The Cantori Choral Ensemble recently announced its spring concert schedule.
Performances are planned at 5 p.m. April 27 at Walnut Hills Baptist Church, 1014 Jamestown Road, Williamsburg, and 7:30 p.m. May 4 at Abingdon Episcopal Church, 4645 George Washington Highway, Gloucester.
The theme will be “Songs of the People.” The program will include traditional spirituals such as Deep River, Steal Away, Swing Low Sweet Chariot and Ain’t-a That Good News, reported conductor and founder Agnes French.
Arrangers include some of the foremost spiritual arrangers, including William Dawson, Jester Hairston, Moses Hogan, and the team of Robert Shaw and Alice Parker. Also on the program is the stunning arrangement of Amazing Grace by Ēriks Ešenvalds.
Most of the music will be sung a cappella, in keeping with the tradition of this music. A few pieces will be accompanied by Rebecca Davy, piano, and Mae-Li Beane, violin.
Cantori is a 14-voice auditioned ensemble. French is the former director of music at Grace……
