A Kantorei Christmas

ABOUT THE CHOIR

Kantorei (“singers”) formed in 1997 under Richard Larson’s leadership and has expanded into an auditioned, 52-voice ensemble under the direction of Artistic Director Joel M. Rinsema. Its members come from schools with strong choral music programs, such as Augustana, Brigham Young, Concordia, Luther, St. Olaf, Wartburg, and the University of Northern Colorado. Kantorei’s mission is to elevate the human experience through choral excellence.

Kantorei has been featured in several Regional and National conferences, including the 2008 National Performing Arts Convention and the 2010 Southwestern Regional ACDA Convention. In March 2011, Kantorei performed by invitation at its second National ACDA Convention, including a featured performance at Orchestra Hall in Chicago, IL. Larson retired from Kantorei in May 2013, and was subsequently named Artistic Director and Conductor Emeritus. Current Artistic Director Joel M. Rinsema began his tenure with the choir in the 2014-2015 season.

MEET OUR GROUP soprano

alto

tenor

bass

Mary Christ Theresa Derr Juliane Dowell Kimberly Dunninger Beryl Fanslow Wendi Sue Grover Heather Gunnerson Stacie Hanson Jade Howard Sara Michael* Alicia Rigsby Brenda Rolling Pearl Rutherford Christianna Sullins * section leader

Emily Alexander Lindsey Aquilina Jan Ankele Lizabeth Barnett Lyn Berry-Helmlinger Sarah Harrison* Shannon Lemmon-Elrod Melissa Menter Erin Meyerhoff Jennifer Moore Michelle Tombre Andrea Ware

Kai Berry-Helmlinger Landon Covington Keith Ferguson Mason France Matthew Gierke Kevin Gunnerson Keith Harrison Jason Hindman Steve Howie* Justin Kerr Brad Larson Alex Menter Jonathan Von Stroh Ryan Wright

Michael Bizzaro Michael Boender Garth Criswell Jon Gentry Andrew Halladay* Stephen Hooper Brad Jackson Karl Johnson John Ludwig Larry Meerdink Marc Petersen John Schaak Matt Weissenbuehler Nathan Wubbena

MARK YOUR CALENDARS - PASSION WEEK, FEBRUARY 2016

KANTOREI BOARD OF DIRECTORS

MEET COMPOSER-IN-RESIDENCE KIM ANDRÉ ARNESEN!

FEBRUARY 27-28, 2016 - Let the ethereal sounds of music from the Russian Orthodox tradition fill your soul as we feature selections from Maximilian Steinberg’s newly discovered Passion Week. Plus -- Kantorei Composer-in-Residence Kim André Arnesen visits Denver from his native Norway, as we present the world premieres of five of his works. You will not want to miss it - get your tickets today!

Kevin Gunnerson, President Jason Hindman, Vice President Susan Lewkow, Treasurer Juliane Dowell, Secretary Mark Aquilina Michael Bizzaro

Theresa Derr Brad Jackson Katherine Mulready -----------Sara Michael, Administrative Assistant & Librarian

FEELING ELEVATED? We want to hear about it! Please share your thoughts about today's performance with us at

Facebook.com/Kantorei | @KantoreiDenver | Instagram.com/Kantorei | Youtube.com/Kantorei | Soundcloud.com/KantoreiCO

KANTOREI.ORG/AUDIENCE-FEEDBACK

*Kantorei is a 501(c)(3) organization and any donations to the group are deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Please consult your tax advisor for more information.

PROGRAM NOTES

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!

With all the hustle and bustle of the season, we are so thankful you have chosen to spend time with Kantorei. This year’s Christmas concerts are especially meaningful for the singers of Kantorei, as they were able to help in the programming of the concert! Our 20th anniversary season is next year and you – our audience – will have the opportunity to help program the concert by requesting your favorite pieces!

Our program features a wide range of repertoire. You’ll hear rustic settings of age-old texts: Estampie Natalis by Czech-born and American-relocated Václav Nelhýbel; and Gaudete from American composer and college professor Steven Sametz open our first and second acts.

Estampie Natalis

Václav Nelhýbel (1919 - 1996)

Soli: Sara Michael, Andrea Ware, Justin Kerr, Jon Gentry Bass: Sarah Harrison; Cello: Richard von Foerster; Violin: Sarah Whitnah; Piccolo: Nicole Ewing Percussion: Emily Alexander, Kevin Gunnerson, John Ludwig; Collaborative Pianist: Alicia Rigsby

Three settings of "O' Great Mystery" o magnum mysterium serenity (o magnum mysterium) Richard von Foerster, cello; Sarah Whitnah, violin o magnum mysterium A Hymn of the Nativity

Tomás Luis de Vittoria (c. 1548 - 1611) Ola Gjeilo (b. 1978) Morten Lauridsen (b. 1943) Kenneth Leighton (1929 - 1988)

Wendi Sue Grover, soprano

Cradle Hymn

Kim André Arnesen (b. 1980)

Alicia Rigsby, piano

Hacia Belén va un Burrico Larry Meerdink, baritone

Fum, Fum, Fum

arr. Alice Parker (b. 1925) and Robert Shaw (1916-1999) arr. Alice Parker and Robert Shaw

intermission Steven Sametz (b. 1954)

Lullay My Liking

Philip Lawson (b. 1957)

Soli: Kai Berry-Helmlinger, Julianne Dowell, Stacie Hanson, Melissa Menter

Jonathan Von Stroh, tenor; Heather Gunnerson, soprano

The Three Kings A Spotless Rose

John Tavener (1944 - 2013) Kim André Arnesen Healey Willan (1880 - 1968) Herbert Howells (1892 - 1983)

Matthew Weissenbuehler, baritone

A John Rutter Christmas

We will be singing three different settings of the same text, O Magnum Mysterium (‘O Great Mystery’), by composers Tomás Luis da Vittoria, Ola Gjeilo, and one of the most popular modern American composers – Morten Lauridsen.

“I love imitative polyphony, and Vittoria’s O Magnum Mysterium is the epitome of this compositional style. The way he weaves together the four individual voices is truly sublime.

I am drawn to the meaning of the text as viewed through a very broad lens. I don’t align with any religion, but the opening line, “O great mystery”, resonates with all of mankind.

Life itself is a great mystery, but listening to music such as this soothes the individual uncertainties we all experience at times.” – Michael Bizzaro, baritone We were excited last year to announce the appointment of Kim André Arnesen as our Composer in Residence for this season, and we are featuring two of his works on this concert. His gorgeous Cradle Hymn features the women of Kantorei with accompanist Alicia Rigsby. And, we are honored to present the North-American premiere of his setting of William Blake’s The Lamb (these two works will also be included on the recording we will produce this May). Side-by-side with Arnesen’s setting of The Lamb, is the classic setting of the same text from composer John Tavener.

“I love the complexity of the verses in Tavener’s The Lamb, but the thing I love the most is the simplicity of the choruses.” – Emily Alexander, alto

Gaudete

Two settings of William Blake's "The Lamb" the lamb the lamb

“To me, this setting of Gaudete embodies the expectant excitement of the announcement of the birth of Christ. Rather than with the gentleness or reverence of a lullaby, this feels declamatory and enthusiastic. I also love the medieval harmonies and mixed meter that help create that excitement.” – Wendi Sue Grover, soprano

John Rutter (b. 1945)

Alicia Rigsby, piano

what sweeter music angel's carol shepherd's carol

For the rest of the program, we will “jump across the pond”, and feature music of British and Britishborn composers. Kenneth Leighton’s A Hymn of the Nativity tells the story in a very poetic way, and features a hauntingly beautiful soprano solo throughout. British-born and now-Canadian composer and organist Healey Willan’s setting of The Three Kings celebrates the visitation of the Christ-child.

“I love the powerful yet simple message of The Three Kings, and the scene it paints of the nativity by focusing on the mother and child. The ending of the song is the welcoming message, "come in ye kings and kiss the feet of God". Nothing is more sweet and tender than an infant's foot, and to envision kissing this baby's foot touches my soul as a mother and makes God more human to me.” – Erin Meyerhoff, alto Herbert Howells’ A Spotless Rose is an undulating setting of an anonymous Advent text. Former King’s Singers baritone Philip Lawson sets the early English text Lullay My Liking in a fresh way, and we finish the concert singing selections by one of the most famous modern British composers, John Rutter.

“From my first rehearsal of What Sweeter Music in the Santa Fe Desert Chorale I was hooked. The simple yet beautiful lyrics combined with the beautiful harmonic textures bring me to tears. John Rutter’s music has woven through my choral career and brings back fond memories. What Sweeter Music is Christmas to me!” – Kim Dunninger, soprano Again, thank you for joining us this holiday season. We wish you and yours the very best and most peaceful of times.

Please consider turning in your program at the end of the concert to be re-used and recycled.

Program notes by Artistic Director Joel Rinsema with notes from our singers.

ABOUT THE STAFF artistic director JOEL M. RINSEMA was named Artistic Director of Kantorei in

2014. Dedicated to expanding the artistic reach and transformative power of quality choral arts, he won the coveted Louis Botto Award for Innovative Action and Entrepreneurial Zeal from Chorus America in 2013. For the past 15 years, he served as the Assistant Conductor and President/CEO of the Grammy-winning Phoenix Chorale, working with internationally renowned conductor Charles Bruffy.

Joel assisted in all aspects of artistic planning and leadership, and during his tenure, Phoenix Chorale recordings earned a total of two Grammy awards and eight Grammy nominations. The group’s recording “Northern Lights: Music of Ola Gjeilo” was named iTunes Classical Vocal Album of the year in 2012.

Joel holds a Master of Music degree in vocal performance from Arizona State University, and a B.A. in vocal and choral performance from Whitworth College in Washington. He recently completed his nearly 25-year tenure with the Phoenix Chorale, in order to relocate to Denver and focus his time and energy on Kantorei.

assistant conductor SARAH HARRISON teaches choir and AP Music Theory at Cherry

Creek High School in Greenwood Village. Under her direction, choirs have appeared at several regional and state conventions. Prior to CCHS, Sarah opened and spent five years at Silver Creek Middle/ Senior High School in Longmont, Colo. In addition to teaching, Sarah sings with various ensembles throughout the community, including Kantorei, and is an orchestra and jazz string bassist. She was Kantorei’s Interim Director for the 2013-2014 season, and recently served as Colorado’s ACDA High School Mixed Repertoire and Standard Chair. Sarah earned her Bachelor of Music Education degree, with instrumental and vocal certification, from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn., and her Master of Music in conducting and music education from Colorado State University.

accompanist ALICIA RIGSBY came to Colorado in 1997 after completing

her Master of Music degree in piano performance and music theory at Indiana University, Bloomington. Alicia is one of the original members of Kantorei, both as a singer and accompanist.

She has performed with the Estes Trio, the Aspen Music Festival and the Boulder Chamber Orchestra, and teaches music at the Homeschool Connection, an extension of Woodrow Wilson Academy in Westminster. She is passionate about music as an art form, a teaching tool and an expressionistic medium, and enjoys having all of the musical opportunities in her life.

PROGRAM NOTES

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!

With all the hustle and bustle of the season, we are so thankful you have chosen to spend time with Kantorei. This year’s Christmas concerts are especially meaningful for the singers of Kantorei, as they were able to help in the programming of the concert! Our 20th anniversary season is next year and you – our audience – will have the opportunity to help program the concert by requesting your favorite pieces!

Our program features a wide range of repertoire. You’ll hear rustic settings of age-old texts: Estampie Natalis by Czech-born and American-relocated Václav Nelhýbel; and Gaudete from American composer and college professor Steven Sametz open our first and second acts.

Estampie Natalis

Václav Nelhýbel (1919 - 1996)

Soli: Sara Michael, Andrea Ware, Justin Kerr, Jon Gentry Bass: Sarah Harrison; Cello: Richard von Foerster; Violin: Sarah Whitnah; Piccolo: Nicole Ewing Percussion: Emily Alexander, Kevin Gunnerson, John Ludwig; Collaborative Pianist: Alicia Rigsby

Three settings of "O' Great Mystery" o magnum mysterium serenity (o magnum mysterium) Richard von Foerster, cello; Sarah Whitnah, violin o magnum mysterium A Hymn of the Nativity

Tomás Luis de Vittoria (c. 1548 - 1611) Ola Gjeilo (b. 1978) Morten Lauridsen (b. 1943) Kenneth Leighton (1929 - 1988)

Wendi Sue Grover, soprano

Cradle Hymn

Kim André Arnesen (b. 1980)

Alicia Rigsby, piano

Hacia Belén va un Burrico Larry Meerdink, baritone

Fum, Fum, Fum

arr. Alice Parker (b. 1925) and Robert Shaw (1916-1999) arr. Alice Parker and Robert Shaw

intermission Steven Sametz (b. 1954)

Lullay My Liking

Philip Lawson (b. 1957)

Soli: Kai Berry-Helmlinger, Julianne Dowell, Stacie Hanson, Melissa Menter

Jonathan Von Stroh, tenor; Heather Gunnerson, soprano

The Three Kings A Spotless Rose

John Tavener (1944 - 2013) Kim André Arnesen Healey Willan (1880 - 1968) Herbert Howells (1892 - 1983)

Matthew Weissenbuehler, baritone

A John Rutter Christmas

We will be singing three different settings of the same text, O Magnum Mysterium (‘O Great Mystery’), by composers Tomás Luis da Vittoria, Ola Gjeilo, and one of the most popular modern American composers – Morten Lauridsen.

“I love imitative polyphony, and Vittoria’s O Magnum Mysterium is the epitome of this compositional style. The way he weaves together the four individual voices is truly sublime.

I am drawn to the meaning of the text as viewed through a very broad lens. I don’t align with any religion, but the opening line, “O great mystery”, resonates with all of mankind.

Life itself is a great mystery, but listening to music such as this soothes the individual uncertainties we all experience at times.” – Michael Bizzaro, baritone We were excited last year to announce the appointment of Kim André Arnesen as our Composer in Residence for this season, and we are featuring two of his works on this concert. His gorgeous Cradle Hymn features the women of Kantorei with accompanist Alicia Rigsby. And, we are honored to present the North-American premiere of his setting of William Blake’s The Lamb (these two works will also be included on the recording we will produce this May). Side-by-side with Arnesen’s setting of The Lamb, is the classic setting of the same text from composer John Tavener.

“I love the complexity of the verses in Tavener’s The Lamb, but the thing I love the most is the simplicity of the choruses.” – Emily Alexander, alto

Gaudete

Two settings of William Blake's "The Lamb" the lamb the lamb

“To me, this setting of Gaudete embodies the expectant excitement of the announcement of the birth of Christ. Rather than with the gentleness or reverence of a lullaby, this feels declamatory and enthusiastic. I also love the medieval harmonies and mixed meter that help create that excitement.” – Wendi Sue Grover, soprano

John Rutter (b. 1945)

Alicia Rigsby, piano

what sweeter music angel's carol shepherd's carol

For the rest of the program, we will “jump across the pond”, and feature music of British and Britishborn composers. Kenneth Leighton’s A Hymn of the Nativity tells the story in a very poetic way, and features a hauntingly beautiful soprano solo throughout. British-born and now-Canadian composer and organist Healey Willan’s setting of The Three Kings celebrates the visitation of the Christ-child.

“I love the powerful yet simple message of The Three Kings, and the scene it paints of the nativity by focusing on the mother and child. The ending of the song is the welcoming message, "come in ye kings and kiss the feet of God". Nothing is more sweet and tender than an infant's foot, and to envision kissing this baby's foot touches my soul as a mother and makes God more human to me.” – Erin Meyerhoff, alto Herbert Howells’ A Spotless Rose is an undulating setting of an anonymous Advent text. Former King’s Singers baritone Philip Lawson sets the early English text Lullay My Liking in a fresh way, and we finish the concert singing selections by one of the most famous modern British composers, John Rutter.

“From my first rehearsal of What Sweeter Music in the Santa Fe Desert Chorale I was hooked. The simple yet beautiful lyrics combined with the beautiful harmonic textures bring me to tears. John Rutter’s music has woven through my choral career and brings back fond memories. What Sweeter Music is Christmas to me!” – Kim Dunninger, soprano Again, thank you for joining us this holiday season. We wish you and yours the very best and most peaceful of times.

Please consider turning in your program at the end of the concert to be re-used and recycled.

Program notes by Artistic Director Joel Rinsema with notes from our singers.

ABOUT THE STAFF artistic director JOEL M. RINSEMA was named Artistic Director of Kantorei in

2014. Dedicated to expanding the artistic reach and transformative power of quality choral arts, he won the coveted Louis Botto Award for Innovative Action and Entrepreneurial Zeal from Chorus America in 2013. For the past 15 years, he served as the Assistant Conductor and President/CEO of the Grammy-winning Phoenix Chorale, working with internationally renowned conductor Charles Bruffy.

Joel assisted in all aspects of artistic planning and leadership, and during his tenure, Phoenix Chorale recordings earned a total of two Grammy awards and eight Grammy nominations. The group’s recording “Northern Lights: Music of Ola Gjeilo” was named iTunes Classical Vocal Album of the year in 2012.

Joel holds a Master of Music degree in vocal performance from Arizona State University, and a B.A. in vocal and choral performance from Whitworth College in Washington. He recently completed his nearly 25-year tenure with the Phoenix Chorale, in order to relocate to Denver and focus his time and energy on Kantorei.

assistant conductor SARAH HARRISON teaches choir and AP Music Theory at Cherry

Creek High School in Greenwood Village. Under her direction, choirs have appeared at several regional and state conventions. Prior to CCHS, Sarah opened and spent five years at Silver Creek Middle/ Senior High School in Longmont, Colo. In addition to teaching, Sarah sings with various ensembles throughout the community, including Kantorei, and is an orchestra and jazz string bassist. She was Kantorei’s Interim Director for the 2013-2014 season, and recently served as Colorado’s ACDA High School Mixed Repertoire and Standard Chair. Sarah earned her Bachelor of Music Education degree, with instrumental and vocal certification, from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn., and her Master of Music in conducting and music education from Colorado State University.

accompanist ALICIA RIGSBY came to Colorado in 1997 after completing

her Master of Music degree in piano performance and music theory at Indiana University, Bloomington. Alicia is one of the original members of Kantorei, both as a singer and accompanist.

She has performed with the Estes Trio, the Aspen Music Festival and the Boulder Chamber Orchestra, and teaches music at the Homeschool Connection, an extension of Woodrow Wilson Academy in Westminster. She is passionate about music as an art form, a teaching tool and an expressionistic medium, and enjoys having all of the musical opportunities in her life.

PROGRAM NOTES

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!

With all the hustle and bustle of the season, we are so thankful you have chosen to spend time with Kantorei. This year’s Christmas concerts are especially meaningful for the singers of Kantorei, as they were able to help in the programming of the concert! Our 20th anniversary season is next year and you – our audience – will have the opportunity to help program the concert by requesting your favorite pieces!

Our program features a wide range of repertoire. You’ll hear rustic settings of age-old texts: Estampie Natalis by Czech-born and American-relocated Václav Nelhýbel; and Gaudete from American composer and college professor Steven Sametz open our first and second acts.

Estampie Natalis

Václav Nelhýbel (1919 - 1996)

Soli: Sara Michael, Andrea Ware, Justin Kerr, Jon Gentry Bass: Sarah Harrison; Cello: Richard von Foerster; Violin: Sarah Whitnah; Piccolo: Nicole Ewing Percussion: Emily Alexander, Kevin Gunnerson, John Ludwig; Collaborative Pianist: Alicia Rigsby

Three settings of "O' Great Mystery" o magnum mysterium serenity (o magnum mysterium) Richard von Foerster, cello; Sarah Whitnah, violin o magnum mysterium A Hymn of the Nativity

Tomás Luis de Vittoria (c. 1548 - 1611) Ola Gjeilo (b. 1978) Morten Lauridsen (b. 1943) Kenneth Leighton (1929 - 1988)

Wendi Sue Grover, soprano

Cradle Hymn

Kim André Arnesen (b. 1980)

Alicia Rigsby, piano

Hacia Belén va un Burrico Larry Meerdink, baritone

Fum, Fum, Fum

arr. Alice Parker (b. 1925) and Robert Shaw (1916-1999) arr. Alice Parker and Robert Shaw

intermission Steven Sametz (b. 1954)

Lullay My Liking

Philip Lawson (b. 1957)

Soli: Kai Berry-Helmlinger, Julianne Dowell, Stacie Hanson, Melissa Menter

Jonathan Von Stroh, tenor; Heather Gunnerson, soprano

The Three Kings A Spotless Rose

John Tavener (1944 - 2013) Kim André Arnesen Healey Willan (1880 - 1968) Herbert Howells (1892 - 1983)

Matthew Weissenbuehler, baritone

A John Rutter Christmas

We will be singing three different settings of the same text, O Magnum Mysterium (‘O Great Mystery’), by composers Tomás Luis da Vittoria, Ola Gjeilo, and one of the most popular modern American composers – Morten Lauridsen.

“I love imitative polyphony, and Vittoria’s O Magnum Mysterium is the epitome of this compositional style. The way he weaves together the four individual voices is truly sublime.

I am drawn to the meaning of the text as viewed through a very broad lens. I don’t align with any religion, but the opening line, “O great mystery”, resonates with all of mankind.

Life itself is a great mystery, but listening to music such as this soothes the individual uncertainties we all experience at times.” – Michael Bizzaro, baritone We were excited last year to announce the appointment of Kim André Arnesen as our Composer in Residence for this season, and we are featuring two of his works on this concert. His gorgeous Cradle Hymn features the women of Kantorei with accompanist Alicia Rigsby. And, we are honored to present the North-American premiere of his setting of William Blake’s The Lamb (these two works will also be included on the recording we will produce this May). Side-by-side with Arnesen’s setting of The Lamb, is the classic setting of the same text from composer John Tavener.

“I love the complexity of the verses in Tavener’s The Lamb, but the thing I love the most is the simplicity of the choruses.” – Emily Alexander, alto

Gaudete

Two settings of William Blake's "The Lamb" the lamb the lamb

“To me, this setting of Gaudete embodies the expectant excitement of the announcement of the birth of Christ. Rather than with the gentleness or reverence of a lullaby, this feels declamatory and enthusiastic. I also love the medieval harmonies and mixed meter that help create that excitement.” – Wendi Sue Grover, soprano

John Rutter (b. 1945)

Alicia Rigsby, piano

what sweeter music angel's carol shepherd's carol

For the rest of the program, we will “jump across the pond”, and feature music of British and Britishborn composers. Kenneth Leighton’s A Hymn of the Nativity tells the story in a very poetic way, and features a hauntingly beautiful soprano solo throughout. British-born and now-Canadian composer and organist Healey Willan’s setting of The Three Kings celebrates the visitation of the Christ-child.

“I love the powerful yet simple message of The Three Kings, and the scene it paints of the nativity by focusing on the mother and child. The ending of the song is the welcoming message, "come in ye kings and kiss the feet of God". Nothing is more sweet and tender than an infant's foot, and to envision kissing this baby's foot touches my soul as a mother and makes God more human to me.” – Erin Meyerhoff, alto Herbert Howells’ A Spotless Rose is an undulating setting of an anonymous Advent text. Former King’s Singers baritone Philip Lawson sets the early English text Lullay My Liking in a fresh way, and we finish the concert singing selections by one of the most famous modern British composers, John Rutter.

“From my first rehearsal of What Sweeter Music in the Santa Fe Desert Chorale I was hooked. The simple yet beautiful lyrics combined with the beautiful harmonic textures bring me to tears. John Rutter’s music has woven through my choral career and brings back fond memories. What Sweeter Music is Christmas to me!” – Kim Dunninger, soprano Again, thank you for joining us this holiday season. We wish you and yours the very best and most peaceful of times.

Please consider turning in your program at the end of the concert to be re-used and recycled.

Program notes by Artistic Director Joel Rinsema with notes from our singers.

ABOUT THE STAFF artistic director JOEL M. RINSEMA was named Artistic Director of Kantorei in

2014. Dedicated to expanding the artistic reach and transformative power of quality choral arts, he won the coveted Louis Botto Award for Innovative Action and Entrepreneurial Zeal from Chorus America in 2013. For the past 15 years, he served as the Assistant Conductor and President/CEO of the Grammy-winning Phoenix Chorale, working with internationally renowned conductor Charles Bruffy.

Joel assisted in all aspects of artistic planning and leadership, and during his tenure, Phoenix Chorale recordings earned a total of two Grammy awards and eight Grammy nominations. The group’s recording “Northern Lights: Music of Ola Gjeilo” was named iTunes Classical Vocal Album of the year in 2012.

Joel holds a Master of Music degree in vocal performance from Arizona State University, and a B.A. in vocal and choral performance from Whitworth College in Washington. He recently completed his nearly 25-year tenure with the Phoenix Chorale, in order to relocate to Denver and focus his time and energy on Kantorei.

assistant conductor SARAH HARRISON teaches choir and AP Music Theory at Cherry

Creek High School in Greenwood Village. Under her direction, choirs have appeared at several regional and state conventions. Prior to CCHS, Sarah opened and spent five years at Silver Creek Middle/ Senior High School in Longmont, Colo. In addition to teaching, Sarah sings with various ensembles throughout the community, including Kantorei, and is an orchestra and jazz string bassist. She was Kantorei’s Interim Director for the 2013-2014 season, and recently served as Colorado’s ACDA High School Mixed Repertoire and Standard Chair. Sarah earned her Bachelor of Music Education degree, with instrumental and vocal certification, from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn., and her Master of Music in conducting and music education from Colorado State University.

accompanist ALICIA RIGSBY came to Colorado in 1997 after completing

her Master of Music degree in piano performance and music theory at Indiana University, Bloomington. Alicia is one of the original members of Kantorei, both as a singer and accompanist.

She has performed with the Estes Trio, the Aspen Music Festival and the Boulder Chamber Orchestra, and teaches music at the Homeschool Connection, an extension of Woodrow Wilson Academy in Westminster. She is passionate about music as an art form, a teaching tool and an expressionistic medium, and enjoys having all of the musical opportunities in her life.

ABOUT THE CHOIR

Kantorei (“singers”) formed in 1997 under Richard Larson’s leadership and has expanded into an auditioned, 52-voice ensemble under the direction of Artistic Director Joel M. Rinsema. Its members come from schools with strong choral music programs, such as Augustana, Brigham Young, Concordia, Luther, St. Olaf, Wartburg, and the University of Northern Colorado. Kantorei’s mission is to elevate the human experience through choral excellence.

Kantorei has been featured in several Regional and National conferences, including the 2008 National Performing Arts Convention and the 2010 Southwestern Regional ACDA Convention. In March 2011, Kantorei performed by invitation at its second National ACDA Convention, including a featured performance at Orchestra Hall in Chicago, IL. Larson retired from Kantorei in May 2013, and was subsequently named Artistic Director and Conductor Emeritus. Current Artistic Director Joel M. Rinsema began his tenure with the choir in the 2014-2015 season.

MEET OUR GROUP soprano

alto

tenor

bass

Mary Christ Theresa Derr Juliane Dowell Kimberly Dunninger Beryl Fanslow Wendi Sue Grover Heather Gunnerson Stacie Hanson Jade Howard Sara Michael* Alicia Rigsby Brenda Rolling Pearl Rutherford Christianna Sullins * section leader

Emily Alexander Lindsey Aquilina Jan Ankele Lizabeth Barnett Lyn Berry-Helmlinger Sarah Harrison* Shannon Lemmon-Elrod Melissa Menter Erin Meyerhoff Jennifer Moore Michelle Tombre Andrea Ware

Kai Berry-Helmlinger Landon Covington Keith Ferguson Mason France Matthew Gierke Kevin Gunnerson Keith Harrison Jason Hindman Steve Howie* Justin Kerr Brad Larson Alex Menter Jonathan Von Stroh Ryan Wright

Michael Bizzaro Michael Boender Garth Criswell Jon Gentry Andrew Halladay* Stephen Hooper Brad Jackson Karl Johnson John Ludwig Larry Meerdink Marc Petersen John Schaak Matt Weissenbuehler Nathan Wubbena

MARK YOUR CALENDARS - PASSION WEEK, FEBRUARY 2016

KANTOREI BOARD OF DIRECTORS

MEET COMPOSER-IN-RESIDENCE KIM ANDRÉ ARNESEN!

FEBRUARY 27-28, 2016 - Let the ethereal sounds of music from the Russian Orthodox tradition fill your soul as we feature selections from Maximilian Steinberg’s newly discovered Passion Week. Plus -- Kantorei Composer-in-Residence Kim André Arnesen visits Denver from his native Norway, as we present the world premieres of five of his works. You will not want to miss it - get your tickets today!

Kevin Gunnerson, President Jason Hindman, Vice President Susan Lewkow, Treasurer Juliane Dowell, Secretary Mark Aquilina Michael Bizzaro

Theresa Derr Brad Jackson Katherine Mulready -----------Sara Michael, Administrative Assistant & Librarian

FEELING ELEVATED? We want to hear about it! Please share your thoughts about today's performance with us at

Facebook.com/Kantorei | @KantoreiDenver | Instagram.com/Kantorei | Youtube.com/Kantorei | Soundcloud.com/KantoreiCO

KANTOREI.ORG/AUDIENCE-FEEDBACK

*Kantorei is a 501(c)(3) organization and any donations to the group are deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Please consult your tax advisor for more information.

ABOUT THE CHOIR

Kantorei (“singers”) formed in 1997 under Richard Larson’s leadership and has expanded into an auditioned, 52-voice ensemble under the direction of Artistic Director Joel M. Rinsema. Its members come from schools with strong choral music programs, such as Augustana, Brigham Young, Concordia, Luther, St. Olaf, Wartburg, and the University of Northern Colorado. Kantorei’s mission is to elevate the human experience through choral excellence.

Kantorei has been featured in several Regional and National conferences, including the 2008 National Performing Arts Convention and the 2010 Southwestern Regional ACDA Convention. In March 2011, Kantorei performed by invitation at its second National ACDA Convention, including a featured performance at Orchestra Hall in Chicago, IL. Larson retired from Kantorei in May 2013, and was subsequently named Artistic Director and Conductor Emeritus. Current Artistic Director Joel M. Rinsema began his tenure with the choir in the 2014-2015 season.

MEET OUR GROUP soprano

alto

tenor

bass

Mary Christ Theresa Derr Juliane Dowell Kimberly Dunninger Beryl Fanslow Wendi Sue Grover Heather Gunnerson Stacie Hanson Jade Howard Sara Michael* Alicia Rigsby Brenda Rolling Pearl Rutherford Christianna Sullins * section leader

Emily Alexander Lindsey Aquilina Jan Ankele Lizabeth Barnett Lyn Berry-Helmlinger Sarah Harrison* Shannon Lemmon-Elrod Melissa Menter Erin Meyerhoff Jennifer Moore Michelle Tombre Andrea Ware

Kai Berry-Helmlinger Landon Covington Keith Ferguson Mason France Matthew Gierke Kevin Gunnerson Keith Harrison Jason Hindman Steve Howie* Justin Kerr Brad Larson Alex Menter Jonathan Von Stroh Ryan Wright

Michael Bizzaro Michael Boender Garth Criswell Jon Gentry Andrew Halladay* Stephen Hooper Brad Jackson Karl Johnson John Ludwig Larry Meerdink Marc Petersen John Schaak Matt Weissenbuehler Nathan Wubbena

MARK YOUR CALENDARS - PASSION WEEK, FEBRUARY 2016

KANTOREI BOARD OF DIRECTORS

MEET COMPOSER-IN-RESIDENCE KIM ANDRÉ ARNESEN!

FEBRUARY 27-28, 2016 - Let the ethereal sounds of music from the Russian Orthodox tradition fill your soul as we feature selections from Maximilian Steinberg’s newly discovered Passion Week. Plus -- Kantorei Composer-in-Residence Kim André Arnesen visits Denver from his native Norway, as we present the world premieres of five of his works. You will not want to miss it - get your tickets today!

Kevin Gunnerson, President Jason Hindman, Vice President Susan Lewkow, Treasurer Juliane Dowell, Secretary Mark Aquilina Michael Bizzaro

Theresa Derr Brad Jackson Katherine Mulready -----------Sara Michael, Administrative Assistant & Librarian

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*Kantorei is a 501(c)(3) organization and any donations to the group are deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Please consult your tax advisor for more information.