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More News: > Oboist Margaret    Herlehy to be Featured > Cantemus Returns to    Rockport in May > Join Cantemus on    Facebook > Buy Early for Ticket    Deals > Concert Posters

The Woodland Quiet: Songs of Nature & Beauty

There is a pleasure in the pathless woods;
There is a rapture on the lonely shore;
There is society, where none intrudes,
By the deep sea, and music in its roar:
I love not man the less, but Nature more.
                                    Lord Byron (1788–1824)

Cantemus will welcome spring with a musical tribute to "Songs of Nature and Beauty," on May 1 and 2. The concert's title, "The Woodland Quiet," derives from one of the part songs we will sing. The title of Brahms' "Waldesnacht" literally means "woods night," but its English "lyrics" begin "Wondrous cool, thou woodland quiet." (We will sing it auf deutsch.)

Works by other well-known composers, including Haydn, Dvorák, Stanford and Mendelssohn, are complimented by new works by Stephen Chatman, David Brunner and others. Cantemus performed several of Chatman's songs last spring, and they were warmly received by our audience. Guest artist Margaret Herlehy, oboist, had brought Chatman's work to Music Director Gary Wood's attention, so this season we are delving deeper into the Chatman collection — and featuring Margaret once again!

Please join us in Rockport on May 1, or Newburyport on May 2, for a springtime "tonic" featuring selected Songs of Nature by Antonin Dvorák, Waldesnacht by Johannes Brahms, The Storm by Joseph Haydn, Earthsongs by David L. Brunner, selected Songs of the Open Air by Felix Mendelssohn, selected 'nature' settings by Stephen Chatman, plus works by Delius, Stanford & more.

Oboist Margaret Herlehy

Margaret Herlehy, oboe, received her training at the University of Michigan and Sarah Lawrence College where she remained as Artist in Residence for a five-year tenure. Her principal teachers include Lois Wann and Arno Mariotti.

As a chamber musician, she performs with Sospiri ensemble and recently premiered works for Oboe, Bassoon and Piano at the 2003 International Double Reed Conference in Greensboro, NC. She also performs with Infinities chamber ensemble as a member of Massachusetts’ Young Audiences, presenting Young People’s Concerts throughout New England. She has performed on WGBH Morning Pro Musica, recorded commercial soundtracks for radio, television and major motion picture soundtracks, and can be heard on numerous New Age recordings.

Ms. Herlehy currently performs as principal oboist of the Hanover Chamber Orchestra and the Granite State Symphony. In addition, she has performed with the Portland Symphony Orchestra, as soloist with the New England String Ensemble, and the Berkshire Opera among other orchestras throughout the Northeast.

In addition to performing, Ms. Herlehy maintains an active teaching schedule. She is lecturer of oboe at the University of New Hampshire and founder and Artistic Director of Music da Camera Chamber Music Workshops since 1992. An avid speed skater, she lives in Strafford, NH.

Cantemus Returns to Rockport in May

Cantemus draws its singers from all over the North Shore and beyond, and we want to draw our audiences from as wide an area. On May 1, we will again perform in Rockport at the First Congregational Church.

The sanctuary and acoustics at First Congregational Church on School Street are excellent, and well suited to a chamber chorus. So, if you're one of our "southern" fans who has been attending our concerts in Hamilton, Wenham or Ipswich, please join us in Rockport on Saturday, May 1, at 7:30. We will perform our concert again the next day in Newburyport, at 4:00 pm, at St. Paul's Church on High Street.

Make a night of it by having dinner before or after at one of Rockport's many wonderful restaurants. Newburyport has great places to eat, too! See some dining suggestions. 

Join Cantemus on Facebook

Now you can keep up with Cantemus on Facebook. We've posted news and photos and encourage feedback from our audience members. Join our group and let your voice be heard!

Buy Early for Ticket Deals

Everyone loves a bargain, so be sure to take advantage of discounted advance ticket pricing for our May concerts. To receive advance tickets by mail, simply mail your ticket request and check (made out to “Cantemus”) to Cantemus Tickets, c/o 18 Turkey Shore Rd., Ipswich, MA 01938. Orders must be received at least one week prior to the concert date; late-request tickets will be held at the door. Tickets by mail are sold at the advanced-price rate of $18 (adults) and $15 (seniors). And don’t forget that students aged 21 and under are always admitted free to our concerts!

Please also visit our ticket outlets for discounted tickets: The Book Shop of Beverly Farms, Nazir’s Fine Jewelry in Wenham, Norris Gallery & Frame Shop in Ipswich, Toad Hall Bookstore in Rockport, Gloucester Music and The Newburyport Printmaker.

There are so many ways to save while hearing Cantemus’ “Small Chorus, Grand Sound!” We can accept one discount per ticket purchase.

Visit our Tickets page for more information.

Download Concert Posters

Download concert posters to enjoy at home or send to friends. Posters are provided in PDF format. You may need to install Adobe Reader® to view them.

Order a CD

Ranging from traditional carols to international music of the season to a complete performance of Benjamin Britten’s masterful "Ceremony of Carols" for treble voices and harp, our debut CD presents the listener with a sampling of our most spirited seasonal pieces.

"Joy Shall Be Yours" is available for purchase at all of our concerts as well as at the River Gallery in Ipswich.

To purchase "Joy Shall Be Yours" by mail, please send a check or money order for $8 per CD, or 2 for $15, plus $2.50 shipping and handling, payable to Cantemus, P.O. Box 784, Ipswich, MA 01938. There are just a few left, so order yours today.

News Archive

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