About Cantata Academy
Founded in the fall of 1961, Cantata Academy, a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization, is dedicated to high caliber choral performance and outreach to communities throughout the Detroit metropolitan area and the world. The Chorale, now in its historic 57th season, is an auditioned adult chorus of approximately 40 singers performing throughout Southeast Michigan. Each year we produce our own subscription concert series and hire out to orchestras, churches, and other concert series. The Cantata Academy Chorale has appeared with every major orchestra in the metropolitan Detroit area, including the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. In addition, from 1973 through 2005, the Chorale has made biennial tours to Europe.
The mission of the Cantata Academy Chorale is to be a premier professional choral organization in the Metropolitan Detroit area, recognized for our exemplary presentation of the finest choral music. By fostering an atmosphere in which fine vocalists may excel, we will share our love of music with our audiences and community.
The Chorales new Music Director and Conductor is Susan Catanese, a gifted and experienced choral conductor recently retired from Chippewa Valley Schools, where she was named Outstanding High School Educator of the Year for Macomb County. Susan has twice served as State Honors Choir Director and has received numerous awards for excellence in choral music. She is also a former associate director and chamber choir director of Madrigal Chorale of Southfield. Ms. Catanese is currently on the Executive Board of the Michigan School Vocal Music Association, which elected her Michigans Outstanding Vocal Music Teacher of the Year.
