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Headshot of Cantus tenor Alexander Nishibun

Alex Nishibun

tenor

PROGRAMMING

MEMBER SINCE: 2019

HOMETOWN: Flaherty, KY

EDUCATION: M.M., Vocal Performance, New England Conservatory; B.A., Music, Huntingdon College

EMAIL: ANISHIBUN@CANTUSSINGS.ORG

Tenor Alex Nishibun has enjoyed singing since childhood and fondly remembers his early years of church choir singing and high school chorus. His love for singing was encouraged by his musical family and devoted music teachers from grade school to graduate school.

Alex Nishibun is in his second season as a tenor with Cantus and his first year as a member of the Artistic Council. When he’s not singing with his colleagues or performing his various artistic co-director responsibilities, he’ll likely be found playing bluegrass mandolin, taking walks in parks, or having wine with friends. He loves his time performing around the nation, but he’s always happiest returning home to his wife, Jesi, and their Boston Terrier, Moose.

GET TO KNOW ALEX

1. When did you know you wanted to sing professionally?

I attended an opera camp while I was still in high school. I’m pretty sure that I was a last-minute addition to the roster, but I absolutely loved working with coaches, voice teachers, and the other musicians in the opera scenes. It showed me what music-making can look like, and I knew I wanted to sing professionally after that experience.

2. If you could commission any composer for Cantus (alive or deceased) who would it be and why?

If I could commission any living or deceased composer for Cantus, I’d go with Gerald Finzi. I’ve always enjoyed his thoughtful approach to text and his harmonic palate. His choral anthems are always exciting to sing, too!

3. What country would you most like to visit as a member of Cantus?

I’d love to visit the UK with Cantus. I’ve always been a fan of the English choral tradition, and I think it’s always a treat to listen to stunning choirs live. Also, it would be wonderful to share our American style with our English counterparts!

4. What is your favorite hobby outside of singing?

I’m a Kentucky native, so bluegrass holds a special place in my heart. I love going to shows and playing mandolin in my spare time. I’m not particularly good at it, but I love putting some time into something that is musically satisfying anyway!

5. If you could hang out with any celebrity (alive or deceased) who would it be and why? 

I think I’d probably love to hang out with Stephen Colbert. I get the sense that he would keep the conversation alive, have crazy fun stories, and he just seems like a really genuine person.

6. If you had access to a time machine, when and where would you go?

I might go back to my wedding. Jesi and I had so many family members and friends surrounding us many of whom we no longer get to see very often or, in some cases, at all. It was a beautiful day that was gone in a blink of an eye.

7. What is the most played album in your iTunes library?

En Français by Pomplamoose. It’s such a great album with some French classics and some new fun ones! Totally worth a listen.

8. You’re stranded on an island – which three books or movies do you bring for entertainment?

I’d bring Hail, Caesar!, Avengers: Endgame, and a box set of Schitt’s Creek.

9. What do you want people to know about Cantus?

I want people to know that Cantus’ creation of music is a dynamic, invigorating enterprise. We strive to fashion stunning musical experiences and do so with a shared understanding of respect for our fellow ensemble members along with a healthy dose of questioning everything.

10. Share with us one of your greatest days ever.

Jesi and I were at LGA waiting for a connecting flight back home. As we exited a restaurant, mandolin god Chris Thile walks by us. “That’s…that’s Chris Thile.” I say in disbelief to Jesi. “Where?” “There. Chris…” I barely whispered. “Uh, Chris…”I tried to say as he continues to walk past us. My AMAZING wife jogs up to him, touches his arm and asks, “I’m sorry to bother, but are you Chris Thile? You are? Fantastic, would you mind saying hi to my husband? He’s an absolute fan.” One of the greatest…days…EVER. Thanks, love. 🙂