Your First Kantorei Concert:
What to Expect

Never been to a Kantorei concert before? We're glad you're here.

Whether you're a longtime lover of choral music or you've never attended a choir concert before, Kantorei concerts are designed to be welcoming, engaging, and accessible. Here's everything you need to know before you join us.

What happens at a Kantorei concert?

A Kantorei concert is a live choral performance featuring our 60+ volunteer singers, led by Artistic Director Joel Rinsema. Programs typically include a mix of traditional and contemporary choral music, including works by living composers and music from a wide range of cultures and traditions.

Do I need to know anything about classical music?

Absolutely not.

You don't need to know anything about classical music, choral terminology, or composers to enjoy a Kantorei concert. Come curious. Listen. Experience the music. Our programs are designed to offer something meaningful whether you're a longtime choral music lover or hearing this kind of music for the first time.

If you're curious about a particular piece or composer, program notes and concert information provide additional context—but there's no studying required!

Is Kantorei a church choir?

No. Kantorei is a secular community choir, not a church choir.

We perform in churches because Denver has relatively few venues that are designed for large choral performances. Churches often provide excellent acoustics, appropriate seating capacity, and an affordable option for a nonprofit arts organization.

Our concerts are performances, not religious services, and our repertoire represents a wide range of musical traditions, cultures, perspectives, and contemporary voices.

What should I wear?

Whatever makes you comfortable! Kantorei concerts don't require formal attire. You'll see audience members dressed in everything from business casual to more dressed-up concert attire.

Where does Kantorei perform?

Kantorei performs throughout the Denver area, often in churches and other acoustically appropriate venues. Because choral music depends heavily on acoustics, we seek venues that allow the voices to resonate naturally. Churches often provide some of Denver's best acoustics for choral performance while also being financially accessible for a nonprofit organization. For more information on our venues, visit the Concert Venue page.

What makes a Kantorei concert different?

Kantorei is a community of volunteer singers performing at a high level of musical excellence. Our programming goes beyond the traditional choral canon, featuring living composers, new commissions, emerging artists, music from around the world, and collaborations with artists and organizations in our community and beyond.

Four reasons to come!

Hear extraordinary voices

64 singers performing together creates an experience that's fundamentally different from listening to a recording.

Hear music from around the world

Kantorei's repertoire reflects a wide range of cultures, languages, traditions, and perspectives.

Hear music being created today

Kantorei regularly performs music by living composers and commissions new works.

Experience music in a beautiful acoustic space

This also gives you a natural opportunity to explain your venue choices.

What People Are Saying

“The entire experience - venue, audience, singers, musicians,poet, composer, volunteers - all of it was beautiful and uplifting - I am still buzzing! "

— Concert Attendee, Transfigurations, 2024

“It was so good that I attended both performances! My first time seeing/hearing Kantorei, and I was truly blown away. The choir itself, the blend and balance of tones, the exacting crescendos and articulation, the obvious enjoyment -- suffice to say we will now be returning supporters."

— Concert Attendee, Transfigurations, 2024

“The group does nothing but get better and better. And the diversity of the music is fantastic.

— Season Member

Helpful Concert Tips and Frequently Asked Questions

  • Kantorei concerts are live choral performances featuring our volunteer singers alongside guest artists and musicians. Each concert has its own theme and musical style, ranging from classical and contemporary works to music from cultures and traditions around the world. Whether you are a longtime choral music lover or attending your first choir concert, you are welcome here!

  • Our main concert venues, First Plymouth UCC and Wellshire Presbyterian, have ample free parking on site. Most holiday performances are at venues that also have free on-site parking, with the exception of Saint John’s Cathedral. Parking is limited on site. Learn more about each venue here.

  • Not at all! No prior knowledge or experience is needed. Our concerts are designed to be enjoyed by everyone. Come curious, listen, and let the music take you wherever it goes.

  • Most Kantorei concerts run approximately [90 minutes / 75–90 minutes], including a brief intermission. Exact timing may vary by concert.

  • Most full-length concerts include a brief intermission. Details will be included in the concert program and shared by our ushers.

  • Whatever makes you comfortable! There is no formal dress code for our audience. You’ll see people dressed in everything from jeans and casual attire to business or cocktail attire.

  • We recommend arriving 20–30 minutes before the performance so you have time to park, check in, use the restroom, and find your seat without feeling rushed. Doors typically open 30 minutes before the performance.

  • Late seating may be held until an appropriate break in the performance so that we don't interrupt the singers or other audience members. Our ushers will help you find your seat when it is possible to do so.

  • No. You can show your ticket on your phone. If you prefer a printed ticket, that's fine too.

  • No, seating is general admission. The first few rows are always designated for season members.

  • Yes! Students and Children are always free. Senior tickets are discounted.

  • We encourage you to take photos, as long as you are not disruptive to other attendees. Please do not record performances for copyright reasons.

  • Yes! Singers stay out in the lobby after the performance to say hello. We also host a cookie reception after most performances (some holiday performances are excluded from the cookie reception).