Kantorei in Sing We Now of Christmas December 19, 2010

Augustana Arts presents

Kantorei

“Sing We Now of Christmas”

Conducted by Richard Larson

In “Sing We Now of Christmas” Kantorei celebrates the joy of the holiday season with a memorable afternoon of holiday choral music. The program features favorites such as "Carol of the Bells," "Sleigh Ride," "Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire," "Jingle Bells," "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" and many others. The performance begins at 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 19 at Augustana Lutheran Church, 5000 East Alameda Ave., Denver. Tickets are $20 Adult, $15 Senior and student and are available by calling 303-388-4962 or online atwww.augustanaarts.org

Kantorei (CAN-toh-rye), or singers, was founded in 1997 as a choir capable of singing a broad range of a cappella choral music. With the addition of Richard Larson as artistic director, the group quickly found a footing in Denver’s cultural fabric. Kantorei expanded to 52 singers, many from schools with strong choral music programs, and established itself as one of the nation’s premier choral ensembles after performing as an auditioned choir for the 2003 National American Choral Directors Association Conference at Carnegie Hall in New York City. In June 2007, Richard Larson and Kantorei embarked on their first international tour to France and Italy, which culminated with the honor of singing for Mass at St. Peter's Basilica on invitation from the Vatican.

Richard Larson, Artistic Director of Kantorei, has been involved in music education for over thirty years and taught music at the University of Northern Colorado and atMetropolitan State College in Denver. Recently retired as Director of Choral Activities atChaparral High School in Parker, Colorado, Mr. Larson began his choral career in Austin, Minnesota, where he also served as music director of the Austin Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Larson studied conducting with Otto Werner Mueller, Elizabeth Green, John Nelson, Julius Herford, Richard Westenberg and Margaret Hillis, among others. He was named "Choral Conductor of the Year," in 1989 by the Colorado ACDA, and, in 2006, was honored by Luther College as the first recipient of the Weston H. Noble award recognizing excellence in the field of choral music.

PSA/Listing Information

Augustana Arts presents Kantorei in “Sing We Now of Christmas” - A memorable afternoon of holiday choral music. Sun, Dec. 19, 3 p.m. Augustana Lutheran Church, 5000 East Alameda Avenue, Denver - $20 Adult / $15 Senior and Student. 303-388-4962 or www.augustanaarts.org