Director: Janet Hitt
In December of 2005, a small group of singers assembled to perform at the Habitat for Humanity Christmas Concert in La Conner, Washington. Out of that original group, Cantabile was formed. Cantabile is an adjective, meaning songlike, or in a smooth, flowing, lyrical style.
Today, Cantabile has grown to become a 28-member ensemble of auditioned vocalists gathered from the Skagit Valley area, Oak Harbor, and Everett; and is conducted by the renowned conductor, Janet Skones Hitt. The group performs a two-concert season of repertoire that spans the centuries, and features a balance of sacred and secular works. We enjoy performing classical music that has withstood the test of time, and experimenting with contemporary selections that challenge us and entertain our audiences. Our mission is to share our love of beautiful choral music with audiences throughout the Skagit Valley area and beyond.
Past concert themes have included a Requiem for Darfur, Of Love and Nature, Tapestry Americana, the Creation, and four Christmas-themed concerts. We were one of five choirs invited to participate in the 3rd Annual Leavenworth Music Festival in the spring of 2008, and has been invited for a return performance in April, 2010. Our Requiem for Darfur and Tapestry Americana were both benefit performances. Proceeds from the Requiem went to survivors of Darfur, and the Tapestry Americana proceeds were donated to Habitat for Humanity. Cantabile has been honored to participate with Skagit Opera as the chorus for Amahl and the Night Visitors, and many Cantabile members continue to support Skagit Opera through their active participation in many of their opera productions.
Cantabile rehearses on Mondays from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm in the music room at Bethany Covenant Church. The public is invited to sit in and listen to rehearsals. Parking is available on the premises. Singers interested in auditioning for Cantabile should contact Executive Director Lynne Rheinhardt at lynnt2001@msn.com. We invite your comments and hope that you reserve a permanent place on your calendar for our seasonal concerts!
