Signe Boyer and Cantabile-Moving On

By Barbara Weinstein

For some, it is her pure love of music and her special talent for sharing that love with children. For some, it is her continual striving for the magic moments when the Cantabile voices click and they sound like angels. For some, it is the richness and variety of repertoire she selects and her dedication to bringing new sounds, new methods, new composers, and new experiences to the Cantabile singers. For all of us, it is her unique gift for establishing with her young singers the kind of deep, personal connection that brings tears to their eyes whenever age or circumstance forces one of them to move on.

Now, with regret, we must plan for Signe Boyer herself to move on. After founding Cantabile in 1994 and dedicating the past ten years to developing and nurturing the Cantabile musical program and its singers, Signe has decided that it is time to retire. This has been in the works for a couple of years, but even so, the decision has been difficult for Signe, and very difficult to accept for Cantabile families as well.

“Cantabile is my heart and soul,” Signe said, reflecting upon the past ten years with Cantabile. She has often remarked to me, too, how she will arrive at rehearsal stressed and fatigued from a long day at her job teaching music at Keys School in Palo Alto but, after several hours working with the Cantabile singers, emerge revitalized and relaxed.

This renewal is contagious. My own children tell me how working with Signe raises their spirits and wakes them up after even the longest and most stressful school days. Other parents and singers echoed that feeling as well, responding to a request last year for thoughts and reflections on Cantabile.

As her gauge of Signe’s success, one parent wrote, “My daughter looks forward to each and every practice and sings the songs she is working on constantly around the house and in the car!”

Another wrote, “It is a joy to watch her work. Signe is patient, perceptive, creative, and demanding, and the kids love her and are fiercely loyal. She brings out the best in both the individual and the group. I greatly admire her blend of a strong, no-nonsense work ethic with gentle, fun-loving compassion.”

A third parent wrote, “When we moved to California, I was convinced we would never find a choir of distinction. Thankfully, I was wrong. Signe succeeds in creating a more exciting and fun-to-learn environment while also maintaining commitment and focus.”

After retiring from Cantabile, Signe says she plans to take care of herself. She will continue teaching music at Keys School and has also offered to work with her successor. For starters, she is helping us search for the new artistic director to bring Cantabile successfully to its next stage with the same unwavering commitment to music, education, and connection.

We are planning a tribute to Signe at the Cantabile concert on June 13. Cantabile alumni from over the years are invited to come back and sing once again with Signe.

Please mark the June concert date on your calendar. Whether or not you have already observed Signe in action with Cantabile, I hope you will take this final opportunity to do so. It is a special treat.

Volume 12, Issue 2

Baroque Choral Guild, 953 Industrial Ave. Ste 118, Palo Alto CA 94303, 650.424.1410