Cantus to Tour Greater Minnesota as Classical Minnesota Public Radio's Artists-In-Residence

Jan 18, 2011

(St. Paul, Minn.)--January 18, 2011--Cantus will tour Greater Minnesota as part of Classical MPR's Artists-In-Residence program during the first months of 2011. The group will perform concerts in Ely, St. Peter, Grand Rapids and Crookston, Minn.

The second-ever Artists-In-Residence for Classical MPR, Cantus is "the premier men's vocal ensemble in the United States," (Fanfare magazine). As part of their tour of Minnesota, Cantus will also give a series of master classes at high schools and colleges around the state.

Cantus and Classical MPR are also creating a special project called Sonic Architecture--an online, sound-based exploration of Minnesota. The project has already accompanied Cantus to capture the majestic performances inside the limestone bluffs of St. Paul, and will document the group's concert in the depths of the Soudan Mine in Minnesota's Iron Range. More information about this can be found at classicalmpr.org/air.

More about Cantus
The members of Cantus rehearse and perform as chamber musicians, working without a conductor or music director. Committed to a cappella presentation of significant music, including newly commissioned work, their artistic excellence and programmatic accessibility have made them audience favorites in their Twin Cities home and in concerts around the world.

More about Classical MPR's Artists-In-Residence program
Now in its second year, Classical MPR's Artists-In-Residence is a year-long commitment to bring outstanding artists to both Minnesota audiences via outstate concerts, and to a national audience via American Public Media's "Performance Today." The residency is also marked by a strong educational component, where the artists set out to share their musical expertise with Minnesota high school and college students. The acclaimed Parker Quartet was the first-ever Classical MPR's Artists-In- Residence during the 2009-2010 concert season.

The Cantus Artists-In-Residence is made possible in part by the Minnesota Legacy Amendment's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Schedule of Cantus' regional concerts:

Ely: Friday, February 11
7 p.m.
Vermilion Community College Theater
1900 East Camp Street
Ely, MN
Tickets: $15; $12 for MPR Members; $8 for students. For tickets, call 218-365-2889 or go to musicoutfitters.com.

St. Peter: Sunday, February 27
7 p.m.
Gustavus Adolphus College
Jussi Bjorling Recital Hall
800 W. College Ave
St. Peter, MN
Tickets: $15;$12 for MPR Members; $5 for students. For tickets, call 507-933-7590 or go to gustavustickets.com.

Grand Rapids: Tuesday, March 2
7:30 p.m.
Itasca Community College
Davies Hall
1851 East Highway 169
Grand Rapids, MN
Tickets: $18; $15 for MPR Members; $10 for students. For tickets, call the Reif Center Box Office, 218-327-5780 or go online at www.reifcenter.org.

Crookston: Thursday, March 31
7:30 p.m.
Kiehle Auditorium
2900 University Ave
Crookston, MN
Tickets: $15; $8 for students, and $5 for children 12 and under. For tickets, call 218-281-8266.

Tune In: Classical MPR is heard throughout greater Minnesota, including Ely on WIRR 89.5 FM; St. Peter on KGAC 90.5 FM; Grand Rapids on KCRB 104.1 FM; Crookston on KQMN 91.5 FM; Twin Cities on 99.5 FM and streaming online at classicalmpr.org.