Chanticleer’s upcoming concert program, “The Siren’s Call” is a reminder of the power of the human voice. Sirens enchant by singing. The Latin verb for singing (cantare) is also the root word for magical enchantment, the state of being transported out of yourself – considered dangerous then, and probably always. That’s why sirens (and music) have been suspect throughout history, even while their power is celebrated.
As usual, the men’s chorus is compiling a program which includes the contemporary – Chen Yi, Michael McGlynn, Mason Bates, John Corigliano – and reaches back all the way to Palestrina. It’s hard to mix those styles convincingly, but that’s part of the magic of Chanticleer.