For the past twelve years, Cantus has gained recognition as one of America’s finest professional male vocal ensembles. As one of the few full-time vocal ensembles in the world, the ensemble enjoys a vigorous schedule of national tours, subscription concerts in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, several innovative residencies, collaborations, educational programs, and recording. Rehearsing and performing without a conductor, Cantus has been praised by critics and the public alike for its broad repertoire, bold ensemble singing and engaging stage presentation.

Cantus’ repertoire spans all periods and genres, including contemporary works, art songs, early music, world music, and pop. The ensemble regularly commissions new works. Cantus’ “Music for Men’s Voices” choral series is published by the Neil A. Kjos Music Company and features works written for and by the members of Cantus.

Cantus’ coast-to-coast tours have included performances throughout the United States, appearing on major concert stages from New York to San Francisco. In the summer of 2003 the ensemble made its European debut at France’s Polyfolia Festival. The ensemble has performed at the American Choral Directors’ Association’s national and regional conventions and numerous choral festivals. This season, Cantus toured across the eastern United States with the Boston Pops, traveled to Cameroon, Africa for a 13-day engagement, and will perform in Washington, DC at the Kennedy Center.

Cantus also has a rich history of collaborations with other arts organizations, having performed with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and the MN Orchestra under the direction of Doc Severinsen. In 2007, Cantus collaborated with Theater Latte Da in the commissioning of a new work entitled All Is Calm: the Christmas Truce 1914. Cantus fulfills its mission of commissioning new music both individually and through the Male Choral Commissioning Consortium, which it directs.

Cantus fulfills its commitment to music education by encouraging people of all ages – especially men – to sing. Its members are frequent clinicians at festivals, schools and universities throughout the country. Each summer, Cantus organizes a week-long music camp for children grades 3-12 and adults.

Cantus has recorded eight CDs on its own label, Cantus Recordings. A recent Gramophone review of their Christmas collection entitled “Comfort and Joy: Volumes One & Two" stated, “Means and ends join in genuinely glorious music making. The complexity of the music is fully expressed, the diction is perfect, the emotions alive. If comfort is defined as a warm bath of choral sound, then this is perfect.”