Cantata Profana - Chamber Music of a Grander Scale

Cantata Profana, founded in 2013 by students from the Yale School of Music and the Institute of Sacred Music, is a unique ensemble as it is committed to performing works written for larger-sized vocal and instrumental ensembles. According to manager and founder, Jacob Ashworth, "There are earlier precedents, but Arnold Schönberg’s Pierrot Lunaire kind of split the roof open for this sort of group. So many composers followed suit and started writing for eclectic combinations of instruments with voice... It’s hard to find the group that wants to devote themselves to making the organizational effort and spending the rehearsal time on a Webern piece with eight instruments and singer, if it is only going to yield two minutes of music on a program. But that’s us. We’re that group."

The group has already given two very successful concerts on the Yale campus and will be taking their hit show, Eight Songs for a Mad King, to Brooklyn's Roulette Theater on May 22 at 8:00pm. Tickets available HERE. 

This is a group made up of stunning musicians dedicated to presenting chamber works that are rarely performed. If you have the opportunity, be sure to check them out on May 22nd. Audio clips at top. 

Tickets for the May 22nd Show at Roulette, Brooklyn HERE

Cantata Profana Website HERE

Interview with Jacob Ashworth, the ensemble's manager and founder, HERE

Joel Puckett's Concert Duo - Listen tomorrow at 11:35am CST

Tomorrow at 11:35 AM CST Troy University Public Radio will be playing a segment from Tim Phillip's Clarinet Corner featuring the premiere recording of Joel Puckett's Concert Duo. You can tune in online HERE to catch the great recording featuring Anthony and Demarre McGill with the Chicago Youth Symphony. 

You can keep up with the latest from composer Joel Puckett by following him through the links below.
     Twitter - https://twitter.com/joelpuckett
     Tumblr - http://tinyurl.com/ap5y8v3
     Soundcloud - https://soundcloud.com/joel-puckett

Choma Academy of Music

The Choma Academy of Music is a music school located in Zambia, Africa where students are given the opportunity to receive formal music education while at the same time being given access to assistance for traditional schooling, AIDS and human trafficking prevention education, basic needs provisions, and career development/vocation skills training. There "Music... offer[s] an alternative to a life lived in fear of sickness and slavery. The Academy of Music in Choma, Zambia is battling AIDS and human trafficking by offering students life through the arts."

A colleague and friend of mine, Derek Thompson, will be traveling to Zambia this summer to teach music, bring along much needed music supplies, and to help to grow this institution which is helping to combat the issues of poverty, AIDS, and human trafficking. If you are able, please consider making a donation to help fund his trip. Donations of any size will make a difference! All donations will be used for travel costs, living expenses, and music supplies for the academy. Learn more about Derek and what he will be doing in Zambia at his fundraising page HERE. The Choma Academy of Music Facebook Page can be found HERE. 

Donate now!