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Cantate Children’s and Youth Choir of Central Virginia invites children and teens who love to sing to join for the Fall 2026 semester. No prior singing experience is required—students receive age-appropriate, professional vocal training in a supportive and encouraging environment. Cantate welcomes singers from second grade through high school.The fall semester begins on Monday, September 14, 2026. Rehearsals are held primarily on Mondays from 4:15–6:15 p.m., with younger children dismissed slightly earlier.
Simple, informal auditions will be held by appointment on May 18, 19, and 20 from 3:00–5:00 p.m., or at another mutually convenient time.
Cantate will present its annual spring concert, All Creatures Great and Small, on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 205 Elmwood Avenue, Lynchburg, Virginia 24503. Inspired by John Rutter’s beloved setting of “All Things Bright and Beautiful,” the program celebrates creatures that swim, fly, and walk. Interested singers and their families are warmly encouraged to attend this free performance.
Cantate is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing exceptional musical experiences and healthy vocal training for children and youth throughout Central Virginia. Now in its thirty-third season, Cantate actively contributes to the cultural life of the region and is headquartered at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Lynchburg. Each chorister receives instruction in proper vocal production, note reading, and singing in parts—building musical excellence, confidence, and lifelong skills.
Peggy Haas Howell serves as Music Director and Conductor, with Elizabeth Wilkinson as Assistant Director and Accompanist. Called a “play-anything virtuoso” by the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Ms. Howell has performed organ recitals widely throughout the United States and Europe. In addition to her work with Cantate, she serves as Organist and Choirmaster at St. John’s Episcopal Church and as National Vice President and Councillor for Competitions and New Music for the American Guild of Organists.
Ms. Howell has directed Cantate since 2009. Under her leadership, the choir has performed with Opera on the James, the Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra, the Charlottesville Ballet, the University of Lynchburg Choral Union, the Jefferson Choral Society, the University of Virginia Chamber Singers, and the Parish Choir of St. John’s Episcopal Church. She previously founded and directed the Jefferson Youth Chorale (2003–2012) and served as Director of Chorale at Randolph-Macon Woman’s College (1996–2000).
To schedule an audition, please email Julie Strickland at [email protected].
Additional information is available at cantatechoir.org
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Event Venue
205 Elmwood Ave, Lynchburg, VA, United States, Virginia 24503
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