Sitting in the audience was a unique experience as I got to not only immerse myself in the music, but to see all the faces of the singers, and their Joy in the music, each one so different in expression, but radiating out their hearts and souls, the gift of their song, to the audience.
–Shari Cramer, Chorale Singer
Cantare Chorale
New Chorale description: Hear local media sing the praises of Cantare Chorale: “A remarkable group,” says the San Jose Mercury News, “with an uncompromising commitment to excellence,” says San Francisco Classical Voice, “singing with power and precision,” says the Contra Costa Times.
Under the direction of Founder and Artistic Director David Morales, Cantare Chorale’s 100 auditioned singers have performed over 800 compositions in 75 diverse concert programs, including 22 major choral/orchestral works.
The Chorale has collaborated with other local choirs, including Coro Hispano, Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, UC Gospel Choir, and CSUEB Symphonic Chorus. Cantare vocalists have also toured in Scandinavia and Eastern Europe and Spain. The Chorale partners with professional musicians from Bay Area orchestras and features acclaimed vocal soloists in concert performances.
I imagine that some of our singers may have felt that [Ernest Bloch's Sacred Service] was foreign to them, yet they opened their hearts and gave this piece their all anyway—because that is what we do in Cantare. That's who we are as a community.
–Chorale Vocalist
“Touching, beautiful, and thoughtful.”
Chamber Ensemble
This group of 26 seasoned, auditioned vocalists perform an inspiring repertoire of the most challenging choral music from around the world, including time-honored pieces and new music, as well as sacred and secular works. The Ensemble has performed more than 1,250 choral compositions in 100+ concerts.
The Chamber Ensemble will be on hiatus during our 2023-24 season as we spotlight the 25th anniversary season of the Chorale.
Non-Auditioned
Adult Choir
Open to all experienced choir singers aged 14 and up, this non-auditioned 130-plus voice choir debuted in July 2018, with a concert featuring anthems from the Christian Church. Other concert programs have included Anthems from the Christian Church, African American Spirituals and Gospels, and the Music of Broadway.
Interested in singing with Cantare’s adult choirs?
Cantare is always seeking new singers who are interested in improving their vocal and musical skills and performing at high standards of excellence.
The Chorale is a symphonic choir of 100 auditioned singers that performs three concerts annually: a December holiday concert with orchestra, a major choral/orchestral work in mid-March, and a season-closing concert in mid-May featuring a variety of musical styles. The Chorale rehearses once a week, primarily on Sunday afternoons in Oakland, with an occasional Tuesday night substitution in Lafayette. Singers can select to participate in individual series or in all three annual concerts.
The Chamber Ensemble consists of 24-26 auditioned singers who are both excellent singers and sight-readers. They perform two full independent concerts and sing independently on two other concert programs with the Chorale. They rehearse Monday evenings in Lafayette. Singers are expected to sing the entire annual season.
Auditions include vocalization, singing a solo in any genre, and sight-reading selected choral excerpts. Auditions occur throughout the season prior to each concert series. Click here to contact Artistic Director David Morales to schedule an audition.
CHOIR HIGHLIGHTS
Sanctus | Messa da Requiem | Giuseppe Verdi
Ol’ Man River | Jerome Kern, arr. Russell Robinson
Unclouded Day | Shawn Kirchner
Freedom Train | Rollo Dilworth
Ordinary Boy | Matthew Shepard
