“Cantare never disappoints! They cannot miss when they have such stunning programs to offer. It is always clear that they are thoroughly enjoying sharing the music with the audience.”
–Audience Member
Cantare Chorale
Under the direction of Founder and Artistic Director David Morales, Cantare Chorale’s 100-plus auditioned singers have performed over 900 individual compositions including 25 major choral/orchestral works through 88 diverse concert programs.
“A remarkable group,” says the San Jose Mercury News, “with an uncompromising commitment to excellence,” says San Francisco Classical Voice, “singing with power and precision,” says the Contra Costa Times (March 2024).
Known for its eclectic and cultural diversity programming, they have performed concerts that highlight the music of Asia, Latin American, African and African American traditions, in addition to Great Britain, Germany, Spain, France, Scandinavia, Jewish music, music from the Christian tradition, and of course, numerous genres reflecting American music traditions. The Chorale has collaborated with other local choirs, including Coro Hispano, Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, UC Gospel Choir, and CSUEB Symphonic Chorus. Cantare vocalists have also toured internationally in Russia, Scandinavia, Eastern Europe and Spain. The Chorale annually engages professional musicians from Bay Area orchestras and features acclaimed vocal soloists in concert performances.
“I imagine that some of our singers may have felt that [Ernest Bloch's Sacred Service] was foreign to them, yet they opened their hearts and gave this piece their all anyway—because that is what we do in Cantare. That's who we are as a community.”
–Chorale Vocalist
Cantare Summer Choir
Open to all experienced choir singers aged 14 and up, this non-auditioned choir debuted in July 2018, with a concert featuring Anthems from the Christian Church. Other concert programs have included African American Spirituals and Gospels, the Music of Broadway, and a diverse program honoring the lives and work of LGBTQIA+ artists.
Cantare’s 2025 Summer Choir will perform a variety of the American Film Institute’s greatest songs from the last 100+ years.
Chamber Ensemble
The Chamber Ensemble was the original Cantare choir, founded in 1987, who in 1999 transitioned into the Chamber Ensemble. This group of 26 seasoned, auditioned vocalists perform an inspiring repertoire of the most challenging choral music from around the world, including time-honored pieces and new music, as well as sacred and secular works. The Ensemble has performed more than 1,250 choral compositions in 100+ concerts.
They currently are on hiatus in Cantare’s 2025-26 season.
“Touching, beautiful, and thoughtful.”
Interested in singing with Cantare’s adult choirs?
Cantare is always seeking new singers who are interested in improving their vocal and musical skills and performing at very high standards of excellence.
2025-26 Season: Anchored in Justice -Reaching in Love
The Chorale is a symphonic choir of 100 auditioned singers that will performs four concerts in the 2025-26 season: October 5 concert of American composers; December 6, 7 annual holiday concert; March 21, 22 concerts with orchestra and soloists including Beethoven’s Symphony #9 – Ode to Joy and works by Brahms and J.S. Bach; May 17, 18 concerts paying tribute to the 250th anniversary of America’s Declaration of Independence. Chorale rehearsals are primarily on Sunday afternoons in Oakland, with an occasional Tuesday night substitution in Lafayette. Singers can choose to participate in individual series or in all four annual concerts.
Auditions include vocalization, singing a solo in any genre, and sight-reading selected choral excerpts. Auditions occur throughout the season prior to each concert series. Sign up form coming soon.
CHOIR HIGHLIGHTS
Music Down In My Soul | Moses Hagan
Chichester Psalms, Movement 1 | Leonard Bernstein
Imagine | John Lennon, arr. Mac Huff
Total Praise | Richard Smallwood
Sacred Service, Part 3 | Ernest Bloch
