Kantorei appoints new artistic director
For 33 years, founding conductor Dr. Axel Theimer brought a distinctive style of programming and vocalism to Kantorei, one of the few semi-professional chamber choirs in Minnesota. With the retirement of Dr. Theimer, Kantorei has turned the podium over to Adam Reinwald to lead the ensemble of 30 volunteer voices.
A 17-year member of the male ensemble Cantus, and recently of the National Lutheran Choir, Reinwald brings an intimate knowledge of the Twin Cities choral scene to an organization looking to re-engage the community following a pandemic year of limited activity.
Reinwald admires the strong commitment by Kantorei singers to the organization, and to the principles of free, healthy vocalism that give Kantorei its distinctive warm sound and energy.
“Knowing there are many long-term members of this ensemble that have given so much to sustain an organization artistically and financially for three decades–that sets a high bar for our work ahead,” says Reinwald. “I’m focused on opening new audiences to the Kantorei sound, and building on the tremendous legacy Axel has established for lifelong singing. I’m truly thrilled to be working with this group of singers. We know we have some challenges in front of us navigating COVID safety protocols, but I think we’re all excited to get back to making music, for ourselves and especially for audiences.”
Asked what he sees as the main differentiator for Kantorei in a landscape of Twin Cities’ choirs, Reinwald hints that “the Kantorei sound” will remain prominent. “The exceptional warmth of the sound is so engaging for listeners. It draws audience members in. With captive audiences, we have to deliver emotional performances, sung from the heart first. I expect there will be some familiar repertoire, along with some wholly new pieces, but all will contribute to an emotional experience, for singers and listeners. We’ve all been feeling our feelings with this pandemic, and the catharsis of singing will hopefully be harnessed this season.”
Join Kantorei for an Audience Appreciation Concert & Reception November 6, 2021. Also in November, after the Audience Appreciation event, watch for the premiere of a new virtual experience with Kantorei.
In December, Kantorei returns with its traditional Advent Concerts. This season, in-person and virtual audiences–along with Kantorei–will answer the question, “What Are You Waiting For?” Afternoon concerts are planned for Saturday, December 11 and Sunday, December 12.
For press inquiries, contact adam.reinwald@kantorei.net More information at kantorei.net.
Adam Reinwald is a nationally recognized vocal chamber artist and conductor, and is in demand as a coach and strategist for small- to mid-size arts organizations, focusing on new media and virtual/digital branding. Adam combines artistic and administrative leadership from over two decades of experience in the nonprofit arts sector.
With the 2021 appointment as Artistic and Managing Director of Kantorei, a chamber choir in the Twin Cities, Adam builds on an extensive choral arts background that includes work with the National Lutheran Choir, and nearly two decades with the acclaimed vocal ensemble Cantus. Recent groundswell presentations at Chorus America, the American Choral Directors Association, and the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network have included “Making Video Accessible for your Community Chorus”, and “Building an Interfaith Programming Model.”
