Cantate Carlisle:
A Premier Adult Choral Ensemble
Our accomplished singers represent a diverse group ranging in age from 23 to 80 and are drawn from communities throughout the area. Their unifying factor is a passion for choral singing and a love of fine choral repertoire with its power to renew the soul, expand the mind, and to bring people together. Our hallmark is our thoughtful and eclectic programming which includes choral masterworks with orchestra, a cappella contemporary classics, folk songs, vocal jazz, Broadway arrangements, spirituals, multi-cultural works, and several works commissioned especially for us. Founded in 1990 by Cheryl Parsons, Cantate Carlisle continues under the direction of Michelle DiBona Trefren. We are proud to be the Resident Choir of the Carlisle Theatre.
2025 Winter Concerts – City Sidewalks
Our City Sidewalks concerts will celebrate the season with Yuletide Choral favorites.
Offering two performances at two Carlisle locations!
Saturday, December 6 at 7pm at 1st UCC (30 North Pitt Street),
join us following the downtown festivities
Sunday, December 7 at 3pm at 2nd Presbyterian Church (528 Garland Drive),
offering a fully accessible venue.
Purchase Your Seats: Winter 2025 Concert
NOTE: To reduce environmental impact and printing costs, we are using paperless ticketing. Provide your e-mail address to receive a final details e-mail before the concert. You do not need to print anything. Just check-in at Will Call. Tickets will be listed under the purchasing guest’s name.
View Our Digital Program: Winter 2025 Concert
DIGITAL PROGRAM: As we get closer to performance weekend, we will continue to add to our digital program, so check back for updates.
To reduce our environmental impact and printing costs, our printed program will contain only order of program and recognition of supporters & participants, so this is your source for all the details and extras!
2025 Handel’s Messiah Christmas Movements – A FREE Community Concert
Sunday, December 21 at 3pm at 1st Lutheran (East High Street, Carlisle).
While this is a free concert, capacity is limited. Reservations are recommended and donations are welcome. Donations will also benefit Project SHARE.
Reserve Seats: FREE! Messiah Concert
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Cantate Carlisle Welcomes Sue Baxter to our Board of Directors
Sue Baxter recently joined Cantate Carlisle’s Board of Directors and supports our events as the Hospitality Coordinator. Sue has lived in Carlisle for about thirty years and has two adult children – Megan and John. John is the father of her three beautiful grandchildren, ages 6, 5, and 2. Sue is a retired teacher, having Read More
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Stankiewicz brings her voice to Cantate Carlisle
Cantate Carlisle’s newest member of the Board of Directors is Ginny Stankiewicz. Ginny and I took a moment to share a meal and some conversation at One13Social. We covered all the topics of family, education, volunteer work, and Cantate. It was truly a pleasure to have the opportunity to get to know Ginny, and now, Read More
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Spacelover Headlines Voices in Partnership Reception
Starting at 6pm on May 13, just before the Cantate Carlisle “Stories in Song” Concert, Spacelover, comprised of Meredith Andrews & Fritz Horstman, will present their original “experimental folk” music for guests of the Voice in Partnership (VIP) reception to be held at the Cumberland County Historical Society.
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Can you SPY what we did last summer?
OUR MISSION: Almost exactly one year ago, Cantate Carlisle members poured themselves into truly evaluating the group’s mission and formulated a new mission statement. It’s on the front page of our website and displayed at our events. Board members even have it on a coffee mug as a reminder of what we are all about, Read More
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Elizabeth Kammerer’s beautiful life
From New Jersey to Hawaii, Mrs. Elizabeth Kammerer has carried her love of music to children – her own and the students with whom she has worked. Kammerer was raised in New Jersey in a home filled with song. Her mother was hired as a church soloist at only 11 years old. She passed this Read More
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A Word from Cantate President, Taylor Andrews
Cantate Carlisle’s Board President, Taylor Andrews, is a master of both hospitality and entertainment. His years of involvement as a singer and Board member have not diminished his enthusiasm for choral music, rehearsals, and all the management that comes with being president of the organization’s board.
Andrews remains “extremely excited to be singing LIVE with Michelle [DiBona Trefren].”
Get Involved
No matter what your age, Cantate offers something for EVERYONE.
We want you to experience the harmony that inspires & unifies.
Support Us
Be a Friend of Cantate | Sponsor a Concert | Advertise in our Program
Founding Ensemble
Vocalists are encouraged to audition.
Young Voices
Calling all young singers grades 5 through 8 in the area!
Cantate Children’s Choir
Grades K-4
Be a part of Carlisle’s only choir for the youngest singers.
Artistic Team
Meet our musical experts
Michelle DiBona Trefren
Artistic Director
Janine Shuey
Director of Cantate
Young Voices
Kevin Gorman
Collaborative Pianist
Meg McQue
Director of Cantate
Children’s Choir
Thank You For Your Support!
Thank You to Our Sponsors:
Andrews, Johnson, & Braught, Presenting Sponsor | Valley Grange #1360, Youth Sponsor
And to Our Advertisers & Those Who Supported Us With Resources:
Carlisle Theatre | Chorus America | Dickinson College | Second Presbyterian Church | Pennsylvania Council on the Arts | Thrivent Financial | Whistlestop Bookshop | Carlisle United Methodist Church | First UCC, Carlisle | Carlisle Design & Interiors | Dani’s Pixel Place | Mooreland Garden Inn | Cohick & Associates | Medical Arts Allergy | Beeman’s Baked Goods | Hollabaugh Bros | Thomas Appleby, DDS | Craig Jurgensen, Author | Doug Heineman – Howard Hanna | JW Music | SCG Skin Rejuvenation | Toasty Asana | Village Artisans Gallery
Our concert guests and participants are invited to enjoy dining discounts at these local restaurants.
Ask your server for details, and show your final details e-mail or printed program.
Helena’s Café and Crêperie | North Hanover Grille | Café Bruges | Marcello’s Ristorante & Pizza