|
The American tenor and choral conductor, Cristian Cantu, began his professional music studies at the Baltimore School for the Arts (Diploma of Horn: September 2008-May 2011), prior to earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from Columbus State University in Columbus, Georgia, graduating cum laude (August 2011-December 2015), where he studied conducting with Constantina Tsolainou, Paul Hostetter, and Dr. Jamie L. Nix. While at CSU, he performed in the university’s top large and chamber ensembles as a horn player and tenor. He obtained his Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting from The University of Texas at Austin under the instruction of Dr. James Morrow (August 2016-May 2018), where he performs with the University of Texas Chamber Singers and The UT Bach Cantata Project.
A passionate church musician, Cristian Cantu has held assistant choirmaster and organ scholarships at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Columbus, Georgia (August 2015-May 2016), with mentorship by choirmaster-organist, Rick McKnight. In Austin, he has continued working as a tenor scholar at St. David’s Episcopal Church, St. Louis King of France Catholic Church (July 2018-February 2022), St. Mary’s Catholic Cathedral, and Good Shepherd Episcopal Church. In December 2016, he co-founded and became the Artistic Director of a new Austin chamber choir, Austin Cantorum, an ensemble committed to the Anglican choral tradition, and to kindling a powerful connection among friends, musicians, and the Austin community at large. He considers himself incredibly fortunate to be the artistic director of such a powerful community of friends. In 2018, Cristian and Austin Cantorum are excited to premier a newly commissioned work by Philadelphia composer, Thomas LaVoy.
Beyond his work with Austin Cantorum, Cristian Cantu regularly sings with the Austin Baroque Orchestra, Ars Longa Ensemble, Texas Bach Festival, and Inversion Ensemble; has recently joined the San Antonio Chamber Choir and the Texas Early Music Project (August 2018-February 2022); and has recently performed with Prismatx Ensemble, a new music instrumental ensemble based in Austin, as a resident conductor. Following graduation from UT, he is excited to continue living in Austin where he will continue developing Austin Cantorum and performing with Austin’s various other choral ensembles. |
