Director’s Message, Winter 2011

Cantata Academy Chorale is preparing two exciting performances for the remainder of the 2010-2011 concert season. "A Choral Tapestry", a concert of world music featuring songs in 15 languages including Japanese, Chinese, Indian, Hebrew, Spanish, French, and Celtic dialect, will be presented Sunday, March 20, 2011 at 2 p.m. at Central United Methodist Church in Detroit (23 E. Adams Ave., directly across the street from the Fox Theater). We are also featuring a new arrangement of the traditional spiritual “Ain’ a That Good News”, composed and conducted by prominent local composer Dr. Stuart Scott, director of Choral Activities at Macomb Community College. Tickets are already on sale from your favorite Cantata member, or online. We certainly hope our faithful followers will turn out for this unique multi-cultural experience of tone and harmonies, woven together in a tapestry of sound. We are proud to celebrate our 50th year with a very special Gala Celebration Concert, to be held Sunday, June 5, 2011 at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Grosse Pointe Park (15020 Hampton Street).  The concert will begin at 3 pm with a dinner immediately following. Ticket information with be forthcoming.  We invite all of Cantata’s former members to join us in singing on this very special occasion. There will be 4-5 selections for the Celebration Choir. The current choir will round out the program with songs from every decade of Cantata’s existence.   Rehearsals for the reunion Celebration Choir will take place at First United Methodist Church of Warren (5005 Chicago Road) every Sunday in May 2011, from 6:30-7:30 pm. Any former member who wishes to perform on the entire June 5 program will remain until 9 pm. I have set up a meeting with one of the first members of Cantata from 50 years ago, Drieka Bloom. The very first rehearsal was held in her home; one of the first performances was held at her church. She has a copy of every printed program from the first 40 years of Cantata’s existence. From this I will create a performance program that will include selections from each decade, along with new pieces. Les Miserables The members of Cantata are planning a group outing to attend the new 25th anniversary performance of Les Miserables at Fisher Theater on Saturday, March 26 at 8 p.m. We are looking forward to this evening of camaraderie and fun! Cantata Shirts Be the first to get your new Cantata Academy Chorale shirt! They are a striking black long-sleeved jersey with white lettering. They will be sold at our concerts for $15. I encourage our members and friends to purchase shirts for themselves, friends and family! Thank you for your continued support. Susan Catanese Music Director and Conductor