Tuesday, Oct. 25 from 5-6 p.m.
Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1200 Marquette Ave., Minneapolis

On Oct. 25, nearly 30 MLC participants gathered at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Minneapolis to watch a one-hour rehearsal of Cantus, a premier men’s vocal ensemble based in the Twin Cities. Cantus members worked on several pieces, which they were preparing to record the next day for American Public Media. ("Thanksgiving with Cantus" will be broadcast on Classical MPR stations Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24, from 5 - 6 p.m.) 

Rehearsing and performing without a conductor or music director, the nine members of Cantus are renowned for adventurous programming spanning many periods and genres, including work commissioned specifically for the group. MLC participants observed first-hand how Cantus members craft their pieces, with discussion and input from each member.

After the hour-long rehearsal, Cantus members introduced themselves and were available for questions.  Each MLC participant received a complementary Cantus CD. The event was designed to enhance students’ understanding of this year’s featured genre: choral music.

The MLC thanks Mary Lee, Cantus executive director, and Melissa Ousley, MLC board member and MPR host, for organizing the event.