Cantus
Tuesday, December 1 @ 7:00 PM
Christmas with Cantus
Cantus gives voice to shared human experiences through song and word to spark understanding, empathy, and connection.
Now in its 31st season, Cantus is recognized as one of the nation’s premier vocal ensembles, praised for its signature warmth, blend, and powerful storytelling through music. Known for innovative programming and riveting performances, Cantus moves audiences with repertoire that spans centuries, from the Renaissance to today.
Performing without a conductor, Cantus works as a true chamber ensemble: each member has an equal voice in shaping every program. This collaborative spirit results in deeply human performances that explore connection, empathy, and shared experience. As The Washington Post notes, Cantus delivers music with “exalting finesse” and “spontaneous grace.”
Based in Minneapolis, Cantus tours nationally and internationally, with appearances at Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, Tanglewood, and more. International engagements have taken the ensemble to Canada, Europe, South America, and Asia sharing their music and mission with global audiences.
Cantus also offers all home concerts via streaming, connecting with audiences across all 50 states and over 16 countries.
Cantus records with the UK-based Signum Classics label, with recent albums including Into the Light, Alone Together, and Fields of Wonder.
A champion of new and underrepresented music for low voices, Cantus regularly commissions composers and publishes through the Cantus Choral Series in partnership with Graphite Publishing. In 2023, the group was honored with Chorus America’s Alice Parker Fund Award for its inclusive and authentic programming.
Cantus also leads Collaborative Concerts, bringing together local choral communities to share the stage, exchange artistry, and build lasting musical connections. As a presenter, Cantus has hosted acclaimed ensembles including Chanticleer, The King’s Singers, Sweet Honey in the Rock, Canadian Brass, and many others—creating opportunities for Minnesota audiences to experience world-class vocal and instrumental music in conversation with Cantus’ own work.
Education is central to Cantus’ mission. Each year, the ensemble reaches over 5,000 students through workshops, residencies, and festivals, including the acclaimed High School Mentorship Program, an annual Tenor Bass Festival, and the Cantus Composer Competition.
“Though the set-list clearly catered to connoisseurs of classical music, their performances mesmerized the entire audience. From a technical standpoint, the concert was pure brilliance. The voices of the eight men resonated throughout the theater with impeccable blend. What amazed me the most was hearing that flawless blend even in the most quiet and subtle moments of the concert.”
Read member bios below!
Samuel Bohlander-Green, bass
Prior to joining Cantus, Samuel was a sought after musician in the thriving Kansas City arts scene, lending his voice to several ensembles including the GRAMMY® Award Winning Kansas City Chorale under the direction of Charles Bruffy, the Simon Carrington Chamber Singers, and Kantorei of Kansas City, among others.
Alex Nishibun, tenor
Tenor Alex Nishibun has enjoyed singing since childhood and fondly remembers his early years of church choir singing and high school chorus. His love for singing was encouraged by his musical family and devoted music teachers from grade school to graduate school.
Jacob Christopher, tenor
Jacob began his professional career in Chicago where he sang with Music of the Baroque, Wicker Park Choral Singers, and as a chorister with the Lyric Opera of Chicago from 2010-2012. Jacob moved to New York City in 2012 and was a founding member of Manhattan Chorale under the direction of Dr. Craig Arnold.
John Paul Rudoi, tenor
As a professional tenor vocalist, Paul has performed and recorded a wide range of music in professional ensembles nationwide including Seraphic Fire, The Santa Fe Desert Chorale, True Concord, the Oregon Bach Festival, and most notably Cantus.
Chris Foss, bass
Chris grew up in southwest Iowa and graduated from Millikin University with a BM in Commercial Music. After a short two years at the University of Nebraska directing the Vocal Jazz program and earning his MM in Choral Conducting, Chris relocated to the Twin Cities and has been proud to be a part of Cantus since then. Chris is also a composer & arranger.
Paul Scholtz, tenor
Tenor Paul Scholtz is in his tenth season with Cantus. In addition to singing, he serves on the Artistic Council and as communications lead along with managing the ensemble’s social media. He recently completed his sixth and final year on the Cantus Board of Directors.
Rod Kelly Hines, baritone
From 2018-2021, Hines was a member of the Brooklyn-based ensemble Choral Chameleon, under the direction of Vince Peterson. After receiving his Master of Music in Voice Performance from Georgia State University, he was a featured soloist in the opera Silent Night by Kevin Puts, presented by The Atlanta Opera in their 2017-18 season.
Jeremy Wong, baritone
Baritone Jeremy M. Wong enjoys a wonderfully varied career as a singer, conductor, and voice teacher who has performed on both the international and U.S. stages with focuses in oratorio, art song, and ensemble singing.