2025-2026: Singing, Serving, Soaring: A Season in Review
A year of unforgettable music, community engagement, and global connections.
Cantata Singers with help from the Chorus of the Southern Finger Lakes, our orchestra, and the bell choirs of North Presbyterian Church of Elmira and First Presbyterian Church of Horseheads in performance at the Clemens Center, May 23, 2026. The music of Dan Forrest’s “Creation” Thrilled an audience of nearly 1,000 people.
‘25-’26 SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
Honoring Voices & Masterworks
March 1, 2026—Her Light, Her Voice
The Park Church, Elmira
A vibrant program featuring music composed by and written about extraordinary women, celebrating female creators through song.
May 2, 2026—Haydn’s “The Creation”
The Park Church, Elmira
A thrilling collaboration with the Orchestra and Chorus of the Southern Finger Lakes.
May 23, 2026—Dan Forrest “Creation”
The Clemens Center, Elmira
A collaboration with the Chorus of the Southern Finger Lakes. More than 80 singers accompanied by a full live orchestra and bell choir for a monumental presentation of Forrest’s dramatic, uplifting work.
A Season begins—History & Harmony
September 28, 2025—Schuyler County Historical Society Performance
Lawrence Chapel, Odessa
An intimate performance honoring local history, including the world premiere of “Kayuta” by Music Director Will Wickham, along with original arrangements of music by early 20th century Schuyler County composers.
December 6, 2025—“Let Heaven and Nature Sing”
New Beginnings United Methodist Church, Elmira
Annual Holiday-themed concert including a moving, dual-sensory performance of “Silent Night,” featuring the choir singing while simultaneously performing in American Sign Language (ASL) to create an inclusive and memorable experience for all in attendance.
In June of 2026, many of the Cantata Singers joined with Vox Anima, London and other choirs and independent choristers to perform Dan Forrest’s “Creation” in the Cathedral at Rochester, Kent in England.
Beyond The Stage—Community outreach
May, 2026—Educational Outreach Program
Locations: Elmira Equal Opportunity Program and Area Public Libraries
A series of interactive workshops and mini-performances engaging children, families, and community members
Making choral music accessible across our region outside of traditional concert venues
Inspiring the next generation of singers and music enthusiasts
Global resonance: London trip
June 8-16, 2026—Travel to England for rehearsals and performance with Vox Anima, London.
Collaborative performance as part of 150 voice international festival choir, representing our local community on a distinguished global stage.
Building international artistic partnerships and unforgettable memories for our singers including the opportunity to work directly with composer Dan Forrest.
The first photo of the ‘26-’27 Singers, imagining a visit to Hector Falls on Seneca Lake.
’26-’27 SEASON PLANS
Main Stage Free Concerts:
Welcome the Light: An Early Holiday Celebration
3 pm Saturday December 5 at New Beginnings Methodist Church in Elmira and 3 pm Sunday December 6 at Christ Episcopal Church in Towanda Pennsylvania. Traditional holiday music with brass and a fun pop/jazz combo along with some wonderful surprises! Also, a world premiere of “Carol of Winter and Peace” by our own Will Wickham.
Rivers of Living Water
4 pm Saturday February 27 in the auditorium of Notre Dame High School. Along with students in the music program at Notre Dame, we will sing of rivers from the Chemung to the River Jordan! Featuring a commissioned new work from New York City based jazz artist Berta Moreno.
The Peace Makers
7 pm Friday May 21 at Christ Episcopal Church in Corning. Sir Karl Jenkins’ deeply moving work comes to life with chamber orchestra at Corning’s beautiful Christ Episcopal Church. Drawing inspiration from the words of iconic visionaries like Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., and the Dalai Lama, this emotional masterpiece delivers an unforgettable anthem of hope, unity, and healing.
Will you help us with our upcoming season?
Your support helps us:
• Host free and accessible concerts
• Maintain high artistic standards
• Continue commissioning, recording, and collaborating with exceptional musicians
You Make This Possible
Your generosity sustains our mission and ensures that choral music remains a vibrant part of our community.
Please consider an annual gift today.
Every contribution helps sustain our mission.
Contribute by sending a check made out to Cantata Singers to
Cantata Singers
PO Box 952
Elmira, NY 14902