The University of Iowa’s Hancher will present the male vocal ensemble Cantus at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 30, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church (228 E. Jefferson Street) in Iowa City.
Cantus will be performing a program titled Anthem, which explores the traditions and customs of singing throughout the world with specific emphasis on when and why people sing together.
“Anthems are an expression of identity and create a way for communities to show support for a cause, belief, a heritage, or even a sports team,” says Cantus tenor Aaron Humble. “If you have once sung a song in a group, that music forever after will conjure the emotions of that moment for you: pride, identity, unity.”
The program includes songs from various cultures and traditions asking the question: When we gather together, how does singing help us celebrate, help us inspire, or help us heal? Anthem features works ranging from the Hebrew Burial Kaddish to the African-American work song, “Rainbow ’Round My Shoulder,” to works by Kodály, Holst, Verdi, Janáček, and Tallis.
Two new pieces commissioned for the program include “When We Sing” by Rosephanye Powell, inspired by the recent findings that people’s heartbeats start to synch when they sing together; and an arrangement of “How Can I Keep From Singing” from Stephen Caracciolo, who previously arranged “Simple Gifts” for the group.
The performance by Cantus is supported by the Hancher Partners and gifts to the Hancher Circle through the University of Iowa Foundation.
Tickets, which are $30 for nonstudents, $25 for senior citizens, and $10 for college students and youth, are available from the Hancher Box Office. Located on the first floor of the south end of the Old Capitol Mall near the parking ramp, the Hancher Box Office is open for phone (319-335-1160 or 800-HANCHER) or walk-up business from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays. Tickets may be ordered online. Any remaining tickets will be available for sale one hour before show time at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all UI-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, contact the Hancher Box Office in advance at 319-335-1158.