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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.

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Calling all young singers

grades 4 through 8!

YOU are invited to join the youth choir called Cantate Young Voices, a part of Cantate Carlisle.
CANTATE means SING in Latin, and that’s what we love to do – SING!

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Coming December 2022

A Refrain of Gifts:

A Choral Celebration of International Holidays

When fall and winter are here, it is time to celebrate! Holidays and Festivals like Christmas, Chanuka, Kwanzaa, Diwali, and Winter solstice are celebrated with unique traditions. Our concert this season recognizes the intangible gifts that each holiday has to offer; these gifts repeat like a refrain across the cultures.

Come join the refrain!

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Coming May 2023

Stories in Song

Cantate Carlisle and Cantate Young Voices will delight the audience with…

…stories of labor.
…stories with laughter.
…stories of adversity.
…stories of triumph.
…stories of grief.
…stories of love.
…folk tales and fantasy…

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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.

News & Events

Stankiewicz brings her voice to Cantate Carlisle
Members & Board | Newsletter

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, Cantate, and even ventured into the topics of spirituality and politics. It was truly a pleasure to have Read More

Spacelover Headlines Voices in Partnership Reception
Celebrations | Community Events | Concerts

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.

Can you SPY what we did last summer?
Community Collaboration | Cantate Young Voices | Community Events | Education | Newsletter

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

A Word from Cantate President, Taylor Andrews
Newsletter | Members & Board | President’s Report

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].”

Christina Benson, our VP with the gift of service.
Newsletter | Members & Board

Christina Benson, our VP with the gift of service.

Anyone who has been around Cantate Carlisle’s events and meetings knows Christina Benson. They know the quiet smile, the thoughtful feedback, the list of completed tasks. But there is so much more to this woman who gives selflessly to Cantate and her community. It was an honor to share some time with her and learn more about the person behind the role of Board VP.

Get Involved

No matter what your age Cantate offers something for EVERYONE!
Consider some of the ways to get involved with great music in Carlisle!

Thank You For Your Support!

Cantate Carlisle thanks the following organizations and individuals for their assistance

Carlisle Theatre   |   Chorus America   |   Dickinson College  |   Erickson Financial  |   First Presbyterian Church   |   G.B. Stuart Foundation  |   IBM  |   Jacqueline L. Powell & Associates  |   Jump Street  |   Merck & Co  |   Pennsylvania Council on the Arts  |   St. John’s Episcopal Church  |   Thrivent Financial  |   Valley Grange  |   Whistlestop Bookshop | Carlisle United Methodist Church