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
FAQs
Is Kantorei a professional choir?
1
Kantorei is a community choir of volunteer singers committed to performing at a high standard of musical excellence.
How long is a concert?
2
Each concert is between 75-90 minutes long. 90-minute performances typically include an intermission.
Can I buy tickets at the door?
3
Yes, tickets can be purchased at the door; however, we highly recommend purchasing online ahead of time. This is especially true for our holiday performances, which tend to sell out.
Are children welcome?
4
Children are welcome. Though we do ask that you step outside into the foyer if small children become noisy.