2025KANT Sacred Threads Program_final_digital

SATURDAY @ 7:30PM First Plymouth UCC

3501 S Colorado Blvd, Cherry Hills Village

OCTOBER 5, 2025 SUNDAY @ 3:00PM

Wellshire Presbyterian Church 2999 S Colorado Blvd, Denver

SACRED THREADS

Celebrating Palestrina’s 500th & Pärt’s 90th Birthdays

OCTOBER 4, 2025

SACRED THREADS

KANTOREI’S VISION:

To elevate the human experience through choral excellence

Our Mission:

Celebrating Palestrina’s 500th & Pärt’s 90th Birthdays KYRIE

GIOVANNI PIERLUIGI DA PALESTRINA (C. 1525 1594)

GLORIA

Kantorei is an inclusive community of volunteer singers that invites audiences to experience the richness and diversity of the choral art form, joyously executed at the highest standard of musical excellence. We are innovators: we responsibly leverage our resources to commission work by living composers, perform music by underrepresented and emerging artists, encourage future talent through educational engagement, and nurture the choral community.

Our Values:

Seth O'Kegley, incipit

CREDO

Matthew Eschliman, incipit

O HOLY FATHER NICHOLAS (COLORADO PREMIERE)

ARVO PÄRT (B. 1935)

-- INTERMISSION --

SANCTUS/BENEDICTUS/HOSANNA THE DEER’S CRY

PALESTRINA

NUNC DIMITTIS Mo Bailey, soprano

AGNUS DEI II

INCLUSION – We strive to create a singer community where individuals from all backgrounds and experiences can be their best. We celebrate and perform composers that have been underrepresented in the choral tradition alongside those who have historically enjoyed the spotlight. We amplify voices that should be heard, and seek to bring our voices to new places. We connect diverse audiences through the power of music.

PÄRT

JOY – We make music because it brings us joy and we are passionate about sharing that joy with others. Audiences feel our connection to each other and the music; through our work they experience intellectual and emotional expansion. Sharing this joy with each other and our audiences is a privilege.

PALESTRINA

COMMUNITY – We provide an opportunity for singers, artists, students, and audiences from many different backgrounds and identities to share in musical experiences that allow us to transcend the world we live in. Our singers show up for each other, both musically and personally. We are in community with the composers who partner with us. We create nurturing relationships with other choirs so we can collectively thrive. We show young and emerging artists what their musical future can look like.

DA PACEM DOMINE AGNUS DEI I

MUSICAL EXCELLENCE – We maintain the highest possible standards. We hold ourselves and each other accountable for putting in the necessary effort. We take on artistic challenges that many choirs cannot. We provide our audiences with unique musical experiences performed with professionalism, accuracy, passion, and finesse. We are a volunteer choir with world-class aspirations and achievements.

PÄRT

PALESTRINA

INNOVATION – As an organization, we are never stagnant. We feel a responsibility to use our funding to educate, delight, and amaze, which is evident through every aspect of our work: programming, recordings, concerts, and community impact. We move the art form forward by celebrating the full diversity of modern choral composition, and juxtaposing it with treasured work of the traditional canon. Our audiences can feel the musical past resonating with wisdom in the present, and the present reaching back to seek guidance from the past.

Land acknowledgement Kantorei honors and acknowledges the Tséstho’e (Cheyenne), hinono’eino’ biito’owu’ (Arapaho), Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute), and Očhéthi Šakówiŋ (Sioux) Tribes, and all of the original Indigenous peoples of the land upon which we rehearse and perform.

PROGRAM NOTES

Program Notes compiled by Sara Michael

Sacred Polyphony Across Five Centuries MISSA PAPAE MARCELLI GIOVANNI PIERLUIGI DA PALESTRINA (c. 1525-1594) The Missa Papae Marcelli stands as perhaps the most famous mass setting of the Renaissance era, embodying the pinnacle of Catholic polyphonic tradition. Composed around 1562/63, this six-voice mass was dedicated to Pope Marcellus II, who reigned for only three weeks in 1555 but left a lasting impression with his desire for liturgical music that served the text with clarity and devotion. Legend holds that this mass saved polyphony from prohibition by the Council of Trent, though modern scholarship suggests this story may not be entirely true.

What remains undeniable is Palestrina's masterful balance of musical sophistication with textual intelligibility. The work demonstrates his ability to weave multiple vocal lines into a seamless tapestry while ensuring that the sacred words remain comprehensible to worshippers.

The mass follows the traditional five-movement structure: Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus (including Benedictus), and Agnus Dei, though the Agnus Dei includes a separate second part (Agnus II). The work is freely composed, not based upon a cantus firmus, paraphrase, or parody, allowing Palestrina complete creative freedom in his approach to the text.

The Kyrie establishes the work's contemplative character through overlapping vocal entries that create a sense of continuous prayer. The Kyrie represents the highest achievement of Palestrina's serene, flowing, spiritually elevated style, with each individual vocal line maintaining independence while contributing to the whole.

The Gloria and Credo demonstrate Palestrina's sensitivity to textual demands. These movements feature textual declamations performed in homophony by three or more voices, with Palestrina creating interest by varying the vocal pairings and adding passing tones. The Credo shows particular musical diversity, divided into four distinct sections: the opening affirmation, Christ's incarnation, his crucifixion and resurrection, and the core Catholic beliefs.

The Sanctus and Benedictus create moments of transcendent beauty, with the "Hosanna" sections bursting forth in joyful polyphony. These movements represent quintessential Palestrina, achieving spiritual elevation through purely musical means.

The Agnus Dei movements provide a fitting conclusion, with the first Agnus offering supplication and the second (Agnus II) building to the final "dona nobis pacem" (grant us peace) in a gesture of ultimate surrender and hope.

FIVE SACRED WORKS BY ARVO PÄRT (b. 1935) Estonian composer Arvo Pärt represents one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary sacred music. After experimenting with serialism and collage techniques in his early career, Pärt underwent a profound creative transformation in the mid-1970s, emerging with what he termed his "tintinnabuli" style—a compositional technique inspired by the resonance of bells.

This program’s selection of five works spans nearly three decades of Pärt's mature output, showcasing the evolution and consistency of his unique musical language.

O Holy Father Nicholas (2021) carries extraordinary historical and spiritual significance. This work was composed to celebrate the reopening of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, which was completely destroyed on September 11, 2001. The piece received its world premiere on October 31 and November 1, 2021, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, performed by the Artefact Ensemble under the direction of Benedict Sheehan. The premiere setting itself was deeply symbolic: the ancient Temple of Dendur at the Metropolitan Museum provided a sacred space where this new work honoring Saint Nicholas could resonate. The choice of venue connected ancient spiritual traditions with contemporary remembrance and renewal. The work demonstrates Pärt's ability to create profound spirituality through the simplest means, channeling both grief and hope into music that serves as both memorial and celebration of resilience.

The Deer's Cry (2007) sets an ancient Irish prayer attributed to Saint Patrick, though modern scholarship suggests it dates to the early 8th century rather than Patrick's own time. According to tradition, St. Patrick wrote it in c. 433 A.D. for divine protection before successfully converting the Irish King Leoghaire and his subjects from paganism to Christianity. The prayer's evocative title comes from a remarkable legend: Saint Patrick, knowing that he and his accompanying monks were about to be ambushed and likely killed, led his men through the woods reciting that prayer. It is said to have turned St. Patrick and his followers into deer when they were being pursued by the king's men early one morning, thus allowing them to escape unharmed. Also known as "Saint Patrick's Breastplate" or

"Lorica" (meaning armor or breastplate), this prayer for protection invokes all the power of God as a safeguard against evil in its many forms. The text represents a fascinating fusion of pre-Christian Celtic spirituality with Christian theology, calling upon the Trinity while also invoking the protective power of angels, creation, and the elements. Pärt's setting captures both the prayer's humble supplication and its confident assertion of divine protection through carefully constructed harmonic progressions that seem to emerge from silence and return to it, mirroring the mystical transformation at the heart of the legend.

Da Pacem Domine (2004) carries profound historical weight and represents one of Pärt's most emotionally charged compositions. The work was commissioned by the renowned early music specialist Jordi Savall for a peace concert in Barcelona on July 1, 2004. However, its composition became deeply personal when Pärt began setting this ninth-century Gregorian antiphon just two days after the Madrid train bombings on March 11, 2004, as his tribute to the victims of that terrorist attack. The text takes on urgent contemporary relevance in Pärt's hands. This ancient prayer for divine protection becomes a plea born from modern tragedy, demonstrating how sacred music can respond to contemporary suffering while drawing on timeless sources of comfort. Since its premiere, Da Pacem Domine has been performed annually in Spain to commemorate the victims of the March 11 attacks, establishing it as both a work of art and a ritual of remembrance. The composition demonstrates Pärt's remarkable ability to channel collective grief into music that offers both lament and hope. The work moves through various textures and dynamics while maintaining an underlying sense of hope and supplication, showing how Pärt's seemingly simple style can carry profound emotional weight and serve as a bridge between ancient prayer and modern experience.

Nunc Dimittis (2001) stands as one of Pärt’s most sublime explorations of sacred text through his distinctive tintinnabuli technique. Setting the ancient Latin canticle from the Gospel of Luke—Simeon's words upon seeing the infant Jesus—Pärt creates a work of extraordinary spiritual intimacy and architectural precision. The composition unfolds with characteristic restraint, weaving melodic lines that seem to breathe with the rhythm of prayer itself, while the underlying harmonic structure reflects his mathematical approach to musical construction.

Like much of Pärt's sacred choral music, the "Nunc Dimittis" achieves a paradoxical effect: through the most minimal means—simple melodic gestures, carefully controlled dissonance, and crystalline textures—it evokes a sense of the infinite. The work exemplifies how Pärt's post-Soviet compositional voice found profound expression in ancient liturgical texts, creating music that feels both timeless and unmistakably contemporary, speaking to listeners regardless of their religious background through its pure, contemplative beauty.

Musical Bridges Across Time Though separated by over four centuries, Palestrina and Pärt share remarkable common ground in their approach to sacred music. Both composers understand that the most profound spiritual expression often emerges from apparent simplicity rather than complexity. Both demonstrate extraordinary sensitivity to text, allowing words to shape musical gesture in fundamental ways.

Where Palestrina achieved transparency through masterful counterpoint, Pärt finds clarity through radical reduction.

Where Renaissance polyphony creates space through the interweaving of multiple equal voices, Pärt's tintinnabuli technique creates space through the resonant relationship between melody and harmony. Both composers understand that sacred music serves something greater than itself, and both have created works that seem to exist beyond the boundaries of their respective eras.

This program invites us to experience how two very different musical languages can serve the same eternal human need for connection with the divine, demonstrating that great sacred music transcends both time and style to touch something universal in the human spirit.

Joel led Kantorei in performances at the 2019 National Convention of the American Choral Directors Association, and has prepared Kantorei as the primary chorus for the Aspen Music Festival, with Maestro Robert Spano conducting, in the summers of 22021, 2022, and 2025. More recently, he conducted Kantorei along with the Canadian Brass in December of 2022, and commissioned and prepared Kantorei for the world premiere of the string orchestra version of Eric Whitacre’s The Sacred Veil, conducted by the composer, and guest conducted The Sacred Veil with the Washington (DC) Choral Arts Society in May of 2023.

A passionate advocate for the professional choral art form, Joel frequently consults with choral arts organizations around the country. Because of his leadership in his field, he received the Louis Botto Award for “Innovative Action and Entrepreneurial Zeal” from Chorus America, the industry’s advocacy, research, and leadership development organization for choruses, choral leaders, and singers.

Photo courtesy of Daniel Herman

JOEL M. RINSEMA Artistic Director

Joel M. Rinsema joined Kantorei (Denver, Colorado USA) in 2014, becoming the second conductor in its history. During his tenure, Kantorei has experienced tremendous audience growth, nearly tripled its budget, and launched an ambitious recording strategy. A frequent collaborator and champion of new works for chorus, Joel has commissioned and premiered works by many of today’s leading composers, including Kim André Arnesen, Mason Bates, René Clausen, Jean Belmont Ford, Ola Gjeilo, Jocelyn Hagen, Mark Hayes, Cecilia McDowall, Sarah Quartel, Jake Runestad, Christopher Tin, and Eric Whitacre.

In the summer of 2022, Joel conducted the Central American premiere of Jake Runestad’s El Último Hilo (The Last Thread) in Guatemala City and Antigua, Guatemala with Kantorei and the Guatemalan choir Vocalis. He returned in May of 2023 to conduct Eric Whitacre’s The Sacred Veil and serves as Artistic Advisor and Principal Guest Conductor of Vocalis.

Under Joel’s direction, Kantorei has released two recordings on the Naxos label. Sing, Wearing the Sky: Choral Music of Jake Runestad (2020) was the #3 best-selling classical album on iTunes, reached #4 on the Traditional Classical Billboard Charts, and was in the top ten in both the best-selling classical album and new classical release categories on Amazon.

Infinity: Choral Works of Kim André Arnesen (2018) climbed to the #2 best-selling classical album on iTunes, #6 on the Traditional Classical Billboard Charts, and #19 on the overall Classical Billboard charts. The release of the third recording, Song Offerings: Choral Music of Christopher Tin, is anticipated in November 2025, this time on the Decca Gold label.

Santa Barbara Music Publishing Inc., publishes the Joel Rinsema / Kantorei Choral series.

Joel is an accomplished conductor of major works for choir and orchestra and was one of eighteen conductors chosen nationally through audition to participate in master classes and workshops presented by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association and Chorus America. As a tenor soloist, Joel performed across the United States as well as in Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic.

Joel also serves as Director of Music and Technology in Worship at First Plymouth Congregational Church in Cherry Hills Village, Colorado. He was also the North American Choral Promotion Manager for Oxford University Press based in Oxford, England from 2017 to 2020, a tenure during which he worked closely with and represented roster composers John Rutter, Mack Wilberg, Bob Chilcott, Sarah Quartel, Cecilia McDowall, Gabriel Jackson, and Will Todd among others. He holds music degrees from Arizona State University and Whitworth University and is a member of the Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (Grammys), and the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA).

Joel came to Kantorei from the Grammy Award-winning Phoenix Chorale. Throughout his 23-year tenure with the Phoenix Chorale, he served in nearly every capacity with the organization, including his last 15 years as President & CEO and Assistant Conductor. He negotiated an ongoing recording contract with the prestigious U.K.-based Chandos Records, and Phoenix Chorale recordings received a total of eight Grammy nominations and two Grammy awards during his tenure. Joel appears on all Phoenix Chorale recordings and was a soloist on the Grammy Award-winning “Spotless Rose: Hymn to the Virgin Mary.” In addition to his work with the Phoenix Chorale, Joel served as the Director of Music at Church of the Beatitudes United Church of Christ in Phoenix for 15 years, and he was the founding chorus master of the Arizona Musicfest Chorus.

He and his wife Sarah Branton (Choir Director at Cherry Creek High School) and stepson Simon Harrison live in Highlands Ranch, Colorado along with their miniature Dachshund Lucia.

They enjoy all that Colorado has to offer outdoors, including camping, fishing, golfing, and snow skiing.

Kantorei is a Denver-based, choral ensemble comprised of volunteer singers under the direction of Artistic Director Joel M. Rinsema.

Formed in 1997 under the leadership of six friends and artistic director Richard Larson, Kantorei has established itself as one of the nation’s premier choral ensembles.

Our choral artists have studied at schools with strong music programs across the United States such as Indiana University, St. Olaf College, Wartburg College, Concordia College, Luther College and Westminster Choir College.

Kantorei’s singers reside throughout the greater Denver area. Some serve as choral music educators, church choir conductors, and vocal instructors. Others are doctors, social workers, optometrists, counselors, clinical psychologists, accountants, realtors – all brought together in weekly rehearsals for shared artistic excellence and community.

Kantorei has performed for major choral conventions across the U.S. and with The Aspen Music Festival, toured the world, and has commissioned and premiered new choral works from such renowned composers as Kim André Arnesen, Eric William Barnum, Abbie Betinis, René Clausen, Ola Gjeilo, Jocelyn Hagen, Sarah Quartel, Jake Runestad, Joshua Shank, Christopher Tin, and Eric Whitacre.

In the summer of 2022, Kantorei performed the Central American premiere of Jake Runestad’s “El Último Hilo” in Guatemala City and Antigua, Guatemala, along with Guatemalan choir Vocalis.

Kantorei has released two recordings on the Naxos label.

“Sing, Wearing the Sky” (2020) choral music of Jake Runestad reached the #3 best-selling classical album on iTunes, #4 on the Traditional Classical Billboard Charts, and the top ten in both the best-selling classical album and new classical release categories on Amazon.

“Infinity: Choral Works of Kim André Arnesen” (2018) climbed to the #2 best-selling classical album on iTunes, #6 on the Traditional Classical Billboard Charts and #19 on the overall Classical Billboard charts. Santa Barbara Music Publishing Inc. publishes the Kantorei Choral series. In January 2025, Kantorei once again joined forces with Grammy-winning producers Soundmirror to record choral works of Grammy-winning composer Christopher Tin, to be released on November 7, 2025 on the Decca Gold label.

Kantorei’s vision is “to elevate the human experience through choral excellence.”

“Thank you for the joy you have brought into my life.”

“I've been smiling all day long. I'm so glad I got to experience the beauty of Kantorei's performance. It was truly heartwarming.”

SPECIAL THANKS

THE CHOIR SOPRANO

ALTO

TENOR

BASS

Mo Bailey Victoria Bailey Melissa Clouzet Riley Jayne Gallivan Christina Graham Heather Gunnerson Stacie Hanson * Emma Hartmann Shannon Lemmon-Elrod Sara Michael * Leah Porter Tracy Martina Richardson Alicia Rigsby ◊ Becca Schjodt Christianna Sullins Betsy Thurley

Safia Ahmed Emily Alexander Lindsey Aquilina Lyn Berry-Helmlinger Sarah Branton * Desiree Deliz-Morales Erin Greenfield Chelsea Kendall Madison Martindale Tegan Masoero-Palmer Melissa Menter Erin Meyerhoff Jennifer Moore Allison Pasternak * Kaleigh Sutula Jane Wright

Kai Berry-Helmlinger * Ben Corwyn Joshua Corwyn Matthew Eschliman Mason France Keith Harrison Bryce Kennedy Severin Lier Samuel Low Alex Menter Chad Nelsen Seth O'Kegley * Ethan Rossi Jonathan Von Stroh John Wright

John Bartley Michael Bizzaro * Michael Boender Adam Cave Garth Criswell Scott Horowitz Brad Larson Bryan Lastrella John Ludwig Max McKee John Schaak Kirk Schjodt * Griffin Sutherland Matt Weissenbuehler

* Section leader ◊ Collaborative Pianist

STAFF MEMBERS Courtney Huffman

Joel M. Rinsema

Sarah Branton

Richard Larson

Sara Michael

Alicia Rigsby

Executive Director

Artistic Director

Assistant Conductor

Artistic Director & Conductor Emeritus

Business Manager

Accompanist, Collaborative Pianist

Ximena Wheeler House Manager

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Josh Corwyn

Desiree Deliz-Morales

John Bartley

Melissa Menter

President

Treasurer

Vice President

Secretary

MEMBERS AT LARGE Emily Alexander Mark Aquilina

Judy Bloomberg Schenkein Matthew Eschliman

Scott Horowitz

Daniel Paredes

TO OUR SEASON MEMBERS!

Margrit Benton & Mark Nelson Philip Besancon Robert Blauvelt & Michael Corrigan Leslie & Erin Britton Rebecca Caldwell Nancy Calkins Tom Carlock & Richard Schirrmacher William & Lisa Chumley Susan Clasen Kaye Edwards Paul & Debbie Edwards Sharon Erlacher Paul & Dedra Eschliman Sara Fischer & John T. Cannon Pamela Grange Patricia Gunckel David & Mary Hammond Lynn Hardcastle Marjorie Hofer Susan Lewkow Terri Link Pamela Mahonchak Chris & Liz Mascitelli Suzanne McPherson Lise Nelson & Nancy Walker Peggy O'Connell Michelle Oliveira Valorie Ottenbreit Mark & Linda Pasternak Ruth Peterson Sydney Purfield & Jackie Morales Sue Seiler Shelly Smith Kathryn Stewart Theresa Wallace Justin Whitley Jennifer Allen & Katherine Justus Daniel Belonick Judy Bloomberg-Schenkein & Ed Schenkein Jim & Joanie Calhoun David Carlson & Bonnie Carlson James & Jean Clark Edwin Deliz Rivera Dwayne Dickerson Pete & Elizabeth Duke Burna & David Dunn Beverly & Bruce Fest Eleanor Finlay Judy Fredericksen Carol Greenwald Even Griffiths Jennifer Heglin Doug Horst Ian Hoyman Carolyn & Lanny Hunter Carol Lanaghen Jack & Jean Lindsey Ann Ludwig Boyd Mauldin, Alysia Gallagher, & Justin Mauldin Barbara McLenon Elaine Menter Fred Pittroff J Scott & Jenifer Pusey Ann Rosewall & Steve Slotter Carol Ruckel Sarah Schenkein Barbara Stone Chris & Tim Sullivan S Patrice Von Stroh Clara Winter Carol Wood & Kelley Southerland

TEXT & TRANSLATIONS Kyrie

Lord have mercy Christ have mercy Lord have mercy

who takes away the sins of the world, receive our prayer; who is seated at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us.

For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, With the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father.

Amen.

Gloria

Credo

Et in terra pax hominibus bonæ voluntatis.

Laudamus te, benedicimus te, adoramus te, glorificamus te.

Gratias agimus tibi propter magnam gloriam tuam.

Domine Deus, Rex cœlestis.

Deus Pater omnipotens.

Domine Fili unigenite, Jesu Christe.

Domine Deus, Agnus Dei, Fílius Patris.

Qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis; qui tollis peccata mundi, suscipe deprecationem nostrum; qui sedes ad dexteram Patris, miserere nobis.

Quoniam tu solus Sanctus, tu solus Dominus, tu solus Altissimus, Jesu Christe.

Cum Sancto Spíritu, in gloria Dei Patris.

Amen.

Patrem omnipotentem, factorem cœli et terrae, visibilium omnium et invisibilium, Et in unum Dominum Jesum Christum, Filium Dei unigenitum, et ex Patre natum, ante omnia saecula, Deum de Deo, lumen de Lumine, Deum verum de Deo vero, genitum, non factum, consubstantialem Patri: per quem omnia facta sunt.

Qui propter nos homines et propter nostram salutem descendit de cœlis.

Et incarnatus est de Spiritu Sancto ex Maria Virgine, et homo factus est.

Crucifixus etiam pro nobis sub Pontio Pilato; passus et sepultus est, et resurrexit tertia die, secundum Scripturas, et ascendit in cœlum, sedet ad dexteram Patris.

Et iterum venturus est cum gloria, judicare vivos et mortuos, cujus regni non erit finis.

Et in Spiritum Sanctum, Dominum et vivificantem: qui ex Patre Filioque procedit.

Qui cum Patre et Filio simul adoratur et conglorificatur: qui locutus est per prophetas.

Et unam, sanctam, catholicam et apostolicam Ecclesiam.

Ordinary mass Kyrie eleison Christe eleison Kyrie eleison

Ordinary mass

BEQUESTS Making a gift to Kantorei through your will or estate is a beautiful way to create a lasting legacy and to ensure that our music and our mission will live on well into the future.

A bequest is generally a revocable gift, which means it can be changed or modified at any time. You can choose to designate that a bequest be used for a general or specific purpose so you have the peace of mind knowing that your gift will be used as intended. Bequests are exempt from federal estate taxes. If you have a taxable estate, the estate tax charitable deduction may offset or eliminate estate taxes, resulting in a larger inheritance for your heirs.

For questions, or to request a Bequest Intention Form, please contact Courtney Huffman, Executive Director, courtney@kantorei.org.

LEGACY SOCIETY Lynn Hardcastle

Joel Rinsema

Bryce Kennedy & Josh Larson

Judd & Linda Rinsema

John Ludwig

Terry Schlenker

Alicia Rigsby

Andrea Ware-Medina

And on earth peace to people of good will.

We praise you, we bless you, we adore you, we glorify you.

We give you thanks for your great glory.

Lord God, heavenly King, O God almighty Father.

Lord Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son, Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of The Father, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us;

Ordinary mass

TEXT & TRANSLATIONS Confiteor unum baptisma in remissionem peccatorum.

Et expecto resurrectionem mortuorum, et vitam venturi saeculi. Amen.

The Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.

I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages.

God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through him all things were made.

For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.

He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets.

I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.

I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.

O Holy Father Nicholas

The Deer’s Cry

Agnus Dei I

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Amen. Amen.

Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ in me, Christ when I arise, Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me, Christ in every eye that sees me, Christ in every ear that hears me.

Christ with me.

Agnus Dei, Qui tollis peccata mundi: miserere nobis.

From the Orthodox Prayer-Book

A rule of faith and a model of meekness, a teacher of abstinence hath the reality shewn thee unto thy flock; therewithal hast thou acquired: by humility – greatness, by poverty – riches; O Father hierarch Nicholas, intercede before Christ the God that our souls may be saved.

O Holy Saint Nicholas, Pray unto God for us.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now, and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Sanctus/Benedictus/Hosanna Ordinary mass

Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus Dominus Deus Sabaoth.

Pleni sunt cœli et terra gloria tua.

Hosanna in excelsis.

Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini.

Hosanna in excelsis.

Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of hosts.

Heaven and earth are full of your glory.

Hosanna in the highest.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Hosanna in the highest.

The Lorica of St. Patrick

Da Pacem Domine

Antiphon circa 6th or 7th century, from II Kings 20:19; II Chronicles 20:12, 15; & Psalms 122:6 Da pacem Domine in diebus nostris quia non est alius qui pugnet pro nobis nisi tu Deus noster.

Give peace, O Lord, in our time because there is no one else who will fight for us if not You, our God.

Ordinary mass

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

Nunc Dimittis Luke 2:29-32

Nunc dimittis servum tuum, Domine, secundum verbum tuum in pace, quia viderunt oculi mei salutare tuum, quod parasti ante faciem omnium populorum, lumen ad revelationem gentium et gloriam plebis tuae Israel.

Lord, now lettest thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast preparest before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

Agnus Dei II Ordinary mass

Agnus Dei, Qui tollis peccata mundi: dona nobis pacem.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, grant us peace.

DONORS

Donors who contributed $100 or more between September 1, 2024 and August 31, 2025 are recognized in this progam * Singers ^ Board & Staff ~ Volunteers

DIAMOND BATON $50,000 - $99,000

S Patrice Von Stroh Jennifer & Jonathan* Von Stroh Theresa Wallace ARIA $500 - $999

Keith* & Sue Ferguson SCFD - Arapahoe County SCFD - Denver County GOLD BATON $15,000 - $24,999 Olson-Vander Heyden Foundation SILVER BATON $10,000 - $14,999

EVERY NOTE WE SING EVERY NOTE NOTE WE SING EVERY SING

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Make aaone-time one-timegift gift Make Make a one-time gift

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Linda & Randall Chilcote Lynn Hardcastle Bryce Kennedy* & Joshua Larson BRONZE BATON $7,500 - $9,999 Lindsey* & Mark^ Aquilina SCFD - Adams County DIRECTOR'S CIRCLE $5,000 - $7,499 Judy Fredericksen Pamela Mahonchak Joel Rinsema^ & Sarah Branton*^ Virginia Hill Foundation VIRTUOSO'S CIRCLE $2,500 - $4,999 Michael* & Donna Boender Susan Lewkow~ Lindsey Family Charitable Fund Alex* & Melissa*^ Menter Ann Rosewall & Steve Slotter Jane* & John* Wright SOLOIST'S CIRCLE $1,000 - $2,499 William Blyth Leslie & Eric Britton James & Jean Clark Garth Criswell* & Mark Kraft Dwayne Dickerson Matthew Eschliman*^ & Tessa Powell Heather* & Kevin Gunnerson C. Stephen & Gracie Hooper Brad Jackson & Mark Jennison David Jory King Soopers Community Rewards John Ludwig* David~ & Jennifer* Moore Osaic Foundation U.S. Bank Foundation Vanguard Charitable

John Bartley*^ Kai* & Lyn* Berry-Helmlinger Judy Bloomberg Schenkein^~ & Ed Schenkein Beatriz Bonnet Constance Branton Rebecca Caldwell Colorado Gives Foundation Landon Covington & Jason Hindman Marilyn Dana Desiree Deliz Morales*^ Elizabeth Duke Deb & Don Felio Beverly & Bruce Fest Peter Fogg Nancy Gallivan Elaine & Michael Gardner Gary Philanthropy Google Patricia Gunckel Annette & Jim Gunnerson Jason & Stacie* Hanson Marjorie & Preston Hofer Alan & Shirley Horowitz Gordon & Liz Anne Johnson Chelsea Kendall* & Andrew Quinlan Marcia Jory & Ray Kennedy Brad Larson* Roberta Larson Mark Leichthammer Samuel Low* Ann Ludwig Elaine Menter Mary Rollar John Schaak* Terry Schlenker Chris & Keri Sexton Lois Siegel~ Keith Small Donald Branton & David Smith Barbara & Erik Stone Cynthia & David Susser Christina Von Stroh Andrea & Patrick Ware-Medina Joan Winstein CANTATA $200 - $499 Margaret Aarestad Safia Ahmed* Western Union Jennifer Allen

Jason Anderson John Artley Nancy Atkinson Brenda Bailey-Hainer & Eugene Hainer Lizabeth Barnett & Brian Porzel Brian & Elizabeth Bauer Jill & Robin Beemer Boyd & Sharon Berry Gordon & Terry Bloomberg Kathy Bollhoefer Paul Boulis Judy Bowman Jim & Joanie Calhoun Sara Fischer & John Cannon Tom Carlock & Richard Schirrmacher Justin Cave Matthew Church Kate Criswell Leslie Eber Randi Ellefson Scott Elrod~ & Shannon* Lemmon-Elrod Don & Lil Filegar Marilyn & Wilbur Flachman Mary Beth & Roger France Richard & Mary Gallivan Ann Gallivan Paul Gilbertson Larry Graham Christina Graham* Pamela & James Grange Ankush Gupta Keith Harrison* Scott Horowitz*^ & Leah Weinberg Debora Jerome Geoffrey Johnson Edi King Brett & Tami Krichiver Anker Lerret Albert & Terri Link Mary Luellen Betsy & Tad Lyle Eric & Sharon Martin Eric Matthys Carol & Jerry Mayer Eide Bailly LLP Erin Meyerhoff* Sara Michael*^ Denver Municipal Band Reuben N Donald & Sharron Neufeld Elizabeth & Theodore Obenchain Allison* & Timothy Pasternak William Peck Erin Pettitt Judd & Linda Rinsema Michael Rogers Pearl & David Rutherford Trysten Schlottmann

Thank you to ALL of our donors! While we can’t name everyone individually, please know that your generous contributions mean the world to us. We truly appreciate your support!

DONORS Lisa Schrader Dean Schramm Terri Schwartz Paul & Cass Seely Tony Silvestri Shelly Smith Kelley Southerland Noble Spencer Jayne Sullivan Teresa Bacon & Peter Sutherland Karen Sutherland Christopher Tin Julia Toll Sherry & Stephen Treat Marjory Ulm Stephen Van Hooser Vicki Vande Voort Deborah & Larry Weinberg Matt* & Annell Weissenbuehler Pam & Stan Whitaker John Wilson Austin Wintory Karen & Scott Yarberry OPERETTA $100 - $199 Diana Aberchah John & Priscilla Adams Paul Adams Emily*^ & Zach Alexander James & Laurie Alexander Emily Anderson Georgia & Jorge Arribau David & Lori Bailey Norm Barber Carol Bartley & Meredith Peters Dianne Betkowski Carly & Jordan Black Robert Blauvelt & Michael Corrigan Melissa Borkosky Christy Boyle Ken Brewster Adam Bruttell George Chrest Carl Burgchardt Sharon Butz Craig Campbell Adam* & Emily Cave Ted & Elizabeth Cave Lisa & William Chumley Linda Coombe Benjamin* & Joshua*^ Corwyn Brian Crooks John Culshaw and Michael Marucs Chris Dearden Lee Dehmlow Edwin Deliz Rivera & Nancy Morales Linda Dey~ Steve & Vicki Doty David Doty Lisa Dudek Julie Durst Kristin Eck Mary Kaye Edwards Don Eisenberg

Donors who contributed $100 or more between September 1, 2024 and August 31, 2025 are recognized in this progam * Singers ^ Board & Staff ~ Volunteers Marilyn Elrod Laura Epstein Scully Debra & Paul Eschliman Steve Eschliman Robert & Ruth Fanslow Byron Ferguson Joan Finnegan Karen & William Fisher Lani & Richard Fletcher Mason France* Karen & Bill Gallivan Craig & Cynthia Garrett Barbara Garson Kristin Gildersleeve Mary Gill Diane Goodwin Michael Greenfield Carol Greenwald Nancy Gregory Kaycie Grigel Tim Gulsrud Lisa Gumerman Gurr Family Charitable Fund Carol Hainsey Andrew & Rachel Halladay Carolyn & Vaughn Hanson Mark Hardcastle George Haskins Suzanne & Will Helmlinger Wil Henderson Daniel Herman Edward Holloway Brent & Connie Holtzen Antoinette Hubbard Courtney Huffman^ Lara Lee Hullinghorst Allan Hurst Lisa Hutchings Patrick Hynes Winston Ian Lucretia Jackson Kelly Jarmuzek Katherine Johnson Shelley & Dan Kauffman Traci & Steve Kegley Greg & Rebecca Kendall Tyler Kendall Bill Kisselburgh Nancy Knoll Kelli Kubala Karen & Tom Lafferty Dick & Judy Larson Lori & Paul Lastrella Allen Lintvedt Curtis Lintvedt Dennis~ & Nancy~ Lintvedt Matt Lintvedt Dean & Sara Lund William Martinez Anthony Martini Laura McCleary Roberta McGann Elle & Tim McMahon Lisa Medina Brenda & Mark Mehos Paul Meissner

Pat Moore Kent Mueller Kayla Munoz Ruth Neil Chad Nelsen* & Sara Swenson Denise Nelsen Nancy Calkins & Lise Nelson Sarah Noyes Ladean Nuanes Michelle Oliveira Jason & Lexie Orvin D R & Katie Palmer Jo Alyson Parker Linda & Mark Pasternak Roberta Pepper Marc Petersen & Nathaniel Hess Mike & Patricia Petraglia Leah Porter Tracy* Sydney Purfield Cindy & George Quinlan Kate Raabe Philip Read Equinix, Inc. James & Martina* Richardson Margaret Richardson Alicia*^ & David Rigsby Rick & Jan Rodabaugh Jerry Roemer Giovanna Romero Jake Runestad Vicki Sakata Jo-Michael & Mary Scheibe Becca* & Kirk* Schjodt Lynne Scholfield Paula Schriefer Roger Kleckner & Lynn Selby John & Mary Shark Debbie Smith Austen & Christina Smith Susanne Smith David Spear Mike Spencer Susan Spencer Melvin D Stolzenburg Christianna* & Jeff Sullins Tim & Chris Sullivan Lynn & Steve Sutherland Mary Sutula Marleen Swanson Judi Thomas Mom & Dad Tracy Tom Trenney James Vardas Nicole Versaw Janice Vlachos Robert & Jill von Trebra Laura Waligorski Tom Walsh Lynn Wearden Tom Westbrook Edwin & Kathleen Whitney Bruce & Julien Wiley EOG Resources, Inc. Mark Winemiller Karen Witt Tammy Wright

In Memoriam and Honorarium Kelli & Steven Chan, in honor of Jennifer Moore Marilyn Elrod, in honor of Shannon Lemmon-Elrod Judy Fredericksen, in honor of Alex & Melissa Menter Elaine & Michael Gardner, in honor of Alicia Rigsby Annette & Jim Gunnerson, in honor of Kevin & Heather Gunnerson Roberta Larson, in honor of Bryce Kennedy Basil LeBlanc, in honor of Brad Larson Donald & Sharron Neufeld, in honor of Judy Fredericksen Roberta Pepper, in honor of Ximena Wheeler

Jerry Roemer, in honor of John Ludwig Jennifer Von Stroh, in honor of Jonathan Von Stroh S Patrice Von Stroh, in honor of Jonathan Von Stroh Nancy Atkinson, in memory of Ken Atkinson Carol Greenwald, in memory of Jim Thornton Andrew & Rachel Halladay, in memory of Alison Roman Arlen & Lola Hershberger, in memory of Grace Martin Eric & Sharon Martin, in memory of Grace Martin Michael Clohesy & Oliver Scofield, in memory of Gede Sukertia Tom Scofield, in memory of Grace Martin Paula Wenger, in memory of Karen Oldfield

In Kind

Elevate Classroom Grant

Kai Berry-Helmlinger Cherry Creek High School Joshua Corwyn First Plymouth UCC Susan Lewkow Metropolitan State University of Denver John Schaak

John & Priscilla Adams Georgia & Jorge Arribau Robert Blauvelt & Michael Corrigan Elizabeth Duke Leslie Eber Barbara Garson Kaycie Grigel Lisa Hutchings Gordon & Liz Anne Johnson Pamela Mahonchak Tegan Masoero-Palmer Erin Meyerhoff Shelly Smith Judi Thomas Sherry & Stephen Treat Mark Winemiller

Alison N. Roman Memorial Scholarship William Blyth Grace Bowen Linda & Randall Chilcote Dr. Judy Bloomberg Schenkein Karen Sutherland

Jory Education Fund David Jory Bryce Kennedy & Joshua Larson

“Kantorei is an outstanding choir…excellent ensemble balance, fine intonation and musical expression…high level of energy.”

– Bruce McCollum, MusicWeb International, January 2021 (Read the full review here) "...Always engaging and colorful...sung with depth and conviction by Kantorei."

- Karl W. Nehring, Classical Candor, December 2020 (Read the full review here) “…one of the most incredible and spine-tingling concerts that I have heard in a long time. Looking forward to the rest of the season.”

SONG OFFERINGS ALBUM RELEASE NOV 7TH

DENVER’S HOME MARKET IS MOVING! ARE YOU? Garth was a pleasure to work with when we bought our first home in Denver more than five years ago, and was the natural choice when the time came to sell that home and buy again. His knowledge of the Denver metro area, experiences, professionalism, and responsiveness made him a real pleasure to work with during our last three real estate transactions.

-Matt & Crystal L. ~Parker

Garth Criswell 303.669.0252 garth.criswell@coloradohomes.com garthcriswell.com

TWO-TIME GRAMMY AWARDWINNING COMPOSER CHRISTOPHER TIN

FEATURING KANTOREI AND JOEL RINSEMA

AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE, WHEREVER YOU BUY AND STREAM MUSIC

MARK YOUR CALENDARS KANTOREI 2025-26 CONCERT SEASON

DECEMBER 5: A WINTER’S NIGHT FRIDAY: Bethany Lutheran Church

DECEMBER 6, 7, 19-21: SILENT NIGHTS SATURDAY 12/6: First Plymouth UCC SUNDAY 12/7: Parsons Theatre FRIDAY 12/19: Saint John’s Episcopal Cathedral SATURDAY, 12/20: Augustana Lutheran Church Sunday: 12/21: Wellshire Presbyterian Church

FEBRUARY 28 & MARCH 1: SEASONS IN SONG SATURDAY, 2/28: First Plymouth UCC SUNDAY, 3/1: Wellshire Presbyterian Church

MAY 16 & 17: VOCES DEL SUR

SATURDAY, 5/17: First Plymouth UCC SUNDAY, 5/18: Wellshire Presbyterian Church

MAY 30: COLORADO NEW MUSIC FESTIVAL SATURDAY, 5/30: Central Presbyterian Church

DETAILS AND TICKETS AT WWW.KANTOREI.ORG

Kantorei would like to thank our sponsors for your generous and ongoing support!