Andrew Dixon | Collegian
When the eight members of a men’s a cappella ensemble began to sing, they invited their audience into a timeless musical journey into the minds and hearts of the immigrants and refugees of the world.
In a performance in Christ Chapel on Saturday at 8 p.m., Cantus, one of the few full time a cappella ensembles in the nation, presented a unique rendition of their program entitled ‘My Journey Your’s,’ which included additional music chosen to reflect the religious space of Christ Chapel.
Cantus, based in Minneapolis, St. Paul Minnesota, consists of eight men: two basses, two baritones, and four tenors. The group is dedicated to exploring music written for lower voices, and works without a conductor. They have performed in front of audiences at venues, including the Lincoln Center and the Kennedy Center.
The group, which is dedicated to providing education and mentorship for aspiring chamber musicians, also presented a masterclass on Saturday morning, working with Hillsdale’s Chamber Choir.
Cantus’ performance marked the third time the group has performed at HIllsdale, and the first time they have sung in Christ Chapel. The event has been in the works since 2019, and was supposed to occur last fall, but was postponed due to the pandemic, said James Holleman, chairman of the music department.
“They’re here today, and I couldn’t be more excited,” he said. “Music is alive and well on the campus of Hillsdale College.”
The performance, which opened their 27th season, was the first time the group has presented an in-person concert since March, 2020.
The program was dedicated to asking the question ‘Where does your family come from?’ and alternated written accounts of refugees and immigrants from countries like Syria and Mexico with music featuring techniques and instruments from around the world.
“Cantus is dedicated to giving a voice to shared human experiences,” said tenor Paul Scholtz.
The program was also interspersed with religious music including Ysaÿe Barwell’s ‘Tango with God’ and Bob Chilcott’s ‘5 Ways to Kill a Man.’
As a celebration of the common human experience, the concert had a special focus on the journeys and transformations humanity undergoes, Cantus said.
“We are each on our own journey, each of us is on our very own adventure,” said tenor Jacob Christohper, “and we are shaped by the choices we make on that journey.”
