“ Over the last 4 seasons, I have experienced unparalleled mountain-top moments, I’ve worked with incredible professionals in the industry, and most importantly, I’ve found a community with the most remarkable people. The love that saturates this community is palpable. Our love for choral music, our love for each other, and our mutual interest in sharing this love with the world was the most wonderful surprise upon joining Kantorei. And then it all made sense to me— this is what gives Kantorei that unmistakable sound; the sound that 20 years ago was so profoundly special. It’s love.
Without question, Kantorei has become the highlight of my adult life. Both singing and walking through life shoulder to shoulder with this community has been awe inspiring. This organization provides a unique and beautiful peek into a world that can exist when we proudly celebrate diversity, thoughtfully embrace our differences, joyfully share in our passions, and most importantly, choose love above all else. Our audiences walk away feeling this, even if they can’t put it into words. We know that art changes lives. This organization IS changing lives and it’s my deepest privilege to be a part of it.
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— Josh Corwyn, Board Chair, Tenor
“Upon joining in January of 2022, I could feel that I'd become a part of a really special group. The unique blend of high caliber music and community is what makes Kantorei different and keeps me coming back -- not only did Kantorei give me several lifelong friends but I also met my husband here. There's just something so cool about what we do, from the musical commissions and outreach initiatives to the performance opportunities and singer get-togethers. Kantorei is uplifting and fulfilling; it's family, and I'll always feel incredibly privileged to be here. “
— Becca Schjodt, Soprano
“Kantorei brings me deep fulfillment, joy, and connection. It is so important to me that a choir like this exists because it represents the world I want to live in - one that is collaborative, explores all the colors of the human experience (amazing, tragic, and everything in between), and expresses those colors through the collective human voice. In my experience, there is nothing more healing than singing with others and being a part of soul-fulfilling, collective musical experiences. And this is not an easy feat - it requires hard work and dedication to the craft of choral singing. Kantorei's members are dedicated to this craft, and they are dedicated to each other. I am honored to be a part of Kantorei.”
— Riley Gallivan, Alto
“There are so many things that keep me coming to Kantorei rehearsals every Sunday. The incredible musicianship of those in the choir, the jokes and laughter during our rehearsal, the friends and community that Kantorei members included me in right away, and so much more. Kantorei is the best choir I get to sing with and it lead me to the best friendships I have in Denver. I know that every single choir member would help me out if I have need. And indeed when my life nearly fell apart in 2021 I had a community of people that rallied around me. These musicians have even trusted me with teaching private music lessons to their children and friends.
In my seven seasons with Kantorei I have been able to perform with such musicians as John Rutter, Jocelyn Hagen, Sarah Quartel, Jake Runestad, Eric Whitacre, Christopher Tin, Ola Gjelo, and many more. I have been able to travel domestically to perform at choral conventions and abroad to Guatemala twice to work with choral singers in Vocalis. I have recorded two full length albums with the group and performed music new to me and my old favorites elevated to the extreme. Kantorei is my happy place and is a central part of my life here in Denver.”
— Matthew Eschliman, Tenor
”What I think sets Kantorei apart from the other ensembles I've sung in is the groundedness and joy that the singers bring to the group. The members take the music very seriously, but not themselves. There is a marked lack of ego and divas in the group (sure, there've been some exceptions throughout the years, but that's always going to be the case)...singers are in Kantorei to contribute to the whole, not to advance their own careers or angle for opportunities to shine as individuals. This attracts singers who are balanced and grounded as human beings, in addition to being fantastically talented (because let's face it, no slouches are gonna get into the group). And this characteristic leads the singers to bond in social ways that is truly unique, because we really, really like each other as humans. “— Christina Graham, Soprano
”This year marks 51 continuous years that I have been singing in at least one quality choral/vocal ensemble since leaving high school. I joined Kantorei in the fall of 2009 wanting to focus my energy on singing great music in a great organization and not having to focus on directing, organizing or running the organizational side of an ensemble. Further I was wanting to experience great compositional work to support my own compositional work and aspirations, and to support the development of new compositions for the greater good. The music, friendships, remarkable singer community, and the sense of satisfaction and accomplishment has far exceeded my expectations. Kantorei has been the best music experience of my life.”— Keith Ferguson, Tenor
“The familial aspect of Kantorei is remarkable and unique in my experience. On top of that, the excellence of the group continues to grow, year upon year. I am proud of having served the choir as board member, and as president during the transition from founding artistic director Richard Larson, to our current managing artistic director, Joel Rinsema. Joel has brought an energy and vision for the choir beyond anything we might have imagined.
I am grateful and blessed to have been a part of Kantorei for 20 years. I look forward to many more years and know that I will always be a part of the Kantorei family.”
— Brad Larson, Bass
“ It just so happens that a few of those friends are among the people who decided to start Kantorei. There's something about the hard work and the time you spend together as a group rehearsing beautiful music that then gets to be performed for an appreciative audience.... It's a bond that isn't unlike the camaraderie of a sports team. In choir you even start to breathe at the same time for hours!
I think what separates Kantorei from all the other choirs is the sheer love the singers have for the art we create. We all do it for the chance to spend time together and to make something profoundly beautiful that lives only in those moments that we sing together. There's no payment received in exchange for our efforts - it's a commitment we make purely for the joy of it all. “
— John Ludwig, Bass
“I was glad to be challenged musically, and to be part of such a stellar group. What I didn't realize at the time, was what a wonderful community I had joined. It's 15 years later, and I have made such wonderful friends, and we've had some great times together traveling, recording, performing, and making such beautiful music.
The music though... the music is what really brings us all together. The quality of talent in the group, combined with the variety and challenge of the music keeps scratching that itch to create something beautiful in this world. “
— Annie Sullins, Soprano
“Kantorei has an amazing way of creating really truly mountaintop musical experiences without losing the sense of community and togetherness that is what choir is all about. Most choirs who sing at the level of Kantorei do have paid singers and people who love to sing but also are doing it professionally. The fact that we come together and work as hard as we do for the sheer joy of making music and connecting together makes it special.”
— Tegan Masoero-Palmer, Alto