Cantata Academy Chorale
HISTORY
Now in its 48th year, the Cantata Academy Chorale is truly Detroit's World Class Chorale. The Cantata Academy Chorale is dedicated to high-calibre choral performance and outreach to communities throughout the Detroit metropolitan area and the world. This adult chorale each year produces its own subscription concert series and hires itself out to orchestras, churches and other concert series.
Cantata Academy Chorale has performed with every major orchestra in the Detroit metropolitan area including the world renown Detroit Symphony Orchestra. In addition the group presents its own subscription concert series and appears on other concert series and special events throughout the Detroit area.
Since 1973, the chorale has made biennial tours to Europe. With this 2005 European Tour, Cantata Academy celebrated 32 years of its tradition of European concert tours. Over the past 32 years, the chorale has performed in at least 20 different countries. The experiences on tour remind the choir of the power of music to transcend barriers of geography and language.
During its history, Cantata Academy Chorale has had three talented individuals who have served in the post of Music Director and Conductor. Founding Music Director Arthur Stephan led the group from 1961 until 1971. Maestro Frederick Bellinger led Cantata Academy Chorale from 1971 until 1999. From 1999 until 2008, the chorale has been under the direction of Dr. Michael A. Mitchell. Cantata Academy Chorale now welcomes Maurice T. Draughn as Director and Conductor.
Maurice T. Draughn, Director and Conductor
Cantata Academy Chorale performing at Noel Night in the Detroit Institute of Arts, December 2005 under the direction of Guest Conductor and CAC Member, Kent Wattleworth.
bravenet.com