November 29, 2011 > Cantare ready to 'sing in' the holidays Cantare ready to 'sing in' the holidays Submitted By David Ojakian Curtain Call Performing Arts' (CCPA) Cantare Community Chorus is set to premier "A Broadway Holiday," their first concert of the 2011/2012 season showcasing holiday favorites, as well as contemporary Broadway works. Cantare, meaning "to sing" in Italian, will incorporate movement and acting along with vocals in their performances for a youthful and unique concert experience new to Bay Area audiences. Founded in 2010, Cantare is a key performance ensemble for Curtain Call, which announced this past summer the addition of Jon Siapno as the choir's director. A native of San Leandro, Siapno brings an impressive resume, having studied composition at the NYU Musical Theatre Writing Program earning a Bachelor's of Music from NYU, and an MA in Sociology and Education from Columbia University. Siapno previously served as Music Director for Broadway composer and five-time Tony nominee Elizabeth Swados, and as an apprentice to conductors of "Wicked" on Broadway and the San Francisco touring production. Siapno has made Cantare a key focus. "Cantare offered an ideal opportunity to return home to; an ensemble where I can cultivate the arts and live performance in San Leandro and for a greater Bay Area audience. I'm excited about what is in store for Cantare, and to developing the talented singers we have working with us," said Siapno. Cantare Community Chorus, directed by Siapno, features singers from around the Bay Area, and will perform three shows, December 2-4, in the Black Box theatre at the Arts Education Center on the San Leandro High School Campus. For tickets and information, visit www.curtaincallperformingarts.org or call (510) 909-9516. The Vision of CCPA is to ensure that performance-based arts are accessible to everyone who desires to participate or attend performances by keeping both ticket prices low and class/workshop tuition affordable. A Broadway Holiday Friday, Dec 2 - Sunday, Dec 4 8 p.m. (Sunday, 3 p.m.) Arts Education Center 2200 Bancroft Ave., San Leandro (510) 909-9516 www.curtaincallperformingarts.org Tickets: $15