Cantemus (Latin for “Let’s sing!”) is the newest addition to Toronto’s early music scene. The 16-voice a cappella group, conducted by Michael Erdman, will make its debut on November 29 at 8 p.m., at Beach United Church (opposite Kew Gardens in the Beach). We will present an “all-Renaissance” program of secular and sacred music from the late 16th century. Cantemus was established to help expand Toronto’s exposure to and appreciation of Renaissance music beyond the typical sacred 4-part repertoire presented by the average church choir. The choir gives equal time to the interesting and evocative secular music of the period, in a variety of languages. Our focus is mainly on the rich 5 to 8 part compositions less often heard by Toronto audiences. By design, the choir is held to just a few voices per part to allow for maximum flexibility and clarity when singing the complex polyphony of period compositions. Our choristers are a mix of enthusiastic, well-trained amateurs, and semi-professionals. We share a common interest in early music. Membership is by audition. The choir’s founder and conductor is Michael Erdman. Erdman has been choirmaster and organist of The Church of St. Bartholomew, Regent Park since 1983; and for about the same length of time, music director of Toronto’s 71 year old Christmas pageant, the Christmas Story, presented annually by the Church of the Holy Trinity, Eaton Centre. The music of the Christmas Story was recorded and released on CD in 2000. Erdman studied music at Toronto’s Royal Conservatory, the University of Toronto, and with organists Frederick Geoghegan, Lionel Rogg and Guy Bovet.
Postal address
Cantemus
14 Lyall Avenue
Toronto M4E 1V8
Phone:
416-578-6602
