About Cantare
We are a mixed SATB choir of 20-30 members, who love to sing all styles and genres of music. Our concerts include classics, madrigals, folk music, popular, jazz, seasonal, modern arrangements, and more - both accompanied and acapella. We incorporate educational components to inform, engage, and educate our audiences, as we are committed to growth, learning, and the development of musical excellence.
To bring the joy of choral music to the people of El Dorado county and beyond.
To provide a performance venue for qualified singers who want to share their talent. ​
To support the development of vocal/choral performance among members of our community.
To educate our audience regarding the history and composition of the repertoire we sing
Our Mission
Our Origins
Cantare Chorale was formed in 1992 by Bill Pearson and Dave Smythe to bring quality choral music to the citizens of El Dorado County. Talented singers who had previously performed with groups in Sacramento wanted a venue closer to home where they could develop and share their talents.
Our First 30 Years
Since 1992, Cantare has performed over 300 times for our local community and brought our voices as far as Carnegie Hall in New York City. We grew into a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation and pride ourselves on partnerships with our local community, lending our voices to community events, nursing homes, & fellow musician's projects.
Our Next 30 Years
Under the excellent leadership of our exceptionally gifted artistic director and musically talented piano accompanist, we are excited for the next 30 years of bringing choral music to the Sierra Foothills. And we can't do it alone! We rely on our community, so please reach out and partner with us.
Our Artistic Director
Mariia Pechenova
Mariia Pechenova joined Cantare Chorale of the Sierra Foothills as Artistic Director in 2014 and is also Music Professor of Vocal and Choral Programs at Folsom Lake College. For over 15 years, she performed solo recitals and toured with St. Petersburg's Music Theater in concert halls in Russia and Europe. She holds a Master’s degree in Conducting from St. Petersburg State University in Russia. She serves as an adjudicator and clinician in several local and international vocal and choral competitions. She is also an active member of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) among other professional organizations. ​In 2019, for bringing excellence in music to El Dorado County, she received Certificate of Recognition from El Dorado County and Certificate of Special Recognition from Congressman Tom McClintock. Cantare Chorale has thrived under her leadership.
Wendy Payton
Wendy Payton joined Cantare Chorale in 2008 and also accompanies the choir at Union Mine High School, serves as choir director, hand bell director and organist for First Lutheran Church in Placerville, and teaches piano and organ in Shingle Springs, Placerville, and at El Dorado Hills Music. She grew up in Placerville where she began her piano studies. She double majored in piano performance and music history at University of the Pacific. She completed graduate work in music history and theory at University of Illinois and at the University of Iowa, where she earned a master’s degree in organ, studying with Paul Tegels, John Chappell Stowe and Delbert Disselhorst. Ms. Payton served on the music faculty at Stillman College (Tuscaloosa, AL) and at Mississippi State University (Starkville, MS) before returning home. Cantare Chorale is so grateful for all Wendy does to make us sound good!
Our
Accompanist
.jpg)
Get in Touch
Excited about Cantare? We are too. If you are interested in learning more, booking Cantare for an upcoming event, or partnering with us please reach out.