Community Outreach

The Cantigas Women’s Choir advocates through song for those whose hearts need to be uplifted and whose voices need to be heard. The choir has appeared with inmates at the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women in Clinton, New Jersey, and has sung on behalf of cancer survivors in Bayonne, New Jersey. The Cantigas Women’s Choir supports the developing artistry of young musicians and frequently invites them to perform at Cantigas concerts.

To learn more about these programs, click on the following links:

Edna Mahan Correctional Facility

Community Cancer Support Group, Bayonne

Young Women’s Vocal Competition

Edna Mahan Correctional Facility Program

Cantigas has performed for the inmates at Edna Mahan with the intention to uplift, heal and inspire through the power of song. In previous years Cantigas has performed in the minimum security section of the prison. Our recent programs took place in maximum security section and intended to extend the participation of the inmates as much as possible.

Entering maximum security part of the prison takes a great deal of planning to be in compliance with the security requirements. Our goal once we have entered is to give the audience an enjoyable and inspirational time. We make custom printed programs so that the audience can follow and sing along when invited. Participation by the audience extends and heightens the enjoyment of the experience for everyone.

Cantigas hopes to foster a sense of community that crosses the boundaries of race, age, background and socio-economic status and with the hope of healing the mind and spirit of others through song. In 2006, the prison audience was treated to virtuoso duets by violinist Ashley Horne and his wife, pianist, Erasmia Voukelatos.

Included here are descriptions of the inspirational experience from choir members who attended and performed in the concert.

Comments from members of Cantigas Choir after performing for the inmates at Edna Mahan Correctional Facility on June 13th, 2006.

“…Although our little visit was brief, and it is not within the scope of a women’s choir to heal all the problems of the world, we do have some impact if we are able to impart the right spirit to the women. I think we succeeded in this…”

— Frances (alto)

“What a wonderful evening last night. So rewarding and fulfilling. To see the faces of the women and see how we touched their lives with our music, gave them a little bit of pleasure, culture and enjoyment.

— Lynn (soprano)

“Every time we sang “How Could Anyone Ever Tell Your?” in a prison, I cried! (of course crying didn’t do wonders for getting the alto harmony right.. but who cares?)”

— Debbie (alto)

“What an unforgettable experience …tonight. What was amazing was seeing how the power of the music turned around even the hardest of skeptics. The Ashley touch was profound and the Gospel got everyone out of their seats. The inmates seemed ten years younger leaving the concert than when they arrived. A weight seemed to have been lifted, even if just a short time. Thanks Joany. You chose just the right repertoire.”

— Meera (second soprano)

“Ashley and I have performed Meditation from Thais many, many times- for funerals, for weddings, in restaurants …and all kinds of places. …Nothing prepared me for the response I heard on Tuesday. I don’t know that I’ve ever heard a collective breath at the end of each phrase from such a large group of people, the unanimous feeling of release of tension after a climactic moment, the gentle “yeahs” in between sections, as though commenting on a dialogue or a jazz riff.

…These women are providing a valuable learning moment of all of us. From it, we can gain the strength and confidence to work hard, to expand ourselves, and to strive for artistry that reaches people’s emotions, and adds meaning and joy to their lives. Congratulations Cantigas, for rising to the occasion! And thank you for the opportunity to collaborate with such a unique and powerful group of women!!!”

— Erasmia (pianist)

Community Cancer Support Group, Bayonne

We have been performing for and with the Community Cancer Support Group since 2005. When we perform, we open their meetings with a small concert to inspire and uplift them as a part of their healing program. We feel honored to be able to benefit this group and we are always touched by their response.