“During this concert everything came together so beautifully with the chorus, soloists and orchestra, and the music itself being so powerful, that I began experiencing a wave of goose bumps." Lyn Bronson, Peninsula Reviews
Who We Are
![]() I Cantori di Carmel is a volunteer chorus that seeks excellence in choral performance. Our programs include major choral works as well as lesser-known jewels of the choral repertoire.
I Cantori di Carmel (Our Italian name means: The Singers of Carmel) has been bringing choral classics to the Monterey Peninsula since 1981. We perform concerts twice annually, in the spring and fall, at the Carmel Mission Basilica, and other venues throughout the year. We are proud to offer two choral workshops each year which are open to all. Approximately every three years we embark on a European concert tour where we have the opportunity to sing in magnificent cathedrals and many other local venues. Often we coordinate with choirs in our host countries for shared performances. Our rehearsal schedule roughly follows a typical academic calendar, with performances the first weekends of May and December. Our Music Director![]() Susan Mehra (interim) I Cantori di Carmel will be conducting a search for a new Music Director in late summer or fall of 2020. Dr. Susan Mehra will serve as interim conductor until a new Music Director is appointed. Dr. Susan Mehra has been performing with I Cantori since 1987. Under the mentorship of Dr. Sal Ferrantelli, she has served as Assistant Conductor of the chorus for the past 15 years. In 1991 she formed a chamber ensemble of I Cantori singers, VOCI a cappella, that continues to perform sacred and secular music for Monterey Peninsula audiences. She has also been a member of the Carmel Bach Festival chorus for the past 26 years. Susan is a retired Clinical Psychologist. Conducting and performing has been her own best form of therapy. Our Accompanist![]() Cindy Shen
Cindy received her bachelor's degree in music composition from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Currently, she is a piano accompanist and private piano teacher based in Pacific Grove, CA. In her spare time, she volunteers at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Our Vision![]() ~ To cherish and preserve the heritage of great choral music and to enrich ourselves and the community through live performance.
~ To provide a forum for choral singers to learn and perfect their art with a goal of performing with integrity of technique and expression. Our Mission![]() The mission of I Cantori di Carmel is:
~ To perform a variety of quality music from all style periods. ~ To approach the literature with respect. ~ To perform regularly in live concerts. ~ To maintain an effective organizational structure with skillful, dynamic, inspired leadership. ~ To provide a nurturing, self-disciplined learning environment. ~ To assemble a group of singers capable of growth and accomplishment in vocal technique. ~ To attract and develop choral members who share a commitment to the organizational vision; who are committed to performing with integrity of technique and expression; and who come with a commitment of time, energy and concentration. |
>> Download I Cantori repertoire since 1981
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