Cantus Novus, PA

Cantus Novus is an auditioned choral group located in Bucks County, PA. Through its performances and programs, Cantus Novus is dedicated to sharing the experience of musical excellence with singers and audiences alike, bringing people together to celebrate the power of music.

Our musical focus can best be described as “roots and wings,” with programming spanning several centuries, honoring our “roots,” the rich a cappella choral tradition that springs from the motets of the Renaissance — while our “wings” present audiences with wide-ranging musical offerings from the best of contemporary composers.

We work to nurture and develop the skills of our choral musicians, to increase community appreciation for the choral arts and to encourage and support through public performances and collaboration with other artists and arts organizations.

Cantus Novus' Artistic Director is W. Edward McCall, a native of Port Arthur, Ontario, Canada, Mr. McCall is a veteran music educator and choral conductor. He has taught students of all ages in both Canada and the United States. The Artistic Director of Cantus Novus is a champion for music education as evidenced by the conducting intern program that he initiated and by his interest in recruiting high school and college-aged singers to the group.

He is the CEO of the Organ Historical Society, headquartered in Villanova, PA, and is also the Director of Music at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Doylestown.

Previous appointments as choral educator include the faculties of Westminster Choir College (Princeton, NJ), Temple University (Philadelphia, PA) and St. Michael’s Choir School (Toronto, Canada). A significant posting for Mr. McCall was as Director of Choral Activities for high school and junior high schools at the Council Rock School District in Newtown, PA. He currently teaches private students across the Delaware Valley.

From the beginning of his professional career, choirs under Mr. McCall’s direction have appeared locally, regionally, and nationally. Appearances beyond the concert stage include television, professional recordings, symphony concerts, choral festivals, tours, and a Papal visit. In the United States, choirs under Mr. McCall’s direction performed at several PMEA All-State Conventions to enthusiastic acclaim. He has coordinated and directed dozens of choir tours including a ten-day odyssey to the People’s Republic of China. Additionally, he has conducted more than a few world-premiere performances of new choral works.

Mr. McCall holds a Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting and Music Education from Westminster Choir College. He studied conducting with Joseph Flummerfelt, Constatina Tsoulainu, Alan Crowell, Frauke Haasemann, Sir David Willcocks, John Rutter, Rodney Eichenberger, and Andre Thomas.