ABOUT US

Our vision is to enrich lives by using our voices to tell universal stories and share human connection. 

Our mission is to make high-quality music that evokes reaction, inspires reflection, and causes change.

Our approach is people-led. We ask questions, collaborate with open minds, and respect but challenge traditions.

Kantos is a trailblazing vocal ensemble, performing at the cutting edge of the creative scene. We produce vocal performances, shaped by the music and stories we believe in.

We think voices are a powerful gateway to our past, present and future, unveiling countless emotions, identities, and experiences. The doors to our performances are always open to everyone, whether you’re a veteran concertgoer or seeking something new.

Whether you join us in a factory space or a spiritual place, the concert hall or a nightclub, we’ll always deliver raw, stunning performances as the most ground-breaking, dynamic and creative vocal artists in the North.

Performing music by everyone from 11th Century visionary saints to genre-bending, experimental rock stars, Kantos prides itself on championing contemporary and well-known choral music. Commissioning new music and co-curating projects is integral to Kantos; recent UK and international artist collaborations include Stevens & Pound, Julian Azkoul, Anna Disley-Simpson, Kristina Arakelyan, Kerry Andrew, Nathan Dearden, Camden Reeves, Michael Betteridge, Charlie Perry, Shruthi Rajasekar, David Scott (ARGH KiD) and Dr Sherry Ashworth. We are proud to be Artistic Partners with Manchester Camerata, ‘Britain’s most adventurous orchestra’.

Our distinctive approach to storytelling extends beyond the stage and into the recording studio. Released on Delphian Records in June 2025, our debut concept album In Your Dreams is an ambitious reimagining of the choral album as a single, immersive dreamscape, described as ‘wonderfully communicative, sensuous in places, and quick-witted’ (BBC Radio 3 Record Review) and representing ‘everything one hopes for in contemporary choral artistry - a willingness to push boundaries whilst maintaining the highest musical standards.’ (The Yorkshire Times). Our latest concept album, The Witch Trials, will be released on Delphian in October 2026. 

As well as our own releases, Kantos has contributed to a diverse range of recording projects, from collaborations with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra for Decca and the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra for a Radio 3 production of Anthony Burgess’ Oedipus, to recording new works by leading contemporary composers including Nathan James Dearden and Rebecca Dale.

Alongside our season performances and tours across the UK, recent collaborations include performing as the chorus in the Pulitzer Prize-winning opera Angel’s Bone for its UK premiere with English National Opera, Factory International, and BBC Philharmonic; touring with Gary Numan & Skaparis Orchestra in the Royal Albert Hall, Bridgewater Hall and O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire; and touring to Rome and Assisi with BBC Radio 4 for live religious broadcasts.

Kantos is deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of choral singers. Through its Professional Experience Scheme, delivered in partnership with the Royal Northern College of Music, the choir provides emerging musicians with valuable opportunities to rehearse and perform alongside experienced professionals. Kantos also works closely with a range of leading educational and youth music organisations, including the RLPO Youth Company, the University of Manchester, the Greater Manchester Music Hub, and Chetham's School of Music, helping to create pathways for young people to develop their musical skills and engage with high-quality choral performance.