NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The talented chorale group, Cantemus, returns to the Ossie Davis Theater of the New Rochelle Public Library on Sunday, May 21, from 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm for their annual performance of classics, pop tunes, opera, and Broadway melodies—all woven together with an engaging and often amusing narrative. The ensemble of singers, under the direction of Jena Smith and accompanied by pianist Marianne Salzman, will explore the many facets of love and peace, employing humor, truth, and sublime music.
The concert is made possible by the Friends of the New Rochelle Public Library. A donation of $2.00 is suggested at the door.
Cantemus (Latin for “let us sing”) was formed in 1989 for the pleasure of a group of musicians, each of whom is a vocal soloist, instrumentalist, or has an extensive choral background. Directed by Jena Smith of Scarsdale, the group is comprised of members from Westchester and Connecticut. Cantemus has performed internationally, including four concerts in France by invitation of the Cultural Attaché of the Loire Valley.
Jena Smith, conductor, is known to Westchester audiences as conductor of the Performing Arts Society, which presented opera and chamber music from 1973 to 1979. A Juilliard graduate who made a career as a singer here and abroad, Ms. Smith has toured with the Robert Shaw Chorale and sung with professional choruses in the New York area. A voice teacher for more than thirty years, she utilizes choral and vocal techniques to enhance the sound and texture of Cantemus.
