MINNEAPOLIS, MN – May 29, 2026 – Today, Cantus announces its 2026-27 season, including performances at home in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul and on tour throughout the United States. The eight-member low-voice ensemble will also release their latest album – The Secret Letter – on Signum Classics and host a collaborative concert with the GRAMMY® Award-winning quintet Imani Winds. This fall, Cantus will collaborate with American Public Media to create its third annual nationally syndicated radio special entitled Songs of Thanks, offering stories and songs of gratitude distributed to more than 230 stations around the country and featuring a new commission by composer Stacey V. Gibbs. On September 13 th, The GRAMMY® winning Imani Winds joins Cantus for a pre-season collaborative concert entitled My Ancestors Speak. The 2026-27 Cantus home season then opens with Simple Gifts (October 18-25), a new program sharing personal stories and music of gratitude, followed by the beloved holiday concert series Christmas with Cantus: Lessons and Carols for Our Time (December 12-22). They then bring back an encore of Wanting Memories (March 18 – April 4) that explores the unique and enduring relationship between music and memory. This season’s annual COVERS concert series will feature ABBA’s Greatest Hits (June 5-13). The season concludes with From the Fields: A Portrait of Walt Whitman (July 13-16), a program that offers a view of Whitman not only as a poet but as a witness to human suffering and resilience through the Civil War. Special events in the season will include fundraising gala and competition Cantus Idol, to be held on May 3, 2027. On August 20, 2026, Cantus will kick off the season by welcoming fans and friends to join them for a music-filled Mississippi River cruise. Cantus will perform selections from the season programs on a Padelford Riverboat Cruise launching from Harriet Island. Cantus will continue to make performances available online to audiences worldwide to complement their live concerts, with digital subscription packages available that allow access to all livestreamed and on-demand performances throughout the season. Cantus will also continue their pay-what-you-can program, offering single tickets to online concerts and single tickets to most subscription concerts in a pay-what-you-can format, starting at $5. “This season truly has something for everyone,” said tenor Paul Scholtz of Cantus. “We’re finally getting to celebrate one of the most iconic bands of all time, ABBA, alongside thoughtful explorations of Whitman, a finely tailored collaboration with the GRAMMY®-winning Imani Winds, and the return of our poignant Christmas program, Lessons and Carols for Our Time. From the intimacy of Simple Gifts to the exuberance of ABBA’s Greatest Hits, and from the deep reflection of From the Fields to the joy of singing with communities across the country, we’re inviting audiences into a year filled with gratitude, curiosity, and connection. Each program opens a different door into the human experience, and we look forward to sharing these stories at home and on tour.”
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Cantus on TourCantus will present programs Simple Gifts, The Road Home, and Christmas with Cantus on tour this season at Ravinia, Newport Classical, Caramoor, the National Cathedral, and at venues in Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas and Wisconsin. Complete tour dates can be found at www.cantussings.org. The Secret Letter out on Signum on August 14, 2026This summer, Cantus will release its sixth album on Signum Records, The Secret Letter. The program, which debuted in spring of 2025, examines stories of forbidden love discovered in passionate letters spanning millennia. Correspondence by authors like Marcus Aurelius, Walt Whitman, Oscar Wilde and Emily Dickinson unveil the tender, tumultuous, and triumphant journey of love through the ages. The album offers works by composers and songwriters including Mari Esabel Valverde, Abbie Betinis, Libby Larsen, Francis Poulenc, Mohammed Fairouz, Steven Sametz, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Leoš Janácek, and others that lay bare unspoken desires and hidden yearnings, where love has often been relegated to the shadows, obscured by the weight of societal expectations and prejudices. The program also features the world premiere of Lightyears to Lebanon by Saunder Choi, commissioned by Cantus with generous support from Tom Arneson. Educational ProgramsCantus will offer its High School Mentorship Program to the students at St. Louis Park High School. Inaugurated in the 2023-24 season, the program offers sustained, in-depth, and highly tailored support throughout the season to students.
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Cantus 2026-27 Season Ticket Information Three-, four-, and five-concert subscription packages go on sale to the public on Saturday, May 30 at cantussings.org. Single tickets go on sale on Tuesday, September 1st. Tickets may also be purchased at www.cantussings.org or by calling the Cantus box office at 612-435-0046 x4.
- Five-concert package: $ 188 each
- Four-concert package: $ 160 each
- Three-concert package: $ 126 each
Online and In-person Single Tickets on sale September 1, 2026
- Single tickets $47 - $52 inclusive of fees
- Single student ticket - $5
- Pay-What-You-Can starting at $5
Cantus 2026-27 Hometown Concert Season^ New Venue Repertoire subject to change
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 Simple Gifts | October 18-25 Cantus asks the question: “What are you grateful for?” in the new program, Simple Gifts. Whether the answer is the joy of breathing in fresh air, savoring a recipe passed down through generations, or cherishing moments spent with those we love, the program offers a poignant and heartfelt message that uplifts, inspires, and reminds us of what we hold most dear. In Simple Gifts, Cantus weaves together personal stories of gratitude along with beloved tunes including "How Can I Keep From Singing" and "Lift Every Voice and Sing", timeless classics from Jean Sibelius and Jennifer Higdon, and contemporary gems by Bobby McFerrin and Sydney Guillaume. Sunday, October 18, 2pm – St. Philip the Deacon Tuesday, October 20, 11am – Meetinghouse Church Friday, October 23, 7pm – Sundin Hall Saturday, October 24, 7pm – Westminster Hall Sunday, October 25, 2pm – Trinity Lutheran Repertoire to include: Simple Gifts - Joseph Brackett, arr. Stephen Caracciolo Sakura - Ko Matsushita El Manisero - Moises Simons, arr. Yosvany Estepe Diaz Little Potato - Malcolm Dalglish When I Was Just a Boy - Isaac Lovdahl Spes - Mia Makaroff A Thankful Heart - John T. Hocutt, arr. Aaron Humble That Which Remains - Andrea Ramsey Newly commissioned work by Stacey V. Gibbs ***** Moonlight Night (Carmel) - Margaret Bonds The Garden - Bobby McFerrin A Quiet Moment - Jennifer Higdon Lift Every Voice and Sing - J. Rosamond Johnson, arr. Rod Kelly Hines Twa Tanbou - Sydney Guillaume My Heart Be Brave - Marques L.A. Garrett Hawaii Aloha - Lorenzo Lyons Zuni Sunrise Song - Brent Michael Davids Finlandia - Jean Sibelius How Can I Keep From Singing - Robert Lowry, arr. Stephen Caracciolo
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 Christmas with Cantus: Lessons and Carols for Our Time | December 12-22 Cantus reimagines the beloved format of ‘Lessons and Carols’ in this year’s annual Christmas with Cantus program, exploring themes of hope, peace, and unity through classic carols, music from around the world, and a captivating blend of poetry curated by award-winning author Michael Kleber-Diggs. Celebrate the season with the timeless beauty of carols such as “Silent Night” and “I Saw Three Ships,” alongside recent works from the bold, fresh voices of composers like Zanaida Robles and Marian L. Harrison. The program unfolds with a dynamic range of emotions and textures, featuring pieces by Christine Donkin and Eric Whitacre, that spark reflections on faith and humanity. At once classic and modern, Lessons and Carols for Our Time evokes the spirit of celebration and reflection. Saturday, December 12, 7pm – Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas Sunday, December 13, 2pm – St. Philip the Deacon Monday, December 14, 7pm – Bloomington Center for the Arts Tuesday, December 15, 7pm – Trinity Lutheran Thursday, December 17, 11am & 7pm – Westminster Hall Friday, December 18, 2pm – Hamline United Church Tuesday, December 22, 11am – Meetinghouse Church Repertoire to include: I Saw Three Ships - Traditional English, arr. Reginald Bowens Last Kind Words - Paul John Rudoi The Lamb - Brandon Spencer Tiny Child - Marian L. Harrison Lux Aurumque - Eric Whitacre Miagete Goran Yoru no Hoshi o - Taku Izumi Sing, My Child - Sarah Quartel Silent Night - Franz Xaver Gruber, arr. Christopher Harris O Come All Ye Faithful - Traditional English, arr. Christine Donkin (New Commission) Even When He Is Silent - Kim Andre Arnesen Alleluia! Into the Light - Cheryl Camm Kujichagulia - Zanaida Robles Mensaje de Paz - Francisco Grau Vegara, arr. Alberto de la Paz Auld Lang Syne - Traditional Scottish, arr. Jo Goldsmith-Eteson (New Commission)
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 Wanting Memories (Encore) | March 18 – April 4 Back by popular demand, Cantus returns to this program about the profound and enduring connection between music and memory. Wanting Memories: Encore revisits beloved songs such as “Over the Rainbow” and “What a Wonderful World,” anchored by Ysaÿe M. Barnwell’s moving “Wanting Memories.” Together, these selections journey through nostalgia and family, loss and love, grief and laughter, fear and hope. Stories throughout the program illuminate the powerful role music plays in shaping memory, identity, and the human experience. Thursday, March 18, 11am – Meetinghouse Church Friday, March 19, 7pm – Westminster Hall Saturday, March 20, 7pm – Sundin Hall Sunday, March 21, 2pm – St. Philip the Deacon Sunday, April 4, 2pm – Christ United Methodist Church, Rochester Repertoire to include: What a Wonderful World - Bob Thiele / George David Weiss; arr. Paul John Rudoi When I Grow Up (from Matilda) - Tim Minchin Fifteen - Taylor Swift Wedding Qawwali - A.R. Rahman; arr. Ethan Sperry I Would Live in Your Love - Christopher H. Harris I Remember It Well (from Gigi) - Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe Landslide - Stevie Nicks Wanting Memories - Ysaÿe M. Barnwell Traumlicht - Richard Strauss Gagot (Mess) - Sydney Guillaume Spes (Hope) - Mia Makaroff Light of a Clear Blue Morning - Dolly Parton; arr.Craig Hella Johnson Yonder Come Day - Traditional Georgian Sea Islands; arr.Paul John Rudoi Somewhere Over the Rainbow - Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg; arr. Alec Schumacker
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 COVERS: ABBA’s Greatest Hits | June 5-13 The 20 th program in Cantus’ annual COVERS series celebrates one of the most beloved bands of all time. COVERS: ABBA’s Greatest Hits is a vibrant celebration of ABBA’s unforgettable sound and their lasting impact on pop music around the world. From the theatrical drama of “Mamma Mia” to the infectious pulse of “Voulez-Vous,” these iconic hits still sparkle with energy, heart, and that unmistakable ABBA flair. And no celebration would be complete without “Dancing Queen” – the crown jewel of ABBA’s catalog and a song that continues to fill dance floors and hearts across generations. This electrifying tribute brings bold harmonies and fresh takes to ABBA’s greatest songs, honoring their gift for melody, storytelling, and disco-glam emotion. Whether you're a lifelong fan or discovering the joy for the first time, ABBA’s Greatest Hits is your chance to immerse yourself in a night of hooks, harmonies, and pure musical delight. All performances at the Luminary Arts Center, Minneapolis Saturday, June 5, 7pm Sunday, June 6, 2pm Friday, June 11, 7pm Saturday, June 12, 7pm Sunday, June 13, 2pm Repertoire to include: Mamma Mia Knowing Me, Knowing You Take a Chance on Me Lay All Your Love on Me Super Trouper The Winner Takes It All Money, Money, Money SOS Fernando Voulez-Vous Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight) I Have a Dream Thank You for the Music Waterloo Dancing Queen All songs written by members of ABBA: Benny Andersson, Stig Anderson and Björn Ulvaeus
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 From the Fields: A Portrait of Walt Whitman | July 13-16, 2027 During the Civil War, American poet Walt Whitman devoted himself to the care of the wounded and dying, offering solace by writing letters to families, reading scripture, bringing fresh fruit, and providing the small comforts that might restore dignity and peace in their final days. From the Fields: A Portrait of Walt Whitman offers a view of the man not only as a poet but as a witness to human suffering and resilience. At the heart of this program is the world premiere of “Come Up From the Fields” by Griffin Candey, a work featuring materials from the Library of Congress’ “By the People” project. It will be paired with “Song of Myself” by Fred Hersch reimagined for Cantus and piano. Together, these works reveal the many ways art can respond to trauma, inviting audiences to discover beauty in a time of hardship and to reflect on Whitman’s enduring belief in art’s power to bring light to our darkest moments. Tuesday, July 13, 7pm – The Museum of Russian Art Wednesday, July 14 7pm – Walker West Music Academy^ Thursday, July 15 7pm – Minnesota History Center, 3M Auditorium^ Friday, July 16, 11am – Westminster Hall Repertoire to include: Come Up From the Fields - Griffin Candey (New Commission) Song of Myself - Fred Hersch (Newly Commissioned Arrrangement)
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 Cantus & Imani Winds: My Ancestors SpeakSunday, September 13 at 2 PM Ordway Center for the Performing Arts Two of today’s most compelling chamber ensembles – Cantus and GRAMMY® Award-winning wind quintet Imani Winds – come together for collaborative concert My Ancestors Speak. Through a fusion of story and song, this concert celebrates the rich, diverse cultural lineages of both ensembles, exploring deeply rooted connections to identity, tradition, and history. Performing separately and as one, Cantus and Imani Winds will present a dynamic program that traverses centuries and continents. Together, they create a musical tapestry that honors the past and reflects our shared human experience. The concert features two newly commissioned works – My Ancestors Speak by Pulitzer Prize finalist Alex Weiser and Left by 2022 Hermitage Greenfield Prize winner Angélica Negrón – alongside repertoire that highlights a global array of musical traditions and voices. Repertoire to include: Red Clay and Mississippi Delta - Valerie Coleman How Can I Keep from Singing? - Robert Lowry, arr. Stephen Caracciolo Mi Tierra - Gloria Estefan, arr. Yosvany Estepe Diaz Vocalise 2 (from Wind Horse) - Toru Takemitsu Feng, Introduction and Rondo - Chen Yi Rocking Jerusalem - arr. Jeff Scott Mr. Banjo - arr. Jeff Scott Balm in Gilead - arr. Jeff Scott Ku’u Ipo I Ka He’e Pu’e One - arr. Marsha Schweitzer Left - Angélica Negrón (New commission) My Ancestors Speak - Alex Weiser (New commission) Tritsch-Tratsch Polka - Johann Strauß II; arr. Masahiro Shiraiwa & Gerald Wirth; adpt. Jacob Christopher Special events are not part of subscription packages. Tickets for Cantus and Imani Winds are on sale now.
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About Cantus
Now in its 31st season, the “engaging” (New Yorker) low-voice ensemble Cantus is widely known for its trademark warmth and blend, innovative programming and riveting performances of music ranging from the Renaissance to the 21st century. The Washington Post has hailed the Cantus sound as having both “exalting finesse” and “expressive power” and refers to the “spontaneous grace” of its music making. The Philadelphia Inquirer called the group nothing short of “exquisite.”
As one of the nation’s few full-time vocal ensembles, Cantus has come to prominence with its distinctive approach to creating music. Working without a conductor, the members of Cantus rehearse and perform as chamber musicians, each contributing to the entirety of the artistic process, creating programs that give voice to shared human experiences. As the Star Tribune has written, “The main hallmark of the Cantus sound has always been sheer quality and an unbroken belief in the special way that vocal music has of warming and invigorating the human spirit.”
Cantus enjoys a vigorous schedule of national and international touring, in addition to home concerts in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota. Cantus has performed at Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center, UCLA, San Francisco Performances, Tanglewood and Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival. Cantus also makes all of its home concerts available online. This pandemic-prompted innovation has brought the ensemble’s programs to audiences spanning 50 states and sixteen countries.
Cantus records for the UK-based Signum Classics label which has released the popular COVID-19 Sessions, Manifesto, holiday album Into the Light, Alone Together and, in July 2025, Fields of Wonder. Cantus also has a deep catalog of recordings released on the group’s eponymous label.
Committed to the expansion of the vocal music repertoire, Cantus actively commissions new music and seeks to unearth rarely performed repertoire for low voices. Cantus has received commissioning grants from New Music USA, the National Endowment for the Arts, Chorus America, American Composers Forum and Chamber Music America. In 2023, Cantus was honored with the Alice Parker Fund Award from Chorus America that recognizes the exemplary work of an ensemble that respectfully and authentically presents works incorporating Black and Latinx traditions and experiences. In line with Cantus’ ongoing commitment to fostering new works, the ensemble has partnered with Graphite Marketplace on the Cantus Publishing series, distributing Cantus’ signature compositions, commissions and arrangements for ensembles everywhere to perform.
Cantus has a rich history of collaborations with other performing arts organizations, including the Minnesota Orchestra, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, the Boston Pops, The King's Singers, Chanticleer, The Swingles, Canadian Brass, Sweet Honey in the Rock, Lorelei Ensemble, Theater Latté Da and the James Sewell Ballet. The ensemble is heard frequently on both classical public radio nationwide and on SiriusXM Satellite Radio.
Integral to the Cantus mission is its commitment to preserve and strengthen music education in schools. Cantus works with more than 5,000 students each year in masterclass and workshop settings across the country and has been in-residence in 31 Minnesota high schools throughout their award-winning program’s 15-year history. The Cantus High School Mentorship program offers Cantus artists in-residence at one Twin Cities-based high school for the entirety of the school year. Cantus has also broadened its work by launching a yearly, statewide festival in partnership with American Choral Directors Association Minnesota catered to high school tenor and bass singers. Additionally, the ensemble hosts an annual Young and Emerging Composers Competition to encourage the creation of new repertoire through cash prizes, a performance, recording, and potential publication of winning composers.
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Contact:
Rebecca Davis
Rebecca Davis Public Relations
Rebecca@rebeccadavispr.com
347-432-8832
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