NEW YORK, Cantori New York will present Everlasting Light, a contemporary choral concert featuring four musical compositions, including a world premiere, at the Church of St. Francis Xavier in Manhattan on November 13 and 14, 2026.
The performances, scheduled for 8 p.m. on both evenings, will explore themes of nature, spirituality, remembrance and hope through works by Carson Cooman, David Hamilton, Christos Hatzis and Brian Morales.
Conducted by six-time ASCAP Award winner Mark Shapiro, the program will bring together professional vocal soloists and instrumentalists for an exploration of contemporary choral music.
The concert is dedicated to the memory of Cantori member Jake Snyder, with the musical selections reflecting themes of companionship, reflection and enduring optimism.
Everlasting Light Concert Features Four Contemporary Choral Works
The program combines established contemporary compositions with a newly commissioned-style presentation of original music, highlighting Cantori New York’s longstanding commitment to performing works by living composers.
Carson Cooman’s In the Midst of Wild Being will feature chorus, horn and harp, setting poetry by Elizabeth Kirschner inspired by the natural landscapes of New England.
David Hamilton’s The Moon Is Silently Singing, written for double choir and two horns, explores the atmosphere of the nighttime world through layered vocal arrangements.
The concert’s title composition, Everlasting Light by Canadian composer Christos Hatzis, centres on spiritual reflection, hope and transcendence.
Brian Morales Composition to Receive World Premiere
A major highlight will be the world premiere of Come Travel with Me, composed by Cantori member Brian Morales.
Featuring horn and contralto, the work draws on poetry by American writer Walt Whitman to explore companionship, shared experiences and life’s possibilities.
The premiere adds a new composition to Cantori’s extensive history of introducing contemporary choral music to audiences.
The four works collectively establish a musical progression from natural beauty and contemplation toward remembrance and hope.
Mark Shapiro Leads International Cast of Vocalists and Musicians
Artistic Director Mark Shapiro, currently in his 35th season leading Cantori New York, will conduct the performances.
Shapiro also serves as Music Director of The Cecilia Chorus of New York and previously led Canada’s Prince Edward Island Symphony from 2012 to 2023.
His Canadian connection includes conducting workshops with the Toronto Concert Orchestra, alongside an international career spanning opera, orchestral music and choral performance.
In 2023, Shapiro was appointed Principal Conductor of Marshall Opera in New York City.
His professional background includes collaborations with the Juilliard School, American Opera Projects and several contemporary opera organizations.
Featured Vocal Soloists and Instrumentalists
The concert will feature four vocal soloists:
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Megan Esther Grey, contralto, whose 2026–27 season includes an engagement with the Metropolitan Opera.
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Wei En Chan, countertenor, known for performances of Baroque and contemporary repertoire across Asia and North America.
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Chad Kranak, tenor, whose career includes opera and major orchestral works.
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Michael Weyandt, baritone, recognized for performances spanning classical opera and experimental contemporary music.
Instrumental performers include French horn players Laura Weiner and Sarah Boxmeyer, harpist Deanna Cirielli and percussionist Stella Perlic.
The combination of vocal and instrumental performers will support the program’s varied musical arrangements.
Cantori New York Continues Commitment to Contemporary Music
Cantori New York has developed a reputation for adventurous programming, combining lesser-known historical compositions with premieres by contemporary composers.
The ensemble has received the ASCAP/Chorus America Adventurous Programming Award four times and has presented more than 100 world, national and regional premieres.
Its performance history includes appearances at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall-associated venues and other major New York cultural institutions.
The organization has also collaborated with international composers, including Canadian composer Alice Ping Yee Ho, and participated in commissioning initiatives supporting new choral music.
These activities have positioned Cantori as an established participant in New York’s contemporary classical music community.
Everlasting Light Tickets, Venue and Performance Details
Both concerts will take place at the Church of St. Francis Xavier, located at 46 West 16th Street in New York City.
Concert Schedule and Ticket Prices
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Friday, November 13, 2026: 8 p.m.
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Saturday, November 14, 2026: 8 p.m.
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Student and children’s tickets: Starting at US$13.
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Senior tickets: Starting at US$20.
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Adult tickets: Starting at US$25.
Tickets will be available in advance and at the venue entrance.
Media representatives seeking attendance arrangements can contact Michelle Tabnick at [email protected].
With its combination of contemporary compositions, experienced performers and a world premiere, Everlasting Light will offer New York audiences an opportunity to experience Cantori’s continuing exploration of modern choral repertoire.
The November performances will also serve as a tribute to Jake Snyder, connecting the ensemble’s artistic mission with a personal message of remembrance and hope.
