For 18 years, the group has been performing a variety of vocal literature from Renaissance to jazz, and from gospel to new music. The group has many recordings available, including its most recent release, Lost in the Stars, Chanticleer's first all-pops CD, featuring newly commissioned arrangements from the '30s and '40s, with Ettore Strata conducting the London Studio Orchestra. Critics have widely praised the ensemble. Chanticleer was founded in 1978 by tenor Louis Botto, who sang with the group until 1989 and continues to serve as its artistic director. In 1996, he received the Michael Korn Founder's Award from Chorus America in recognition of his contributions to choral music and his long-term service to the association.
Every voice is independent.
This is not a choir in which one person stands in front and dictates the piece-we each have a part in shaping it. Music director, Joseph Jennings, joined the group in 1983 and sang with the ensemble until 1995. Baritone Frank Albinder, a member since 1988, serves as associate conductor. The group has earned numerous awards, as well as major foundation support and government grants. The concert is a part of the Blue and Gold Series, which offers dining at the Blue and Gold Club at 6 p.m. prior to the show.