I’m very excited to share news of an upcoming event that involves my friend and running buddy Monica Nilsson, who happens to work at St Stephen’s Human Services. The show opened last night and will be presented around the Cities over the next week. It’s a nice way to help people connect home with homelessness – because sometimes it’s not just about the walls it’s about the security and the sense of self.
You can get a sneak preview of the concert (and Monica) from the WCCO clip below…
And more info from the press release…
Cantus Addresses the Crisis of Homelessness in
Would You Harbor Me?
Spring concert performed April 7-17 at five Twin Cities venues
(MINNEAPOLIS; March 8, 2016) – In Would You Harbor Me?, Cantus examines how life can sometimes take unexpected turns. Giving voice to the personal stories of crisis, homelessness and isolation, as well as resilience, belonging and community, the spring concert – performed April 7-17 – reflects on lives marginalized by circumstance and delivers a universal message of hope and inspiration through music.
Four compositions new to the acclaimed men’s ensemble will be performed. “Echoes” by Daniel Elder (Athens, Georgia) makes a profound statement on the virtue of hope using a rich yet simple harmonic palette; “Ffe Mwe, Mwe Ffe” by Joan Szymko (Chicago) recalls the energy of community coming together for the common good; “Gagòt” by Sydney Guillaume (Los Angeles), a piece sung in Haitian Creole and French, channels life’s frustrations into heartfelt music; and “Keep Us Whole,” a gospel-like song of inclusion for all humanity by local composer Linda Kachelmeier (St. Paul). The songs were added after Cantus posted a notice on Facebook and its website seeking scores to round out the program.
Songs will be interspersed with stories, portraits and a collection of first-person accounts of the experience of homelessness provided by St Stephen’s Human Services and The Oral History of Homelessness.
For the April 7 concert, Cantus welcomes the Minneapolis Community and Technical College Vocal Ensemble in a special appearance at Antonello Hall at MacPhail. StreetSong-MN, a choir made up of people who are currently or formerly homeless and those who advocate for them, will make a special appearance at the April 10 Ordway concert.
“The Cantus vision is to give voice to shared human experience,” says tenor Zachary Colby. “This concert is especially meaningful because it allows audiences to engage in issues and challenges that we think we’ll never encounter but really, they can happen to anyone — even you or me. Music can be a great equalizer that helps us feel compassion and empathy for those we may feel we know nothing about.”
Would You Harbor Me? concerts will be presented:
Thursday, April 7, 2016, 7:30pm
Antonello Hall, MacPhail Center for Music, Minneapolis
Saturday, April 9, 2016, 7:30pm
Trinity Lutheran Church, Stillwater
Sunday, April 10, 2016, 3:00pm
Ordway Concert Hall, St. Paul
Thursday, April 14, 2016, 11:00am
Colonial Church of Edina
Sunday, April 17, 2016, 3:00pm
Wayzata Community Church, Wayzata
Single ticket prices vary by concert venue. Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.cantussings.org or by calling 612-435-0055. Student and group discounts are available.
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About Cantus
Recognized for their artistic excellence and musical persatility, the nine members of Cantus rehearse and perform as chamber musicians, working without a conductor or music director, allowing audiences to experience a direct connection to the singers. Committed to a cappella presentation of significant music, Cantus is renowned for adventurous programming spanning many periods and genres, including newly commissioned work. The ensemble enjoys a vigorous schedule of international touring, concerts in its home of Minneapolis/St. Paul, educational outreach programs and recording.
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