Cappella Cantorum Inc

Overview

Cappella Cantorum Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to promoting choral music and providing singers of all ages with opportunities to learn and perform. Its name, "Cappella Cantorum," translates to "chapel singers" in Latin, reflecting its origins tied to a performance at the First Congregational Church of Essex.

History

Cappella Cantorum was co-founded by Barry B. Asch, its original Music Director and Conductor, and Phillip Zimmerman, the Charter President, in January 1970. The organization's inception followed a performance of Britten's Ceremony of Carols by choir members and friends of the church in December 1969. The first concert, Schubert’s Mass No. 6 in E flat major (D. 950), took place on Palm Sunday, March 22, 1970, at Valley Regional High School in Deep River with 51 singers and an amateur orchestra.

Structure and Programs

Cappella Cantorum comprises three primary units:

• Cappella Cantorum MasterWorks Chorus
• Cappella Cantorum International Tour Chorus
• SummerSings Series (jointly sponsored with Con Brio Choral Society)

All choruses welcome new members without auditions, offering a platform for music education, sight-reading, music theory, and vocal production. The organization also hosts workshops with professional singers.

Community Impact

Cappella Cantorum enriches the cultural life of the Connecticut Shoreline and lower Connecticut River Valley by:

• Providing access to major choral performances with professional orchestras and soloists.
• Hosting the Annual Messiah Sing and Listen Concert.
• Offering music education through informal settings like SummerSings.
• Strengthening church choirs through additional music training and experience.
• Facilitating social connections and musical engagement for its members.
• Organizing international tours for performance opportunities in European cathedrals.

Financial Profile

As a non-profit, Cappella Cantorum relies heavily on contributions, grants, and community support. Donations to the organization are tax-deductible. In recent years, contributions have constituted nearly all of the organization's revenue, with minimal income from other sources.

Leadership and Governance

The organization is governed by an all-volunteer Board of Directors. Key positions are held on a volunteer basis, with no compensation for officers or directors. Leadership roles have included positions such as President, Treasurer, and Music Director, who oversee the artistic and operational aspects of the organization.

Funding and Support

Cappella Cantorum receives support from local businesses, sponsors, concert audiences, and member dues. This support allows the organization to maintain its programs and continue promoting choral music in the community.