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Saturday April 25, 2026, 7:30 PM
Christ United Methodist Church
485 Hoes Lane
Piscataway, NJ 08854

Program-Notes-1

Woven from the Beginning: Threads of the American Soul

A concert honoring the United States’ 250th anniversary
Cantabile Chamber Chorale celebrates America’s semiquincentennial with music that weaves together the diverse voices, histories, and traditions that shape our national story.


At the heart of the program is Rollo Dilworth’s America, The Dream, a stirring setting of Langston Hughes’ Freedom’s Plow, from which the phrase “woven from the beginning” is drawn. The rest of the repertoire spans genres and generations, featuring:


Dan Messe’s Half Acre, a folk-hymn about home and memory
Randall Thompson’s Frostiana, setting the poetry of Robert Frost with quintessential American lyricism
Additional selections will highlight:

Indigenous composers, whose works speak to land, heritage, and survival
African American spirituals, reimagined through contemporary choral lenses
Broadway and popular songwriters, reflecting the cultural mosaic of American expression
Poetic settings by composers of varied backgrounds, including women, immigrants, and LGBTQ+ voices

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Saturday, December 6, 2025, 7:30 pm
Christ United Methodist Church
485 Hoes Lane
Piscataway, NJ 08854

Program-Notes-1

Echoes of Spain: Part II

A Celebration of Passion, Rhythm, and Cultural Resonance
Following the success of Part I, Echoes of Spain Part II expands its musical horizon to embrace the vibrant choral traditions of Puerto Rico, Cuba, and Mexico—nations whose voices echo Spain’s legacy while forging distinctive artistic paths. From the lyrical Christmas-inspired textures of Puerto Rican aguinaldos to the earthy Cuban and Mexican villancicos, this program invites listeners into a rich, cross-cultural dialogue. Performers: Rebecca Scott, Artistic Director — lauded for expressive programming and deep cultural awareness Cantabile Chamber Chorale — a passionate ensemble bridging genres and traditions through inspired vocal artistry Alborada Dance Theatre — adding vibrant dances and colorful costumes; Lynne Stallworth, piano; Ivan Max, guitar; Alex Nelson, cello; Joel Rudin, viola
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Saturday, April 26, 2025, 7:30 pm
Christ United Methodist Church
485 Hoes Lane
Piscataway, NJ 08854

Program-Notes-1

Echoes of Spain
Ecos de España

Join Us for an Enchanting Evening of Spanish Choral Music and Dance!
From the passionate rhythms of Flamenco to the haunting, beautiful melodies of traditional Spanish folk songs, our program will take you on a musical journey through Spain’s diverse and colorful landscape. Experience the masterful compositions of luminaries such as Juan Vasquez, Javier Busto, and Juan de Anchieta, performed by Cantabile and our talented guest artists, Alborada Spanish Dance Theatre.
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Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 7:30 pm
Christ United Methodist Church
485 Hoes Lane
Piscataway, NJ 08854

Program-Notes-1

Dazzle of Space

Join Us for an Enchanting Evening of Spanish Choral Music and Dance!
Experience composers’ wonderment and amazement with the dazzling beauty of stars, nebulae, and galaxies in our premiere of “After the Dazzle of Day” by Bruce Lazarus for chorus and harp. With the premiere of Marco Adrian-Ramos’s “This is a Present” and gems by Esenvalds, Whitacre, Diemer, and Whitehead.
PROGRAM
In One of the Stars ✦ music by Emma Lou Diemer
Stars ✦ music by Eriks Esenvalds
After the Dazzle of Day (2024 commission by Cantabile) ✦ music by Bruce Lazarus
This is a Present (2024 commission by Cantabile)✦ music by Marco Adrian Ramos
Lullaby for Stars ✦ William Whitehead
Goodnight Moon ✦ music by Eric Whitacre
Oh, Watch the Stars ✦ African American spiritual, arr. by Mack Wilberg
We Wish You the Merriest ✦ music by Les Brown, arr. by Mack Huff