"Thank you for sharing your wonderful music with us. A pure joy"
Dr. Robert Filion at the Alberta Choralfest South, March 2015
The Choir history
June 2010
Founded by a group of passionate singers with long-term choral experience, the Cantares Latin Choir takes its first steps in Calgary, built on a deep love for Latin American music.
The Choir is born
July 2010
Juan Sosa joins as Conductor
Born in Tinaco, Venezuela, and founder of the renowned Columba Méndez Choir in the 1980s, Mr. Juan Sosa takes on the role of Choir Conductor, shaping the ensemble's artistic direction.
Fall 2010
Debuting season
The holiday season of 2010 was the debuting time for Cantares. They performed at: the Calgary Carol Christmas Fest 2010; community concert at the First Baptist Church; Christmas Dinner of the Venezuelan Canadian Association of Calgary (VCAC); and the Canadian Latin-American Chamber of Commerce.
2011
A year of firsts and recognition
The Choir had the honour of accompanying renowned Venezuelan musician Ilan Chester — 2010 Latin Grammy winner — in his concert at the Boyce Theatre in Calgary. That same year, the Choir earned its first Gold Medal at the Alberta Choralfest South, a proud recognition of its musical excellence. The Choir also returned to two beloved annual events: the Calgary Carol Festival and the VCAC Christmas Dinner.
2012
An International stage and a first Gala
The Foundation organized the First Gala Concert to raise funds for the Choir's growing ambitions. A highlight of the year was the Choir's invitation as an official participant in the XV International Choral Kathaumixw, held in Powell River, BC — one of the world's most prestigious choral festivals — where the Choir competed in the Folk and Cultural Traditions category, proudly representing Latin American culture through music. The year closed on a festive note with the 1st Christmas Charity Concert with Family and Friends
Rehearsing at Powell River (above).
Left. First Gala Concert,, Calgary March 2012
2013 - 2014
Continuous growth
In March 2013, the Cantares Latin Choir returned to the Alberta Choralfest South, continuing to build on its growing reputation for choral excellence. Later that year in October, the Choir proudly served as host ensemble for the First Edition of Venezuelan Culture Days — a landmark community event created by the Foundation and co-organized with the Venezuelan Canadian Association of Calgary. The Gala Concert featured the renowned Venezuelan group El Cuarteto as the main attraction, with the Choir sharing the stage and performing a selection of pieces alongside their distinguished guests.
Gala concerts for Venezuelan Culture Days (VCD)
C4 trio playing the cuatro at Gala (above). Oct 2014
Left. First Gala Concert for VCD with El Cuarteto, Oct 2013
2015 - 2017
Cantares Venezuelan Choir 5th Anniversary
In March 2015, the Cantares Latin Choir delivered a golden performance at the Alberta Choralfest South, setting the tone for what would become a landmark year. With the Foundation's Fifth Anniversary at its heart, 2015 was marked by a series of special celebrations befitting the occasion.
The highlight of the year was the special edition of the beloved Let's Sing Together in May 2015, featuring a specially curated programme entitled "A Journey to Latin America." For this memorable concert, the Foundation had the honour of welcoming renowned Venezuelan Choir Conductor Raúl Delgado Estévez (1946–2019) — a true luminary of Latin American choral music. Joining as guest ensembles were the Calgary Zhi-Yin Choir, under the direction of Conductor Shana Yang, and the Spiritus Chamber Choir, led by Conductor Timothy Shantz — making it an unforgettable celebration of choral music and cultural diversity.
In March 2016, the Cantares Latin Choir achieved a landmark milestone at the Alberta Choralfest South, earning its first Platinum score for its interpretations of Cantares, Polo Margariteño, Crece desde el Pie, and Moliendo Café — a proud testament to the ensemble's growing artistic excellence. Later that year in September, the 4th Venezuelan Culture Days welcomed renowned percussionist Willy Mayo as its distinguished guest, with the Choir and La Parranda proudly serving as host ensemble for the Gala Concert.
In 2017, the Choir broke new ground with its first ever Let's Sing Together on the Road, taking its music to multiple venues across Calgary and bringing Latin American choral music directly to the community. The Choir also hosted the Venezuelan Culture Days Gala Concert, sharing the stage with the ensemble of the celebrated Jorge Glem, featuring Pablo Bencid on battery and Rodner Padilla on bass — a memorable evening of world-class Latin American music.
2018 - 2022
To Ottawa to Celebrate Canada Day
2018 was a highly active year for the Cantares Latin Choir. The ensemble launched a fundraising campaign to support its participation in the Unisong Festival 2019 in Ottawa, while also earning a Gold Medal at the Alberta Choralfest South — further cementing the Choir's reputation for musical excellence. In June 2019, the effort paid off as the Choir travelled to Ottawa to participate in the Unisong Festival as part of the Canada Day celebrations — a memorable milestone in the Choir's history. While in Ottawa, the ensemble also had the distinguished honour of performing at a private concert at the National Art Gallery of Canada, showcasing the richness of Latin American choral music on a national stage. As usual in December we participated in the Calgary Carol festival at the Knox United Church.
2024 - 2026
Cantares Latin Choir back at full speed
2014 was equally busy and rewarding. Highlights included the 2nd edition of Let's Sing Together: A Tribute to Simón Díaz. The Choir once again served as host ensemble, welcoming and sharing the stage with C4 Trio — winners of the 2014 Latin Grammy Award for Best Engineered Album — at the 2nd edition of the Venezuelan Culture Days Gala Concert. The year closed warmly with the 3rd Christmas Charity Concert.
In 2024 the Choir starting resuming to normal rehearsals and presentations. Attending the Kantorei festival at Bella Concert in October 2024. In October 2025 we had the 2nd edition of Boleros night, an event full of nostalgia and good music. More recently, we were awarded a level of Distinction at the Airdrie Rotary Festival of Performing Arts. By June 30 we plan to exhibit the 3rd edition of our Boleros Bohemian Night at The Arrow Head in Calgary.
From 2020 to 2022, continuing our activities was a tremendous challenge — due to the pandemia restrictions gatherings were impossible and rehearsals came to a halt. However, this was not enough to stop us from celebrating a milestone that truly deserved to be honoured: our X Anniversary. Rising to the occasion, we organized a virtual event showcasing ten years of history, music, and memories of the Cantares Latin Choir — proof that no obstacle can silence a choir united by passion.