Cantus offers superb choral music at Wisconsin Union Theater

Cantus, called a “superb and innovative professional male choir…unique and charismatic group…with a delightfully refreshing and adventurous approach to choral singing” by American Record Guide, opens the spring offerings of the Wisconsin Union Theater‘s Concert Series on Saturday, Jan. 31, at 8 pm.

The group was formed in 1995 at St. Olaf College, a legendary choir school. Its offerings include masterpieces from the past, music from around the world and new music, some of it commissioned by and written for its members. The 12 young men are basses, baritones and tenors.

“Ah, what they DO with that configuration is enchanting. The singers – solo quality all – produce a wonderfully warm, gutsy and masculine sound…[with] a certain gusto, a sense of boundless joy in music making. They can stand toe-to-toe with the big name ensembles,” says American Record Guide. Cantus is “a splendid male a cappella choral group” that often “sounds 50 voices strong,” says the Los Angeles Times.

The group’s performing style emphasizes an operatic vocal energy rather than blended sound free of vibrato. Programmer and choir member Erick Lichte, originally from Appleton, Wis., creates programs divided into thematic, narrative parts. In the Madison concert, the group will sing about “Sinners and Saints – A Measuring of all Things Good and Ungood,” with songs by Saint-Saens, Milhaud, Poulenc and contemporary composers; “Love,” with songs from far (China, France) and near (Smokey Robinson and Randy Newman); “Highlights from Deep River,” based on African-American Gospel; and a surprise part.

With a sincere desire to “exalt the human spirit,” as its mission statement asserts, Cantus has become, says the Hyde Park Herald, a “can’t miss…a tremendous group of singers…[offering] an utterly fantastic performance…a boisterous and magical evening.” American Record Guide calls Cantus a “charismatic group…just the sort of un-stuffy and engaging ensemble this nation needs more of.”

The show is sponsored by the Wisconsin Union Directorate with additional support from WERN, 88.7 FM. Tickets are $30 for the general public, $28 for Union members or buy seven or more vouchers for $27 each. UW–Madison students: $14 or buy five or more vouchers for $10 each. For more information, call the box office at (608) 262-2201.