Mirthful Heart
Traditional (Newly Commissioned Arrangement TBD): Soulcake
Sara Bareilles: A Soft Place to Land
Traditional, arr. Alice Parker and Robert Shaw: Vive L’Amour
Traditional Scottish, arr. Kirsten Pagel: The Parting Glass
Paul Williams: Thankful Heart
Chris Foss: Twas the Night Before Christmas
*****
Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane, arr. Stacey Gibbs: Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Traditional, arr. Jacob Christopher: In the Bleak Midwinter
Traditional, arr. Alexander Nishibun: Es ist ein Ros Entsprungen
Randall Thompson: Nowel
Traditional, arr. Alice Parker and Robert Shaw: The Boar’s Head Carol
Traditional, arr. Sofia Söderberg: Noel Nouvelet
Howard Blake: Walking in the Air
Franz Gruber, arr. Christopher Harris: Silent Night
Abbie Betinis: Be Like the Bird
Traditional, arr. Jo Goldsmith-Eteson: Auld Lang Syne

Cantus weaves together three holiday stories with time-honored carols and new classics. Blending narration and song, the program features Hans Christian-Andersen’s iconic A Little Match Girl alongside the well-known folk tale Stone Soup and Clement Clarke-Moore’s Twas the Night Before Christmas. Three Tales of Christmas offers an opportunity to reflect on the meaning and joy of the holiday season. Join Cantus for its beloved holiday program that the Minnesota Star Tribune deemed "as joyful a celebration of the season's spirit as any caroling party you're likely to attend this year." 

*Program orders and repertoires are subject to change.