CCMS presents renowned choral ensemble Chanticleer in their new show “Trade Winds,” a concert of sacred and secular works. Chanticleer is known around the world as “an orchestra of voices” for the seamless blend of its twelve male voices ranging from countertenor to bass and its original interpretations of vocal literature, from Renaissance to jazz, and from gospel to venturesome new music. The two-time Grammy award-winning group is hailed as “the world’s reigning male chorus” (New Yorker Magazine).

Folk music from the pacific islands and China and its influence on European composers is explored in this program that pairs early music with contemporary pieces and poetry. In Chanticleer’s words: “Sultry and seductive, guiding us to exotic places, the Trade Winds have always urged explorers on. Gentle winds accompany the folkloric beauties of music from Pacific Islands such as Hawaii, Samoa and New Zealand. Robust music old and new comes from the seafaring peoples of Europe. Our voyage calls in again on China and our old friend composer Chen Yi, and offers a brand new work by Zhou Tian, setting contemporary Chinese poetry with John Masefield’s eponymous poem (‘Trade Winds’). Chanticleer’s foundational repertoire of early music will be handsomely represented by music of the sea and the spheres by Monteverdi, Gesualdo, Victoria, and, for the first time, Portuguese composer Filipe de Magalhaes.”

A preconcert lecture at 6:30 p.m. will be given by David Rothenberg, Chair of the Case Western Reserve University Department of Music and an expert in Renaissance vocal music.  A meet-and-greet reception follows the concert where the artists are available for autographs and to speak with audience members.