Operating Support
Operating Support
Cantus engages audiences in a meaningful music experience and ensures the future of ensemble singing by mentoring young singers and educators. Cantus was founded on the ideals of collaborative music making. Artists and staff work together to reach new levels of artistic excellence, innovation, and audience engagement. Our vision is to give voice to shared human experiences.
Peggy Burnet: Businesswoman, art collector, and community volunteer. Chair of the Nominating Committee, Smithsonian National Board. Trustee, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. Vice Chair, Minnesota State Arts Board.; Uri Camarena: Business consultant, Metropolitan Economic Development Association. Board chair, Minneapolis College of Art and Design. Officer at-large, Minnesota State Arts Board; Michael Charron: Dean of the School of the Arts, Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. Secretary/Treasurer, Minnesota State Arts Board.; Sean Dowse: Mayor of Red Wing, elected 2016. Former executive director, Sheldon Theatre. Board member for Minnesota Citizens for the Arts. Chair, Minnesota State Arts Board.; Philip McKenzie, Oboe and English horn player; adjunct oboe faculty, NDSU; Mary McReynolds-Pellinen: Executive director, Lyric Center for the Arts; coordinator, First Stage Gallery; Dobson West: Senior advisor, Spell Capital Partners Fund.; Christina Widdess: Arts organization consultant; former managing director, Penumbra Theatre. Vice Chair, Minnesota State Arts Board.
Peggy Burnet: Businesswoman, art collector, and community volunteer. Chair of the Nominating Committee, Smithsonian National Board. Trustee, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. Vice Chair, Minnesota State Arts Board.; Uri Camarena: Business consultant, Metropolitan Economic Development Association. Board chair, Minneapolis College of Art and Design. Officer at-large, Minnesota State Arts Board; Michael Charron: Dean of the School of the Arts, Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. Secretary/Treasurer, Minnesota State Arts Board.; Sean Dowse: Mayor of Red Wing, elected 2016. Former executive director, Sheldon Theatre. Board member for Minnesota Citizens for the Arts. Chair, Minnesota State Arts Board.; Philip McKenzie, Oboe and English horn player; adjunct oboe faculty, NDSU; Mary McReynolds-Pellinen: Executive director, Lyric Center for the Arts; coordinator, First Stage Gallery; Dobson West: Senior advisor, Spell Capital Partners Fund.; Christina Widdess: Arts organization consultant; former managing director, Penumbra Theatre. Vice Chair, Minnesota State Arts Board.
ACHF Arts Access
Minnesotans will gain knowledge of vocal music and insight into isolation and connectedness in modern society. Gather and review results of surveys/e-surveys, document direct feedback from audiences and education/outreach programs and activities participants; record and discuss post-concert Q and A sessions. 2: Cantus will strive to ensure its programming remains accessible and engaging to listeners from diverse backgrounds. Collect/analyze attendance and sales results, social media and web visits, and post-concert reports/assessments by ensemble; gather and analyze MPR carriage reports; gather residency survey results.
Nearly 2,000 Minnesotans attended 'Alone Together' concerts, which included new music and examined connection and isolation in the digital age. Cantus tracked audience feedback, shared electronically and in person. The organization also monitored press reviews; the Pioneer Press called this program 'exceptionally well-executed.' Finally, Cantus surveyed education outreach participants. 2: Beyond free community concerts and media initiatives, Cantus collaborated with Lorelei ensemble and three local high schools to reach distinct audiences. Cantus monitors sales/attendance reports and surveys all education participants. Demand for digital content remains strong: Cantus released three music videos that attracted 64,000 views on Facebook. Cantus also works with MPR to monitor reach.
Other, local or private