About Us

What We Do

Cantabile Youth Singers brings world-class artistic excellence in vocal music instruction to the youth of Silicon Valley by creating a supportive, enriching choral community for all, fostering the innate beauty, talent, and individual freedom of expression within each singer, and engaging them in performances of the highest caliber.

Our Community

Artists. Scholars. Leaders. Friends. These four words are at the center of our program, which allows students of all genders to make lifelong friends from their earliest days in Cantabile. Watch the video to the right to hear our students speak passionately about this musical community, answering the question, "What is your favorite thing about Cantabile?"

“Their angelic voices coupled with the mature artistry of their musical performance is simply one of the great treasures of children's choirs in America.”
– Dr. Craig Jessop, Director Emeritus, Mormon Tabernacle Choir

Who Are We

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Cantabile Youth Singers provides premier music education, vocal training, performance opportunities, and leadership development for young people throughout Silicon Valley and Northern California. Founded in 1994 by Signe Boyer and led by Artistic Director Elena Sharkova since 2004, Cantabile offers an innovative music curriculum and artistically accomplished, emotionally resonant concerts that cross musical boundaries.

Cantabile’s Board and staff have recently invested in strengthening the organization’s capacity by streamlining internal processes and establishing priorities to support its long-term sustainability. In March 2026, Cantabile celebrated its 32nd anniversary with a sold-out gala concert. In June 2026, Cantabile’s top choirs toured England with concerts in London, Cambridge, Stratford-upon-Avon, and Barnsley. In fall 2026, Cantabile welcomed a new Associate Conductor, who will work in partnership with Sharkova to continue its rich musical tradition. The Board is actively working to expand from seven to nine members by 2027. Cantabile is seeking a collaborative, relationship-driven leader who can build on this momentum, partner closely with its artistic and Board leadership, and guide the organization into its next chapter.

Cantabile’s Approach

Cantabile currently serves 180 singers, ages 6 to 18, across six performing choirs and three levels of preparatory classes. Its distinctive program includes choral singing and solo voice coaching, stage presence training, and a graduated music theory curriculum, enhanced by mindfulness and yoga, choreography and improvised movement, and an appreciation for diverse cultures, languages, and artistic traditions. Through joyful and creative learning, Cantabile fosters musicianship, leadership, self-discipline, teamwork, and a strong sense of community.

Performance, Tour, and Leadership Opportunities

Each year, Cantabile singers appear with local professional arts organizations, including San Jose Symphony and Chorale, Opera San Jose, and New Ballet. They have also performed with prominent ensembles and artists, including Kronos Quartet, Conspirare, and composer Joe Hisaishi. In 2015, Cantabile was the first youth chorus in the country to establish its own student chapter of the American Choral Directors Association to offer mentorship and leadership opportunities for advanced students. Each year, ten or more students are engaged in musical, social, and administrative assistantships. Cantabile graduates attend prestigious collegiate programs, and many continue to sing with leading a cappella groups and university choirs.

Commissioning

Cantabile’s commitment to promoting new choral music for young singers was the driving force behind the creation of a New Music Commission Fund in 2014. Since then, Cantabile has commissioned and premiered more than twenty choral compositions by Jocelyn Hagen, Sarah Quartel, Will Todd, Tim Sharp, Andrea Ramsey, Stephen Hatfield, Eric Tuan, and Tom Shelton, among others. In 2020, Cantabile was awarded the Chorus America/ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming in recognition of its dedication to fostering and promoting new music. In June 2025, Cantabile presented the world premiere of We Are the Garden by Jocelyn Hagen at Bing Concert Hall, a large-scale collaborative work celebrating youth voices, environmental stewardship, and community connection that will be performed at Carnegie Hall in June 2027.

Community

Cantabile Youth Singers reflects the diverse community of Silicon Valley and includes students from over three dozen cultural origins. Cantabile views its diversity as a wealth of shared experience upon which to build empathy and appreciation for others; it regularly performs music that directly addresses relevant issues of social justice and empowers young people to engage in musical activism, leading with the notion that “people who make music together cannot be enemies.”

“Cantabile is much more than ‘club choir.’ We are a group of musical enthusiasts, ambitious artists, and a community that thrives in cultural collaboration and appreciation. From performing unique Indonesian choreographies to blending with German vocalists, my experience in Cantabile has played a crucial role in widening my global perspective and instilling my fascination with international cultures. We truly care about the origin of our pieces and carry that essence throughout every performance. It is truly a special moment when everyone comes together in harmony.” – Cantabile Graduate

Singers of all ages performing, with hands raised

Intermezzo and Avanti singers learning choreography

Vocalise singers performing in Sydney, Australia

Background

Cantabile Youth Singers is an internationally renowned choral program providing world-class music education, vocal training, and leadership opportunities for the youth of the greater Silicon Valley communities in Northern California. Founded in 1994 by Signe Boyer, and under the leadership of Artistic Director Elena Sharkova since 2004, the Cantabile Youth Singers’ innovative music curriculum and artistically superb, deeply moving, genre-defying concert programs received the highest praise from the international choral community and garnered several awards from professional associations.

With over 180 singers ages 6 to 18, Cantabile offers six performing choirs and three levels of preparatory classes, based on age and skill. Our award-winning program includes solo voice coaching, choral singing, stage presence training, and a graduated music theory curriculum. Instruction is enhanced by mindfulness and yoga, choreography and improvised movement, as well as focus on self-realization and compassion, and an appreciation for the diversity of humankind, cultures, languages, and the arts. Our singers engage their hearts, minds, and voices in joyful, creative learning that fosters such life skills as community building, art appreciation, advocacy, pursuit of excellence, self-discipline, leadership, and teamwork.

Cantabile’s unique and innovative music curriculum includes:

Orff and Kodály techniques and advanced musicianship training
Vocal technique instruction, performing music from diverse world cultures
Mindfulness, yoga, and creative movement
Improvisation, focus on self-realization, and compassion
An appreciation for the diversity of humankind, cultures, languages, and the arts
Leadership training by internationally renowned Cantabile artistic staff

Now in its 11th year, Cantabile’s Young Men’s Division provides training, concert opportunities, and camaraderie for boys & young men with changing and settled voices.

Cantabile’s choirs appear annually with leading San Francisco Bay Area arts organizations such as: Symphony San Jose, Cappella SF, GAUDE, Stanford Symphony and Chorale, San Jose Ballet, Opera San José, and West Bay Area Opera. Our ensembles have performed with the Kronos Quartet, GRAMMY-nominated professional chorus Conspirare, visual artist Nene Humphrey, multi- instrumentalist Laura Inserra and actor Ryan Gosling, among others.

Nationally and internationally recognized for innovative and moving concert programs, Cantabile’s advanced choir Vocalise has been chosen to perform at these prestigious professional forums:

XII World Symposium on Choral Music (New Zealand, 2020)
XI World Symposium on Choral Music (Barcelona, 2017)
American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) National Convention (Kansas City, MO, 2019)
Western Division ACDA Conference (Los Angeles, 2016)
California State ACDA Convention (San Jose, 2018)

Cantabile claimed a top-level Gold Medal at the European Choir Games in Sweden in 2019, earning top honors and recognition in a category that featured youth choruses from around the world.

Committed to promoting new choral music for young voices, Cantabile established its New Music Commission Fund in 2014 and has since engaged composers Jocelyn Hagen, Will Todd, Tim Sharp, Andrea Ramsey, Sarah Quartel, Stephen Hatfield, Eric Tuan, and Tom Shelton, among others.

In 2020, Cantabile was awarded the Chorus America/ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming to recognize our commitment to fostering and promoting new music.

Cantabile’s studio CD “Music in My Soul” was released in 2018.

Curriculum

Unique curriculum combines Orff and Kodály music education principles
Advanced vocal training of the highest level
Training principles fuse music, movement and mindfulness
Concert programs ranging from classical to adventurous contemporary, folk, gospel, world music, and more
Joyful rehearsals and performances foster deep engagement of body, mind and spirit
Strong connection to the San Francisco Bay Area arts community
Annual national and international performance touring
Professional recordings, competitions, and guest performances at professional choral forums around the world

See Our Programs

Mission & Impact

Mission Statement

Our Values

Joy: Singing is a shared experience that lifts the spirits of everyone in the room. We prioritize joy and wellbeing in teaching, performing, and event.

Artistry: Based on centuries-old choral tradition and one of leading innovators in the field, Cantabile prepares students for artistic excellence at every level of training, and offers frequent opportunities to engage with musicians and artists of the highest caliber.

Education: We believe in utilizing Orff and Kodály principles to teach advanced musicianship skills; building appreciation for arts, humanities, and cultures of the world; and deepening interdisciplinary critical thinking abilities.

Leadership: Cantabile’s Leadership Academy offers hands-on experience through a well-managed training program that enables students to lead their peers, mentor younger Cantabile students, assist their instructors, and reach out to the collegiate and professional choral communities.

Community: Singers form lifelong friendships in our choirs, build networks that serve them well into their working lives, and receive ample opportunities to engage with the worldwide choral community through annual collaborations and tours.

Inclusivity: We believe in the value of every human life, and we reject any form of racism or discrimination. We stand with singers of every race, creed, gender identity, and economic background. Cantabile singers reflect the diverse community around us, and we view our diversity as a wealth of shared experience upon which to build empathy and appreciation for others. Cantabile regularly performs music that directly addresses relevant issues of social justice, and empowers young people to engage in musical activism, leading with the notion that “people who make music together cannot be enemies.”

Impact

There is ample evidence that singing in a choir is a positive developmental experience for children. Choral singing and its older progenitors – tribal singing, group rituals, and religious chanting – are cornerstones of the human experience through time. Group singing helps children learn valuable skills of cooperation, teamwork, self-esteem and a sense of self in the larger context of community. Their individual skills and talents are acknowledged as contributing to an effort that is bigger than themselves, which prepares them to be active and engaged world citizens and community leaders who focus on the greater good.

Performing teaches young people the value of their talents, and presents an opportunity to unite family and friends in the appreciation of music. This experience of the collective is revolutionary in a time when the movement of education and social media is toward individualism. Cantabile creates community around beauty, art, and interpersonal connection; allowing children to participate in this larger context, and to grow as members of a worldwide choral community.

Performance History

2025-2026:

Annual Retreat to YMCA Camp Campbell
Circlesong with Symphony San Jose Chorale
Commissioned arrangement of “Angels We Have Heard on High” by Edward Barnes and Alexander Kryuchkov
Holidays with Cantabile at Mission Santa Clara de Asís
Aria Gig at Los Altos Lutheran Church
“Holiday Spectacular” featuring Vocalise and Bravi with Symphony San Jose Chorale, and Avanti and Intermezzo solo set with Symphony San Jose Orchestra at the California Theatre
"Come Together" Gala Celebrating British Rock n’ Roll, featuring Aria, Bravi, Vocalise, and Avanti B
Aria Gig at Foothills Congregational Church
All Choir Concert at Mission Santa Clara de Asís (May 16, 12pm), Prelude, Allegro, Intermezzo, Avanti, Vocalise, Bravi, and Aria
Performance Division Concert at Mission Santa Clara de Asís (May 16, 2:30pm), Avanti, Vocalise, Bravi, and Aria
Vocalise, Bravi, and Aria Tour to England (London, Stratford upon Avon, Barnsley, York), collaborations with St. Catharine’s College Girls Choir, Aurin Girls Choir (Hungary), and Barnsley Youth Choir

2024/2025:

Holiday Spectacular with Symphony San Jose Orchestra and Chorale
"Holidays with Cantabile: Celestial Voices"
The Magic Flute and La Bohème with Opera San Jose
All-Choir Spring Concert
30th Anniversary Concert
"Sing a Mile High International Choral Festival" (Denver, Colorado)

2023/2024:

"Christmas at the California"with Symphony San Jose Orchestra and Chorale
"A Marriage Made in Heaven: Masterpieces for Organ and Choir" with Symphony San Jose Chorale (Palo Alto, CA)
Gala Honoring Elena Sharkova's 20 years of leadership with Cantabile: "Thank You for the Music!"
Choral Exchange with Ragazzi Boys Chorus, Los Angeles Children's Chorus, and La Maîtrise des Chartreux de Lyon (Redwood City, CA)
Carnegie Hall Performance (New York City, NY)
Tour to Australia and New Zealand (Sydney; Auckland, Hamilton, and Rotorua)

2022/2023:

Collaborations with Symphony San Jose Orchestra and Chorale: "Christmas at the California", "Serenade to Music", and Carmina Burana – Carlos Vieu, conductor (San Jose, CA)
Choral Exchange and Homestay with Mädchen Kantorei of Freiburg, Germany
Gala Honoring Jace Wittig: "Swinging Down Memory Lane"
Choral Exchange with Tucson Girl's Choir

2021/2022:

Return to in-person rehearsals, concerts, and events
Hybrid Gala: "Come Dream with Us"
Tour to Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic
Performance at Philharmonie Berlin

2020/2021:

Alpha-test partnership with JackTrip Foundation to create “Virtual Studio,” allowing real-time virtual rehearsals
“Dear World” Project with Cincinnati Youth Choir
Commission: “After the Rain” - Sarah Quartel
Children’s Discovery Museum Virtual Gala Performance (San Jose, CA)
First fully virtual concerts and gala

2019/2020:

ASCAP/Chorus America Award for Adventurous Programming
25th Anniversary Silver Jubilee Gala
Chosen to perform at 2020 World Symposium on Choral Music* (Auckland, New Zealand)
Commission: We Are the Garden - Jocelyn Hagen (multi-movement work for choir and instruments, premiere date TBD)
(*postponed or cancelled due to pandemic)

2018/2019:

ACDA National Conference mainstage performances (Kansas City, MO)
Perform America’s Hawaiian Choral Festival (Honolulu, HI)
Collaboration with Conspirare: Considering Matthew Shepard - Craig Hella Johnson, conductor & composer - Bing Concert Hall (Stanford, CA)
Sweden & Denmark Tour
Gold Medal - Top Level at Interkultur’s 2019 European Choir Games (Gothenburg, Sweden)
Silver Diploma at Interkultur’s 2019 European Choir Games (Gothenburg, Sweden)
Commission: “From the Window of Despair” - Eric Tuan

2017/2018:

ACDA California State Convention Mainstage Performance (San Jose, CA)
Carnegie Hall Performances (New York, NY)
“Anime: Music of Studio Ghibli” with Symphony Silicon Valley - Joe Hisaishi, conductor & composer (San Jose, CA)

2016/2017:

XI World Symposium on Choral Music and Catalonia Tour (Barcelona, Spain)
Crescent City Choral Festival (New Orleans, LA)
Mozart Requiem & Palmeri Misa Tango with Symphony Silicon Valley (San Jose, CA)
Gold Medal & Conductor’s Prize at Interkultur’s Golden State Choral Trophy Competition (Monterey, CA)
Carmina Burana with Santa Clara Chorale (Santa Clara, CA)
Holiday Extravaganza concert with Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra (Palo Alto, CA)

2015/2016:

ACDA Western Division Conference mainstage performance (Pasadena, CA)
Faure Requiem with Symphony Silicon Valley (San Jose, CA)
Concert Tour to Ireland (Dublin & Galway) and France, performance in Notre Dame Cathedral (Paris)

2014/2015:

Gustav Holst’s The Planets with Stanford Symphony Orchestra at Bing Concert Hall - Jin Dong Cai, Conductor (Stanford, CA)
Lord of the Rings Live Soundtrack - West Coast Premier with Symphony Silicon Valley & Chorale (San Jose, CA)
Carnegie Hall Performance (New York, NY)

2013/2014:

“Passion of Italy” Tour, appearance at St. Peter’s Basilica (Rome & Padua, Italy)
“Everything That Happens” Experimental Music collaboration with Roberto Lange (composer) & Nene Humphrey - Montalvo Arts Center (Saratoga, CA)
Monteverdi 1610 Vespers with Dr. Craig Jessop, conductor - Stanford Memorial Church (Stanford, CA)
Carmina Burana with Symphony Silicon Valley & Chorale - Carlos Vieu, conductor (San Jose, CA)
Festival500 Performances and workshops (Newfoundland, Canada)

2011/2012:

Tour to UK (London, England)
Tour to Chicago
Gustav Holst’s The Planets and Bluegrass Meets Choral with Symphony Silicon Valley Chorale (San Jose, CA)

2009/2010:

“Dead Man’s Bones” rock opera with Ryan Gosling (San Francisco, CA)
Carnegie Hall Performance (New York, NY)
Collaboration with Kronos Quartet (Stanford, CA)

2008:

Baltic Tour, Tallinn SongFest with 25,000 international youth choral singers (Tallinn, Estonia), Church of the Rock (Helsinki, Finland), Russian concerts (St. Petersburg, Russia)
Official founding as a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation dedicated to youth music programs

2005:

Carnegie Hall debut: National Children’s Choral Festival - Elena Sharkova, conductor (New York, NY)

2004:

Signe Boyer (founder) steps down
Elena Sharkova named Artistic Director

2003:

Premier of Sisters with Mission Chamber Orchestra - Craig Bohmler, composer
Tour to Salzburg, Vienna, and Budapest: Performances with Vienna Boys Choir

2002:

Founding Director Signe Boyer presents a workshop at the California Music Educators' Association Conference.

2000:

Tuscany International Children’s Choir Festival - Henry Leck, conductor (Florence, Italy)

1994 - 1998:

Choral exchange with Farnham Youth Choir, tour to U.K. (Bath, England)
Bach Passion of St. Matthew with Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra
Mollicone A Rat’s Tale: The Pied Piper Revisited
Tour to Disneyland
First commission: Requiem for Lost Children - Sondra Clark, composer
Cantabile Children’s Choir is Founded by Signe Boyer in 1994

Awards & Honors

Chorus America/ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming | April 2020

The Chorus America/ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming recognizes member choruses that demonstrate a commitment to fostering and promoting new music.

European Choir Games & Grand Prix of Nations: Gold Medal Top Level - Youth Chorus Category

July 2019 | Gothenburg, Sweden

European Choir Games & Grand Prix of Nations: Silver Diploma - Gospel & Songs of Faith Category