Cantos Music Foundation

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Cantos Music Foundation is a not-for-profit (non-profit) organization in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Their mission is to present educational and entertaining music programs targeted at diverse communities.

1 Overview
2 The Collection
3 Services
4 Instrument Service Centre
5 Programs

[edit] Overview

Cantos acquired several large collections of musical instruments from Vern Enyedy (Revelstoke, British Columbia), William Garlick (Long Island, New York) and David Kean (Los Angeles, California). Each collection ranges in size from 60 -120 individual keyboard and electronic instruments as well as related items such as documentation. The Cantos Music Collection exhibition gallery was opened to the public for tours on July 5, 1998, by appointment only. In 2003 staff and programming from TriumphEnt Foundation were integrated into Cantos Music Foundation. As programming continues to expand annually, the combined strength of this collection and programming has made Cantos an important part of the thriving arts community in Calgary. In September, 2004 Cantos opened its doors to the general public to address the on-going demand for tours of the collection.

Cantos Music Foundation’s broad range of educational public programs and services are unique. The Collection consists of over 450 keyboard instruments and electronic equipment, 215 of which are currently on display in the gallery. The Collection traces the evolution of keyboard instruments from the pipe organ to the most modern electronic musical instruments and is the largest publicly accessible collection of historic musical instruments in Canada. Many of the instruments in the Cantos Music Collection can be played making an experience at Cantos interactive, informative and fun.

[edit] The Collection

The Cantos Music Collection is considered one of the most unique keyboard instrument collections globally. Among the dozens of unique and rare curiosities, the Collection is home to one of the earliest pianos made in North America (ca 1790) as well as a prized Flemish harpsichord made by Johannes Couchet (ca. 1679). One of the Collection’s most popular items is the historic songwriting piano previously owned by Sir Elton John. This piano was used extensively by Sir Elton John and lyricist Bernie Taupin in their early years between 1968 and 1972 to write several of their early hits. Another unique item in the Collection is The Rolling Stones Mobile Studio, which was acquired in November 2001.

Inside the Rolling Stones mobile recording unit

The Rolling Stones used this mobile recording unit to record some of their best records released between 1970 and 1980. Other well known bands from the past that recorded in the Rolling Stones Mobile included Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Dire Straits, Bob Marley and Horslips. The oldest known portable synthesizer, EMS Putney, is a very early keyboard controlled tape replay machine made by Harry Chamberlin. It is also the only known complete electric wave organ made by Canadian Frank Morse Robb (ca. 1930’s).

[edit] Services

Cantos Music Foundation also operates two on-site performance venues. The Music Room (capacity 140 seated; 200 standing) and the Salon Stage (capacity 80 seated;140 standing) for hosting community events such as concerts, fundraisers, piano recitals, CD release parties, corporate functions, seasonal parties, meetings, weddings and much more. The venues are equipped with superb grand pianos and banquet tables, PA system, microphones, and a portable bar.

Off-site instrument rentals are also available and include a wide range of popular keyboard instruments in addition to grand pianos a Hammond B-3 w/Leslie, Hohner Clavinet, Wurlitzer electric, Rhodes electric piano and several other standardized instruments from the keyboard instrument repertoire.

[edit] Instrument Service Centre

Cantos Music Foundation specializes in analogue synthesizer and vintage electronic equipment repair and services clients locally, nationally and internationally. Cantos also provides custom refinishing for pianos and other acoustic keyboard instruments.

[edit] Programs

[edit] Silent Movie Mondays

An annual series of silent movie classics accompanied by world-renowned theatre organist Dennis James screened over the course of four consecutive Mondays. The series also features live interactive presentations at each screening by the organist as well as prize giveaways.

[edit] Cantos Music Collection Tours

All tours of the Cantos Music Collection are guided by a qualified interpreter who demonstrates a selection of the instruments and also shares’ engaging stories and anecdotes about the Collection’s many interesting and intriguing facets.

[edit] Seniors Program

Seniors groups choose from five theme-based specialty tours of the Collection which engage and entertain.

[edit] Recreation Programs

The recreation programs are comprised of hands-on activities that explore the many facets of music making through the Cantos Music Collection. Age of participants is 7 – 12 years and open to both summer camps and special interest and affinity groups. Activities include acting out silent movie skits, drumming, karaoke and interacting with fun facts about music and the Cantos Music Collection.

[edit] Cantos à la Carte

Free noon-hour concerts in the EPCOR Centre for the Performing Arts in the Jack Singer Concert Hall using The Carthy Organ and instruments from the Cantos Music Collection. This annual series is open to the public and runs 12:10pm on Tuesdays in July and August.

[edit] On-Site School Programs

There are three on-site school programs

i) Good Vibrations Program: A grade 3 curriculum based program that explores scientific concepts of hearing and sound using music and the Cantos Music Collection.

ii) Measure 4 Measure: A music and math curriculum based program for grades 4, 5, and 6 which explores and reinforces concepts in math through hands-on activities using music and the Cantos Music Collection. Students discover and understand how math permeates the world.

iii) Cantos Comes Alive!: A grade 3 through 12 program that explores a multitude of themes in music using the Cantos Music Collection such as design, composition, science and math. This program is customized for each visiting group.

[edit] MusicMatters (Off-site School Program)

This program teaches grades 4, 5 and 6 music curricula by means of a two-act drama both on-site at individual schools as well as at the EPCOR Centre for Performing Arts in the Jack Singer Concert Hall. Curriculum concepts explored include harmony, form and improvisation.