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Cantemus, the Tri-Cities’ premiere women’s choir, opens their tenth season with a concert titled I Sing of a Maiden. Cantemus is a secular, non-profit chorus composed of female singers in the Northeast Tennessee region who share a love of choral music and a commitment to vocal excellence. Cantemus exists to connect, highlight, and empower women in song and share meaningful music with the community.
Artistic Director Patty Denmark, Director of Choral Activities at Dobyns-Bennett High School, has curated a moving and challenging repertoire of pieces that pull Mary, mother of Jesus Christ, into sharp focus. The choir, led by both Patty Denmark and co-conductor Sarah Malone, will “sing of a maiden that is makeless (matchless)” in a variety of settings written and arranged throughout the ages. By exploring the full range of emotions captured when welcoming a new child, Cantemus brings women to the forefront of the Christmas story. Bring tissues – these are stunning!
In addition, be on the lookout for some gorgeous poems written by William Blake (The Lamb) and Madeleine L’Engle (Mary Speaks) and put to music. A delightful quartet of Christmas carols (Here We Come A-Caroling, O Little Town of Bethlehem, Veni, Emmanuel (O Come, Emmanuel), and The Wexford Carol) will be interspersed throughout. Pieces by Johannes Brahms (Ave Maria), Dan Forrest (The Hands That First Held Mary’s Child), Benjamin Britten (As Dew in Aprille), and the king of Christmas choral music John Rutter (Angelus ad Virginem) are just the icing on the cake.
I Sing of a Maiden will showcase Ann Lavender on piano, Sarah Malone on harp, Georgia Sinko on cello, and Carolyn Barry and Eileen Butler on flute. The winter concert will be presented at the below dates and locations:
Friday, Dec. 15, at 7 p.m. at State Street United Methodist Church in Bristol, Va., and
Sunday, Dec. 17, at 4 p.m. at First Broad Street United Methodist Church in Kingsport.
While there is no admission charge for the concert, a suggested donation of $10 per guest is greatly appreciated.