Biography

Kantorei is a premier choral ensemble comprised of volunteer singers under the direction of Artistic Director Joel Rinsema. Kantorei’s choral artists have studied at schools with strong music programs across the United States such as Baylor University, Brigham Young University, Eastman School of Music, Indiana University, St. Olaf College, Wartburg College, and Westminster Choir College. Many of the singers serve as choral music educators, conductors, and teachers. Kantorei frequently performs at major choral conventions across the U.S., has toured around the world, and works with composers and conductors of international renown. Kantorei has sung under the batons of René Clausen, Simon Carrington, Eric Whitacre, Karen Kennedy, and Anton Armstrong. Kantorei has commissioned and premiered new choral works from renowned composers including Kim André Arnesen, Eric William Barnum, Abbie Betinis, René Clausen, Ola Gjeilo, and Eric Whitacre. Naxos will release Kantorei’s recording—its first to be professionally produced—of works by Kim André Arnesen in 2018. Santa Barbara Music Publishing Inc., publishes the Kantorei Choral series. Kantorei was formed in 1997 under the leadership of six friends and artistic director Richard Larson, who decided to form a choir capable of singing a broad range of a cappella choral music. Kantorei continues that legacy today with the mission “to elevate the human experience through choral excellence.”