Chicago A Cappella Opens 2025–26 Season With CANTARÉ, A Celebration of Mexican Music
CHICAGO, IL — The city’s premier unaccompanied vocal ensemble, Chicago A Cappella, is opening its 2025–26 season with a vibrant new program: CANTARÉ, A Celebration of Mexican Music. Touring across the Chicagoland area from September 27 through October 12, the concert series will feature commissioned works from both emerging and established Mexican composers, continuing the ensemble’s mission of building cultural bridges through song.
A Program Rooted in Collaboration
CANTARÉ is more than a concert — it’s the culmination of nearly a decade of Chicago A Cappella’s ¡Cantaré! Chicago program, which since 2016 has connected Mexican composers with Chicago classrooms. This initiative has not only commissioned new works but has also fostered meaningful exchanges between students, teachers, and composers.
The program also reflects the group’s work with HerVoice, a mentorship program launched in 2021 to support women choral composers. Several world premieres by HerVoice winners will appear in this season’s performances, underscoring the ensemble’s commitment to representation and innovation.
Cantaré Prelude Benefit
To mark the occasion, the ensemble will host the Cantaré Prelude Benefit on September 27 at 5 p.m. at the National Museum of Mexican Art. The event will include guided tours of the museum’s celebrated collection, a dinner catered by Taqueria Los Comales, and a panel discussion with composers Elisa Schmelkes and Agustina Crespo alongside Artistic Director John William Trotter. The evening also includes a silent auction and raffle, with proceeds supporting Chicago A Cappella’s artistic and educational programs.
What Audiences Will Hear
The CANTARÉ program features:
- Four works commissioned through the ¡Cantaré! Chicago program over the past decade.
- Additional pieces by Mexican composers Elisa Schmelkes and Julio Morales.
- A 2012 commission by Jorge Córdoba.
- World premieres by 2024 HerVoice winners Agustina Crespo and Emma Wilde.
At the Chicago premiere, students from Hubbard High School will join the professional ensemble to perform a newly composed work by Schmelkes, highlighting the educational roots of the project.
Voices of the Ensemble
The season’s opening concert will be performed by:
- Sopranos: Megan Bell, Carolyne DalMonte, Amanda Kohl
- Mezzo-sopranos: Miya Higashiyama, Thereza Lituma
- Tenors: Ace Gangoso, Trevor Mitchell
- Basses: Ryan Cox, Adam Kosberg, Joe Labozetta
Together, the group will showcase the vibrant variety of Mexico’s contemporary choral landscape, weaving traditional influences with modern innovations.
Performance Schedule
- Sept. 27, 7:30 p.m. — National Museum of Mexican Art, Chicago (Cantaré Prelude Benefit at 5:00 p.m.)
- Sept. 28, 3:00 p.m. — Nichols Concert Hall, Evanston
- Oct. 10, 7:30 p.m. — Wentz Concert Hall, Naperville
- Oct. 12, 3:00 p.m. — Pilgrim Congregational Church, Oak Park
Ticket Information
- General Admission: $40
- Preferred Seating: $50
- Student Tickets: $10 (limited availability)
- Pay-What-You-Can options available at each performance
- Digital Stream: $40, available the week of October 27
Group discounts are available for parties of ten or more. Tickets for CANTARÉ and all other 2025–26 Chicago A Cappella performances can be purchased at chicagoacappella.org.
Why It Matters
For Artistic Director John William Trotter, this season is about “making rich connections through music — across borders, traditions, generations, and musical styles.” By spotlighting contemporary Mexican composers alongside local student performers, Chicago A Cappella ensures that CANTARÉ is not only an artistic experience but also a cultural exchange that strengthens ties between Chicago and the global choral community.
With its blend of tradition, innovation, and international collaboration, CANTARÉ promises to be one of the most meaningful concert series in Chicago’s 2025–26 music season. For more on local festivals and cultural performances, follow ChicagoMusicGuide.com.