Cantala
Conductor: Phillip A. Swan
Audition required, five performances a year
Cantala is an advanced, select SSAA ensemble whose fields of study represent not only music, but the broad diversity in a liberal arts education. Founded in the fall of 2000, the choir performs a wide range of unique and challenging literature that includes treble voice traditional, world, folk, and contemporary works, and is proud to perform and record new compositions by established and emerging composers from around the world (75+ works since 2002). Cantala’s excellence has been recognized regionally and nationally with invited performances at one state, four regional, and two national conferences of the American Choral Directors Association.
About the name:
In the fall of 2006, the LU Women’s Choir officially changed its name to Cantala. Over the course of several years, a choir retreat story tradition was established. “Fireside chat with Dr. Swan” involves a discussion about the five principles we can learn about leadership and community from geese. These principles have become a cornerstone for the ensemble. Consequently, in searching for a unique and appropriate name, we wanted to somehow involve the geese. In 2006, our choir president, Heidi (Jastram) Crossley, and her father “invented” a Latin name for the group. Cantala is actually the merging of two Latin words; “Cant” is the Latin root for “to sing” and “ala” translates as “wings.” The intended meaning is: “on wings of song.” The suggestion was an immediate hit and soon adopted as the official name of the ensemble.
Concert Choir is a highly advanced mixed voice (soprano, alto, tenor, bass) ensemble that provides training for the aspiring professional singer. Experience a rich array of repertoire, performing both traditional and contemporary secular and sacred choral literature to the highest standards. This award-winning ensemble is regularly invited to perform at prestigious conferences and events including the American Choral Directors Association meeting.
Spark the joy of ensemble singing! All students with an interest in singing are invited to participate in Viking Chorale, no experience or audition required. Sing in all major campus concerts and perform in the multi-ensemble oratorio that takes place each year. A balanced rehearsal schedule helps you manage your academic demands while preparing you to perform at a high artistic level. Discover a supportive, fun, and community-focused ensemble experience as you sing a wide variety of repertoire from choral classics to contemporary masterworks.
A musical life awaits. Take the next steps by applying and auditioning.
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