Chanticleer Tickets

The theme of the concert was how nature speaks to us through music. Thus, the pieces involved concepts such as "I am a tree,""I am a cloud,"the air, a river, the rain, etc. The composers were mostly modern musicians, including Kurt Weill, Hoagy Carmichael, Stephen Sondheim, Joni Mitchell, and, yes, Freddy Mercury. Only one composer was from the classical period, Heinrich Isaac, and one from the early 20th century, Max Reger. About 18 of the 25 works performed were contemporary. Most of the pieces sounded a bit like "crooning"- not very bouncy or interesting. The Chanticleer voices are, of course, extraordinary, whether they're singing old or new music, but it was only toward the end of the concert that they seemed to get excited and really get the audience actively involved.

Now in its 40th year, Chanticleer sang a program of pieces from is vast past history of performances. Perhaps more than ever, the twelve voices of Chanticleer same with lucid clarity that belies the meaning of "Chanticleer" in a wholly satisfying performance. From early Renaissance to 21st century contemporary works, the music sparkled. Highest soprano to deepest bass and everywhere between, these gentlemen are to be commended for giving us the highest quality presentation of unaccompanied singing to be found anywhere.

As the title of the concert, "The Gypsy in My Soul," indicated, there was a special focus on music with a Roma influence. The range of composers was broad from Palestrina (16th century) to Poulenc and Villa-Lobos (20th century) along with jazz, gospel, spiritual, and popular songs of the later 20th century. My own favorites were the selections from the 16th century and the jazz and popular songs. I though the tenors and bass/baritones sounded better than the higher voices.

I recently saw for the umpteenth time the singing group Chanticleer, and although they gave it their all, the overall feeling I came away with was that they may have run their course when it comes to making you" want more from them". The selections overall, although somewhat spirited, were very melancholy, and not what I have come to expect from this once outstanding group. Most of their songs were sung in various foreign languages, which is ok, but when 90 % of the numbers are not in English, I am not too excited. My main complaint was that they never had one song that stood out as outstanding, or make you sit up and take notice. One that went directly to your soul. I just felt they were singing a variety of songs, mostly in a foreign language, that did NOT grab me as special. I have ALWAYS loved attending their concerts in the past, but I truly believe this group has lost their ability to" move your soul".

How is it possible for 12 astounding solo voices to blend with such perfection? From their first note they carry you through a wide range of music bringing from the old to the new with crispness and clarity. I will never get tired of the splendor they bring to the stage

...to believe the voices, harmonies, and sound being created right in front of you is actually real. This is the type of experience that could be easily lost on just a cd...we expect perfection through technological manipulation. But when you see these human beings right in front of you, making this amazing and beautiful music with perfection - in real time - you feel the transcendence of being in the presence of true art and true beauty. I am in my mid 30s...though not young, I saw some teens and young adults there...and can't wait for my own toddlers to be old enough to be introduced to such human magic.

Chanticleer presented a really interesting program, a thematic program based on the mythical Sirens who lured sailors to their deaths, as well as traditional polyphonic music of the Renaissance period, and a few more current favorites, from both the folk and spirituals traditions. Most mexmerizing to me was a somber, hypnotic piece written in tribute to the mysterious sinking of a cruise ship named Estonia about twenty years ago in the seas of the Scandanavian area, with a loss of almost 200 lives. My only reservation is that the voices seemed too soft at times, but my hearing is not the best, so .... certainly prefer softness to the sound-distorting overamplification one must endure at most live concerts.

Chanticleer was spectacular!!! I would HIGHLY recommend this show to all music lovers!! With crystal clear intonation, impeccable rhythmic precision, musical selections from a variety of time periods and compositional styles, and all around LOVE for what they do, Chanticleer offered a truly world class performance. Thank you so much for bringing them to Evansville, IN!!

Amazingly gifted musicians. Breathtakingly beautiful selections and extremely entertaining. I only wish the concert had been held at a local church or monistary. I think the hall was a little too large for such delicate chamber music. Plus, I felt the curtains on stage soaked up too much sound. The guys made it work though....beautifully.

Chanticleer exceeded my (high!) expectations. Every note seemed to flow from their soul to mine. When the final note faded away after 'Canticum calamitatis maritimae' ... the audience sat in stunned silence for a few moments before we could even begin to applaud ... such was the power of this emotional performance. BRAVO!