Faces of Love

A Bold New Choral Commission Exploring the Many Dimensions of Love

Kantorei is embarking on one of its most ambitious projects yet—Faces of Love, a brand-new multi-movement choral work that dives deep into the rich, complex, and transformative nature of love.

This groundbreaking commission is possible thanks to the generosity and vision of longtime singer and supporter Keith Ferguson, whose passion for music and commitment to collaboration have brought together some of the most celebrated voices in contemporary choral music.

At the heart of Faces of Love is original poetry by Charles Anthony Silvestri, hailed as “the preeminent choral lyricist of our time.” His words will be brought to life by six distinguished composers—each contributing a unique movement to the work: Marques Garrett, M. Roger Holland, II, Sarah Quartel, Shruthi Rajasekar, Jake Runestad, and Benedict Sheehan.

Meet the Poet

Charles Anthony Silvestri

Described as "the preeminent choral lyricist of our time," poet, author, composer, and speaker Charles Anthony Silvestri has worked with other artists from all over the world to create texts tailor-made for their commissions and specific artistic needs. He enjoys the challenge of solving these creative problems and has provided custom choral texts, opera libretti, program notes and other writing for composers including Eric Whitacre, Ola Gjeilo, Kim Arnesen, Christopher Tin, and Dan Forrest; and for ensembles ranging from high schools to the Houston Grand Opera, from the King’s Singers to the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, from Westminster Choir College to Westminster Abbey.

Having retired from the classroom after 38 years, now as a clinician Silvestri speaks to choirs, classes, and concert audiences about his works, the creative process, the marriage of words and music, and about his collaborative relationships with composers. He is the author of three books, several published essays, and scores of choral octavos. He currently lives, writes, and makes music in Lawrence, KS.