Academic Chamber Choir “Cantus” is the laureate of international concerts, participant of choral festivals and forums abroad – in Hungary, Italy, Austria, France, Germany, Great Britain, etc. The repertoire is
diverse: sacred music, Renaissance music, Ukrainian folk songs, art works of Ukrainian composers, Christmas carols, jazz contextures, etc. Initially, modern music is in the focus. The name of the choir is not a mere coincidence. The word “Cаntus” translated from Latin means “song, singing”.
Choir’s way
The history of “Cantus” has started from in 1985 from the performance at the anniversary concert of Mykhailo Krechko. This was a kind of debut. That time the choir was small, however, the cast of several persons did not intervene their professional becoming. Many musicians continued performing tutorage in parallel.
In 1986 it was decided to create an early music ensemble (ensemble – as it was small, of early music – because of wish to sing in the region). The early music ensemble has officially come into spotlight in the same year on the Teacher’s Day. As a matter of fact, the choir used the appearance on the professional day in the Teacher’s Club as a basis of a proof start, and this moment for the musicians of the future “Cantus” has become a peculiar kind of the birth day. In spring 2016 the choir celebrates its 30th anniversary.
The Chair of Transcarpathian Regional Council Executive Committee Mykhailo Krajil made the order about professional chamber choir “Cantus” formation in 1992. It was the beginning of the choir’s professional life.
Choir “Cantus” – is the laureate of international concerts (1990, 1992), participant of choral festivals and forums in Hungary, Italy, Austria, Germany, Great Britain, Switzerland, France, etc. The Choir’s repertoire includes sacred music, Renaissance music, Ukrainian folk songs, art works of Ukrainian composers, Christmas carols, and art works of modern composers, spirituals and jazz contextures.
In 2009 the choir was entitled an honory title of Academic ensemble.
Conductor – Emil Sokach
Born on April 25, 1959 in Uzhhorod.
Higher education. In 1983 graduated from Kyiv State Academy of Music named after P.I.Tchaikovskyi in the class of M. Krechko with a specialization in – Choir Master.
Art Director and Conductor of Chamber Choir “Cantus” of Culture Department of Transcarpathian Regional State Administration.
Honored Artist of Ukraine.
National Artist of Ukraine. (2008)
Competition laureate “The Best Transcarpathian-2002”.
Laureate of All-Ukrainian Program “Leaders of Regions”, 2002
“Life goal – be engaged in favorite pastime”.
Vital principle – motion.
The most pleasant in work – the process.
I appreciate honesty, adherence to principles and competence in people”.