MIDDLEBURY — Known the world over for “precise, pure, and deeply felt singing” (New York Times), the multiple Grammy Award-winning vocal ensemble Chanticleer makes its Middlebury debut on Saturday, Sept. 29 at Mead Chapel. Chanticleer is a group of 12 male voices ranging from countertenor to bass; they sing original interpretations of vocal literature, from Renaissance to jazz, and from gospel to venturesome new music.
The concert “Then and There, Here and Now” will span musical history in honor of the group’s 40th anniversary season. This panoramic look back at Chanticleer’s favorite composers and repertoires will include selections by Giovanni da Palestrina, William Bird, Richard Strauss, George Gershwin, Duke Ellington, and many more. Eleven of the works to be performed were written or arranged specifically for Chanticleer.
The group was founded in San Francisco in 1978 by tenor Louis A. Botto, who sang in the ensemble until 1989 and served as Artistic Director until his death in 1997. Chanticleer first became known for its interpretations of Renaissance music, and was later a pioneer in the revival of the South American baroque, recording several award winning titles in that repertoire. Chanticleer was named “Ensemble of the Year” by Musical America in 2008, and inducted in the American Classical Music Hall of Fame the same year. William Fred Scott was named Music Director in 2014. A native of Georgia, Scott is the former Assistant Conductor to Robert Shaw at the Atlanta Symphony, former Artistic Director of the Atlanta Opera, an organist and choir director.
Chanticleer’s education programs engage over 5,000 young people annually. For these efforts, the group was recognized with the 2010 Chorus America Education Outreach Award.
Tickets are $30 for adults; $25 for Middlebury College faculty, staff, emeriti and alumni; $10 for youth; and $6 for Middlebury College students; and are on sale at 802-443-MIDD (6433) or click here.