The Cantare Chorale is a Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based community choir of both genders and all adult ages. It was formed in 1980 under the direction of Donald Stiemke by a group of South Milwaukee High School choir alumni who wanted to continue singing in a public setting. From a primarily southside membership, Cantare Chorale today has members from all parts of greater Milwaukee. The group’s repertoire includes a variety of music, both sacred and secular. Winter and Spring concerts are featured with occasional other appearances, such as performing the National Anthem at games of the Milwaukee Wave (Professional Soccer) and Milwaukee Bucks (NBA). Local performance venues have included the Milwaukee Performing Arts Center and Scottish Rite Cathedral, the South Milwaukee High School Performing Arts Center, and the Cousins Center in St. Francis, WI.

OUR DIRECTOR

Lani Knutson began her music career at age twelve as a vocal soloist in her home congregation in Amery, WI. Since then, her musical pursuits have included conducting, teaching, and vocal performance. While completing her undergraduate music degree at Dordt College in Iowa, Lani studied conducting with Benjamin Kornelis and Henry Duitman, focusing on choral and instrumental education. Lani continued her education with a Master of Music Degree in Choral Conducting from the University of Minnesota where she studied under Kathy Saltzman Romey, Matthew Mehaffey, and Dale Warland. Before moving to Milwaukee, Lani had been a music teacher in Snohomish, WA, and Salt Lake City, UT. Lani has performed with the Utah Opera Chorus, The Esoterics, the Seattle Bach Choir, and the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus. Currently, Lani is the music director at Milwaukee Montessori School, where she teaches music and voice lessons. Additionally, she serves as the music director at Martin Luther Church in Milwaukee. Lani resides in Wauwatosa, WI with her husband Tim and son Peter.

OUR ACCOMPANIST

Lois Fuhrmann began accompanying choral groups at the age of twelve. She has formally studied piano as well as taught the instrument for many years, and has been organist and pianist for the choirs of Martin Luther Lutheran Church, Milwaukee, since 1987. In addition, Lois has accompanied numerous local secular and/or sacred choral groups, recitals, and ensembles. Ms. Fuhrmann’s musical interests and enthusiasm encompass a wide gamut of musical forms, from jazz to musicals to sacred music.