UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Heralded by a Fanfare critic as “the premier men’s vocal ensemble in the United States,” Cantus will perform “A Place for Us” at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 1, in Penn State’s Pasquerilla Spiritual Center.
General admission tickets for the Center for the Performing Arts at Penn State presentation are $42 for an adult, $12 for a University Park student and $32 for a person 18 and younger. Buy tickets online at www.cpa.psu.edu or by phone at 814-863-0255. Outside the local calling area, dial 800-ARTS-TIX. Tickets are also available at four State College locations: Eisenhower Auditorium (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays), Penn State Downtown Theatre Center (9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays), HUB-Robeson Center Information Desk (11 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays when Penn State classes are in session) and Bryce Jordan Center (9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays). A grant from the University Park Allocation Committee makes Penn State student prices possible.
Cantus is known worldwide for its trademark warmth, exceptional vocal blend and engaging performances of music ranging from the Renaissance to the 21st century. The Washington Post praised the ensemble for having “exalting finesse, expressive power and spontaneous grace.”
Cantus makes its Penn State debut in “A Place for Us,” a program designed to remind audiences that even in an increasingly complex and diverse nation, Americans share a number of values such as the desire for individual freedom, hard work, spirituality, family and a place to call home.
The celebration of national identity includes “The Finlandia Hymn” by Jean Sibelius, a Judith Herrington and Gail Woodside arrangement of the traditional song “Lakota Wiyanki,” “Anthem: Lamentation Over Boston” by William Billings, the Appalachian folk song “Pretty Saro,” “Gravedigger” by Dave Matthews, Evy Lucio’s arrangement of the traditional Mexican song “El Pajarito Cu,” “Ain’ Got Time to Die,” by Hall Johnson, “Simple Gifts” by Joseph Brackett and “Somewhere (There’s a Place for Us)” by Leonard Bernstein.
As one of the nation’s few full-time men’s ensembles, Cantus has grown in prominence with its distinctive approach to creating music. Working with a conductor, the members rehearse and perform as chamber musicians, each contributing to the entirety of the artistic process.
The concert is part of the Center for the Performing Arts Classical Music Project, a three-year effort providing opportunities to engage students, faculty and the community with classical music artists and programs. Cantus is in residence at Penn State for three days (March 31 to April 2), the first two at University Park and the third at Altoona. Learn more about the free engagement events at http://cmp.psu.edu/artists/cantus.
Read a Classical Music Project blog post by Cantus tenor Aaron Humble at http://bit.ly/1i7w4Oo.
Artistic Viewpoints will not be offered before the Cantus concert. Designer’s Studio sponsors the event. WPSU is the media sponsor.
Complimentary round-trip shuttle service is provided between the Eisenhower Parking Deck and Pasquerilla. Patrons can board the shuttle in the area between the parking deck and the Eisenhower Auditorium rear loading dock. The first shuttle leaves Eisenhower at 6:05 p.m., followed by others every 20 minutes until 7:05 p.m. After the concert, the shuttle makes as many trips as necessary to return patrons to Eisenhower.
Related free events at University Park:
The public is invited to:
-- Observe as Penn State choral ensemble Essence of Joy shares its music with Cantus. Anthony Leach, professor of music and Essence of Joy director, leads the 60-minute event at 3:30 p.m. Monday, March 31, in 110 Music Building I.
-- Observe as members of Cantus coach the Penn State Glee Club. Christopher Kiver, director of choral activities at Penn State, leads the 80-minute session at 4:40 p.m. March 31 in 102 Forum Building.
-- Attend a Classical Coffeehouse at 8 p.m. March 31 in Hintz Family Alumni Center’s Robb Hall. The event, featuring an intimate performance by and discussion with Cantus, is presented in partnership with the Blue & White Society and the Penn State Alumni Association. The Penn State Council of LionHearts also provides support. Complimentary refreshments, including cookies and coffee, will be served. Each attendee receives a Classical Coffeehouse mug while supplies last.
Find the Center for the Performing Arts on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pscpa.