Cantus & Imani Winds: My Ancestors Speak

Join two of today’s most compelling chamber ensembles, Cantus & Imani Winds, for My Ancestors Speak, a powerful joint concert that unites a stunning vocal octet and a dynamic wind quintet. Through a compelling fusion of story and song, this unique collaboration celebrates the rich, diverse cultural lineages of both ensembles, exploring deeply rooted connections to identity, tradition, and history.

Renowned for their lush, expressive vocals, Cantus blends seamlessly with the bold, genre-defying sound of GRAMMY-winning Imani Winds to present a dynamic program that traverses centuries and continents. Together, they create a musical tapestry that honors the past and reflects our shared human experience.

The concert features two newly commissioned works, “My Ancestors Speak” by Pulitzer Prize finalist Alex Weiser and “Left” by 2022 Hermitage Greenfield Prize winner Angélica Negrón, alongside repertoire that highlights a global array of musical traditions and voices.

Approximate Runtime: 1 hour and 45 minutes (including a 20 minute intermission)

Highlighted Repertoire

My Ancestors Speak – Alex Weiser
Left – Angélica Negrón
Mr. Banjo – arr. Jeff Scott
How Can I Keep From Singing? – arr. Stephen Caracciolo
Ku’u Ipo Ka He’e Pu’e One (My Sweetheart in the Rippling Hills of Sand) – Princess Miriam Likelike; arr. Marsha Schweitzer
Mi Tierra (My Homeland) – Gloria Estefan & Estéfano; arr. Yosvany Estepe Diáz