About Cor Cantiamo

Established in 2009 by Dr. Eric A. Johnson, Cor Cantiamo is a professional chamber choir whose creative programming and artistry weave contemporary music with choral masterworks to present concerts designed to inspire and engage audiences. This ensemble-in-residence at Northern Illinois University’s School of Music has achieved critical acclaim and recognition for their musicality, impassioned performances, and versatility.
In addition to maintaining an active touring season, Cor Cantiamo strives to provide educational enrichment opportunities to local youth through their annual ILMEA Audition Workshop and Masterworks Project, an educational outreach program designed to introduce high school choral musicians to choral/orchestral masterworks in a professional setting.
Cor Cantiamo has performed multiple World and U.S. Premieres, and works directly with contemporary composers from around the world. Recent premieres include Verdad (2019) by Libby Larsen, When Did We See You? (2018) by Dominick DiOrio, The Wings of Our Children (2017) by Timothy Takach, and The Seven Heavens (2016) by James Whitbourn.
Cor Cantiamo has also developed an active and successful recording program with an emphasis on recording contemporary works and collaborating with commissioned composers.
The ensemble released their first commercial album, Canticum: Choral Music of Jaakko Mäntyjärvi (Centaur Records), in 2014, and the second commercial album Psallite, (Divine Arts Records), was released in 2016. The ensemble’s most recent album, The Seven Heavens, (Divine Arts Records) was recorded in May 2017 and was released in March 2020.
Cor Cantiamo has also been selected to perform at several American Choral Director’s Association (ACDA) conferences, and is regularly featured on the Encore program on Classical WNIU’s radio station (90.5 FM).
Cor Cantiamo’s artistic activities are generously supported by private donors and the following foundations: Wurlitzer Foundation, The Douglas C. & Lynn M. Roberts Family Foundation, DeKalb County Community Foundation, DCNP-NGOLD Internship program, and the Cy Miller Family Foundation.
The mission of Cor Cantiamo is to enrich and empower the community through performances of contemporary choral music, commissions, and music education outreach programs.
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The name Cor Cantiamo was created from a fusion of Latin and Italian words. “Cor” traditionally translates to “choir”, though it can also translate to “heart”. “Cantiamo” is the Italian verb meaning “we sing.”  The name Cor Cantiamo embraces the fundamental essence of this ensemble’s efforts. The members of Cor Cantiamo bring their voices together as one to sing with artistry, passion and heart.

Members

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