Acclaimed Singers to Open Performing Arts Series

Diana Gish/KMXT

The Kodiak Arts Council’s performing arts series opens tonight with Cantus.

Cantus is a much-acclaimed male vocal ensemble from Saint Olaf University in Minnesota.

The group has toured the world since its formation in 1995. Kodiak is their last stop on their first Alaska tour.

Aaron Humble is a tenor with the group; he’s also their tour manager. Humble says they launched the tour with a sold-out concert in Anchorage.

— (cantus 1 "and then we … to their town,.")

The a cappella group consists of nine men. Cantus gets glowing reviews whenever they perform. One critic called them, "unstuffy and engaging."

— (cantus 2 "Well, I think … of the experience.")

The group has an educational component to their performances as well. They work with and perform for students and they touch on social issues with their singing. In one song that was commissioned for them they sing the words of a letter written by a soldier who later died in Iraq. In another song they perform the words of men in therapy for committing domestic violence.

For the Alaska tour the group performs songs about the elements including a song about the ocean that Humble believes will have special meaning for the Kodiak audience.

— (cantus 3 "One of our … speak to them.")

Cantus performs tonight at 7 p.m. at the Gerald C. Wilson Auditorium. Tickets are available at the Artists Eye or at the door.