Live from the Fair: Cantus

On Friday, Sept. 2, at 2 p.m., John Birge welcomes two ensembles, Cantus and the Copper Street Brass, to the Carousel Park stage for a live performance and broadcast for MPR Day at the Minnesota State Fair. Earlier this week, we spoke to Cantus tenor and ensemble spokesman Paul Scholtz about Cantus and its approach to State Fair performances. Here's what Scholtz had to say:

How many times have Cantus performed for Classical MPR at the State Fair, either at the booth or in Carousel Park on MPR Day?

This is the fourth time since 2007!

There are some new faces in the ensemble; who are the newest members?

The newest members of Cantus are David Geist, baritone, and Jacob Christopher, tenor.

What sorts of things do you bear in mind when preparing a performance at the Minnesota State Fair?

The State Fair presents a very different sort of acoustic than we're used to, and I think the biggest thing is singing on mic. We have less control over our blend, which can be a little nerve-wracking.

We picked songs from our tour program, No Greater Love Than This, which we are finishing preparations on soon, and one song to promote our October 3 concert at Orchestra Hall with Chanticleer. We tried to choose repertoire that is meaningful and also helps to give a good snapshot of our program.

Can you share the name of a piece or two you'll be performing at the Minnesota State Fair on MPR Day?

One of my favorites is In Flanders Fields by Christine Donkin. It's a beautiful setting of a classic and moving poem. We will also be performing John Lennon's Imagine.

Also during the hour on MPR Day, the ensemble Copper Street Brass will perform. Are the two groups planning any collaborations?

We aren't planning any collaborations with Copper Street Brass for the MPR Day performance and broadcast, but that certainly isn't to say it might not happen in the future. It will be really fun to hear their set.

When you're done with your performance, what are some of your State Fair must-have treats or must-do activities?

Here's what everyone had to say:

Adam Fieldson, tenor: Corn on the cob
Jacob Christopher, tenor: Cheese curds
David Geist, baritone: Sweet Martha's cookies, Pronto Pup, and the salted nut rolls!
Sam Green, bass: Beer!
Paul Scholtz, tenor: The milk station and the rides (not in that order)
Zac Colby, tenor: Beer tasting
Chris Foss, bass: Summit Brewery's special state fair beer (I hope they're doing it again this year!)
Matt Goinz, baritone: Bacon

Listen to Classical MPR on Friday, Sept. 2, 2016, at 2 p.m., to hear the Cantus followed by Copper Street Brass at 2:30 as they perform live at Carousel Park at the Minnesota State Fair as part of MPR Day at the Fair. John Birge hosts.