Cantus Concert: And All The Days Were Purple

The classical world is full of breathtaking art songs in German, French, and Italian that lift the spirit and move the soul. In “And All the Days Were Purple,” Cantus explores a kaleidoscope of works in languages less often heard in art songs: Yiddish, English, and Hebrew. The program encompasses works by Jewish and Jewish-American composers, including Pulitzer Prize nominee Alex Weiser, whose stunning work “And All the Days Were Purple” highlights the expressiveness of the Yiddish language alongside an ensemble comprising string trio, piano, vibraphone, and glockenspiel.

The “engaging” (New Yorker) low-voice ensemble Cantus is widely known for its trademark warmth and blend, innovative programming, and riveting music performances ranging from the Renaissance to the 21st century. The Washington Post has hailed the Cantus sound as having both “exalting finesse” and “expressive power” and refers to the “spontaneous grace” of its music-making. The Philadelphia Inquirer called the group nothing short of “exquisite.”