Dolce Canto to perform in Kalispell

Missoula choir Dolce Canto, under the direction of Peter Park, will present J.S. Bach’s Cantata No. 80, the “Reformation,” with soloists and chamber orchestra, at 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 603 S. Main St., Kalispell.

This cantata is so named because of the use of “A Mighty Fortress” chorale tune in its fabric, and texts related to Martin Luther’s hymn of the same name. Bach wrote more than 200 cantatas, and in his grand scheme, he had planned to have complete cycles for five years worth of cantatas, one for each Sunday and special feast days. Works from three annual cantata cycles have survived.

Included in Saturday’s program will be three additional pieces by Dolce Canto: “Hail Gladdening Light” by Healey Willan, “Prayer for the Captive” arranged by Kevin Siegfried, and “Choral Reflections on Amazing Grace” arranged by Roger Ames, as well as two organ compositions by Bethlehem organist Paul Gregory. A free-will offering will be taken with a suggested donation of $10, and all are welcome.

Featured soloists will be Caitlin Cisler, soprano; Angela Joy Dailey, alto; David Cody, tenor; and Micah Hunter, bass.

Dolce Canto strives to enrich the lives of its members and audiences by performing exceptional and diverse choral music with compelling artistry and sensitivity. The choir is an auditioned ensemble based in Missoula that comprises professional musicians, music teachers, community members and students who share an enthusiasm for choral music. Its repertoire consists of sacred and secular music representing various historical periods and musical styles.

Dolce Canto performs several programs each year for both public and private audiences. The choir has been featured on programs of 2 Valleys Stage, Madison River Music Festival, Mineral County Performing Arts Series, Sanders County Performing Arts Series, and St. Timothy’s Summer Music Festival, and has participated in choral workshops with renowned conductors Anton Armstrong, Brady Allred, Charles Bruffy and Giselle Wyers.

Dolce Canto was showcased during the 2010 Northwestern Division Conference of the American Choral Directors Association and performed in New York’s Carnegie Hall in 2013. The group was the 2014 recipient of the Dale Warland Singers Commission Award, which resulted in the commission of “The Stars Still Shine” from composer John Muehleisen and lyricist Charles Anthony Silvestri. The commission was premiered during Dolce Canto’s 2016 tour to South Korea, the group’s first international tour, which they shared with Minnesota Music Hall of Fame bluegrass band Monroe Crossing.

Dolce Canto has released two albums, “A Capella Around the World” and the holiday album “A Joyful Season,” and is included on “Into the Light,” a recording project of the John Ellis Endowment to ease the transition for those near the end of life.

For more information about Dolce Canto, visit http://www.dolcecanto.info.