The Eugene Vocal Arts Ensemble, directed by Diane Retallack presents a concert of exquisite a cappella works, highlighted by Rachmaninoff’s enchanting Vespers, prayers at sunset, sung in Russian with special guests Cantus, a professional chamber choir from Corvallis’ sister city Uzhgorod, Ukraine. Cantus, directed by Emil Sokach, is on their U.S Northwest tour.

There will be an open masterclass, conducted by Emil Sokach, on Thursday, April 14th at Central Lutheral Church from 7-9pm. Observers are welcome. The cost is $10 and the proceeds will go to Cantus.

Cantus Chamber Choir, is a professional 20-member a cappella choir renowned in Europe for its performances of liturgical music, Transcarpathian folk songs, and choral music from a rich and varied repertoire including: songs of the Orthodox Russian and Ukrainian churches with works by Bortniansky, Tchaikovsky, and Rachmaninoff; music of the Renaissance including compositions of Palestrina and Monteverdi; 18th and 19th Century European choral music by Bach, Mozart, Brahms, and Schumann; and 20th Century masters such as Poulenc, Stravinsky, and Penderecki. Known as a Laureate Choir in Europe, due to its consistently high rankings in international festivals and contests, the group has performed at festivals in Hungary, Slovakia, Poland, Austria, Italy, Germany, Great Britain, France, and Switzerland.

Emil Sokach, Cantus Director and artistic supervisor, was born into the family of Petro Sokach, a famous musician from Transcarpathia. Emil studied at the Uzhgorod Musical College, continuing his studies at Kiev State, and graduating with a major in conducting in 1983. From 1983 until 2003, he taught and conducted the students’ choir at the Musical College. Since 2002, Emil has been a conductor and teacher at the Donetsk Musical Academy, named after Sergei Prokofiev. As a result of his skill in organizing Art Festivals and music events, he was nominated for the title of Honored Actor of the Ukraine (1995), a national award, and for The Man of the Year (2002), a regional award. Wife, Marianna, is a pianist and teacher at the Uzhgorod Musical College. Three children complete their family.