SALINAS VALLEY — South Monterey County residents are in for a musical treat this holiday season, as I Cantori di Carmel brings its first-ever free Community Concert to the Robert Stanton Theater in King City this Saturday afternoon.
This festive event marks a new chapter for the renowned choral ensemble, expanding its reach with a mission to make classical music accessible to all.
The performance will feature a rich Baroque program, including Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Magnificat” and “Gloria in excelsis Deo,” Marc-Antoine Charpentier’s lively “Messe de Minuit pour Noël” and George Frideric Handel’s exuberant “Utrecht Te Deum.” The concert showcases I Cantori’s 50-voice chorus, a 28-piece orchestra of professional musicians and soloists from the group’s Vocal Arts Academy.
“We’re thrilled to present this big holiday concert in King City, and we hope to welcome many new faces from South County,” said Music Director Daniel Henriks. “We believe music is for everybody, and I Cantori is working with dedication and passion to make these concerts happen for everyone in our communities.”
This performance kicks off I Cantori’s new outreach initiative aimed at enriching the cultural landscape of South Monterey County. The initiative includes concerts, workshops, school presentations and more, designed to inspire and educate through music.
Jeff Hinderscheid of Sol Treasures in King City praised the effort, noting, “The South County arts scene desperately needs this type of thing to come through.”
Henriks emphasized the importance of connecting with local families and students, extending a special invitation to South Monterey County residents. “Our goal is to build meaningful relationships with this community, coming together through the universal language of music,” he said.
Doors will open at 2 p.m. for the 2:30 p.m. concert on Saturday, Dec. 21, at the Robert Stanton Theater, 720 Broadway St., in King City. While the event is free, RSVPs are recommended and can be made at icantori.org.
For more than 40 years, I Cantori di Carmel has been a cornerstone of the Central Coast’s performing arts scene, celebrated for its exceptional symphonic choral performances and community engagement. The group hopes this King City concert will become an annual tradition, enriching the holiday season with the joy of music.
“We are excited to bring the joy of music to South Monterey County,” Henriks added. “Our mission is to not only share the beauty of classical music, but also to inspire and educate, especially young people. We hope to create a lasting impact and establish a cultural tradition that will resonate for years to come.”
