MANSFIELD, PA– Cantus, the renowned male vocal ensemble, will perform in a concert at Straughn Auditorium on Friday, October 27 at 7 p.m. 
Cantus is widely known for its trademark warmth and blend, innovative programming and engaging performances of music ranging from the Renaissance to the 21st century. As one of the nation’s few full-time vocal ensembles, Cantus has grown in prominence with its distinctive approach to creating music. Working without a conductor, the members of Cantus rehearse and perform as chamber musicians, each contributing to the entirety of the artistic process. Cantus performs more than 60 concerts each year both in national and international touring, and in its home of Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN.
Their program, “Discovery of Sight,” will explore light as an integral part of life, from governing our daily habits and cycles, to providing nourishment, warmth, and protection. “Discovery of Sight” taps into the universal experience of each person’s own ‘sunrises’ or ‘twilight hours’, and moments in life when we suddenly look at the world in a new way.
Works on the program include music by Richard Strauss, Franz Schubert, Eric Whitacre, and Einojuhani Rautavaara alongside a world premiere by Gabriel Kahane. They will also perform lighter selections such as Morning Has Broken, Simple Gifts, a spiritual by Jester Hairston, and Wanting Memories by Ysaye Barnwell.
To learn more about Cantus, go to cantussings.org/
Concert tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and children. Tickets can be ordered online at music.mansfield.edu or by phone at (570)662-4710. They will also be available at the door the night of the concert. MU students with ID will be admitted free.
The concert is sponsored by the MU student chapter of the American Choral Directors Association as a part of their Annual Young Men’s Choral Festival (YMCF).
Integral to the Cantus mission is its commitment to preserve and deepen music education in the schools. Cantus works with more than 5,000 students each year in master class and workshop settings across the country. Their workshop at the MU YMCF will be held at 12:30 p.m. in Steadman Theatre on the day of the concert.