Cantemus Presents “I Hear America Singing”

Cantemus Chamber Chorus, with 40 members from across the North Shore, will present a concert in Beverly titled “I Hear America Singing.” Featuring African-American Spirituals and music by Charles Ives, Aaron Copland, Rosephanye Powell, Charlene Archibeque, Cecil Effinger, Bob Dylan, and more, texts are by American poets Walt Whitman, Emily Dickinson, Langston Hughes, and others. The concert, which will be repeated in Newburyport May 11, will explore what it means to be American – the American Landscape, the American Dream, Songs of Protest, Songs of the American Diaspora, Songs on American Poetry, and finally asks: The American Dream Restored?

Joining the Chorus will be guitarist Chris Rubén-Winters and oboist Benjamin Fox. Rubén-Winters draws from deep roots in jazz, salsa, and classical music and his playing has enriched performances of multiple Massachusetts choral groups. Fox’s versatility and virtuosity have been showcased in a variety of venues, from Carnegie Hall to Honolulu nightclubs. He is the Principal Oboist of the Bangor Symphony Orchestra and holds the same position with the Marsh Chapel Collegium.

In addition, Cantemus accompanist Jeffrey Mead will be joined by Cantemus singer and pianist Patricia Clark in Charles Ives’ “Variations on America.” Solo work and ensembles will be featured throughout the varied program.