Recorded on March 17, 19, and 20 at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the COVID-19 sessions came together quickly as society began to shut down amidst the growing outbreak in the United States.
Recorded on March 17, 19, and 20 at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the COVID-19 sessions came together quickly as society began to shut down amidst the growing outbreak in the United States.
“Cantus tour dates and home concerts were being canceled and it was clear there would be only a limited window in which to sing together before the world went on pause,” says Paul Scholtz, tenor.
“What would social distancing and prohibitions on large gatherings mean for vocal music, our communities, and the world at large?” continues Scholtz. “Cantus’ vision is to give voice to shared human experiences and what better way than to offer these performances amidst this great turmoil and uncertainty. We hope you can find yourself and your experience reflected somewhere in these sessions. The pieces you will hear span a great breadth of emotion, from joy to sorrow to wonder to pain. We hope you will find the performances themselves informed by the emotional states in which they were recorded — heightened at different times in different ways.”
★★★★ “Cantus are a class act, performing everything with both immaculate balance and plenty of character” – BBC Music Magazine
“Looking back in years to come, historians will find a musical time-capsule in the releases of the current period: recordings that commemorate, testify to, mourn, offer consolation or simply ponder this strangest of times. ‘The Covid-19 Sessions’ from American lower-voice ensemble Cantus is a classic of the new genre…Cantus is a class act vocally.” – Gramophone
“What is so noticeable about this album is the variety of songs on offer. They draw on different cultures, genres and musical eras ranging from the Renaissance to the present day…It was pleasing to see several female composers in the song list – Hildegard von Bingen for instance…With nineteen different works on the album, there is a wealth of material to capture your imagination and lighten your mood…Magnificently sung. I have been humming it ever since. Would love to see this ensemble on the London stage.” – ArtMuse London