Calmus Ensemble, an award-winning a cappella quintet from Germany, presents a program spanning centuries of sacred and secular carols from Europe, Scandinavia, Russia and the Americas.
Captivating audiences worldwide with their refined and exhilarating performances, Calmus embodies the rich choral tradition of their hometown of Leipzig.
“They are an elegant and highly polished a cappella ensemble…with crystalline purity… the Calmus Ensemble sings with a natural sense of pitch that goes way beyond simply singing in tune. They feel the character of the chord together.”
Theater Jones, Dallas, TX
“…clear melodic lines and expressive phrasing. It was stunning. I sat through the performance with my mouth agape and a smile on my lips.”
Classical Voice of North Carolina
Calmus Ensemble
Musical precision, emotion, and a touch of humour are highlights in any performance of this beloved vocal group from Germany. Their repertoire is wonderfully diverse, ranging in tonal colour and traversing genres with style and skill. Audiences can’t help but be delighted by the joyous passion for music that the Calmus Ensemble embodies.
Their varied and imaginative programs never fail to inspire. These five singers from Leipzig have won several international prizes and competitions—most recently the OPUS Klassik 2019 for “Best Choral Recording.” Over the years, the ensemble have commissioned and premiered numerous compositions, including works by Paul Moravec, Mathew Rosenblum, Bernd Franke, Steffen Schleiermacher, Wolfram Buchenberg, Bill Dobbins, Mia Makaroff, Dan Dediu and Harald Banter. Their projects include collaborations with the MDR Sinfonieorchester (Weill’s “The Seven Deadly Sins”), the Raschèr Saxophone Quartet, the Hamburg Ratsmusik, the hr-Bigband, and the Capella de la Torre.
Calmus devotes a part of its time to the promotion of young talent. Lessons, workshops, and jury activities are part of the singers’ daily routine, at home and abroad.
The Musicians
Elisabeth Mücksch – Soprano
Maria Kalmbach – Alto
Friedrich Bracks – Tenor
Jonathan Saretz – Baritone
Michael B. Gernert – Bass
Calmus Ensemble performed for High River Gift of Music in 2015.
photoS | Anne Hornemann
Learn more
calmus.de
“…a flawlessly blended sound, relying not only [on] seamlessly meshed vocal timbres but on ornaments placed with absolute precision across all five voices… the singers bring tremendous character and musical depth to their interpretations, conveying the tone and meaning of lyrics in a fashion that transcends the language of the lyrics.”
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel