Phillip Swan (Wisconsin)
Cantala is a select ensemble comprised of SSAA voices (mostly first year and sophomores) whose fields of study represent not only music, but the broad diversity in a liberal arts education. Founded in the fall of 2000, the choir performs a wide range of unique and challenging literature that includes traditional advanced treble literature, world, folk, and contemporary works, and is proud to perform and record newly commissioned compositions by established and emerging composers from around the world (70+ works since 2002). Cantala also annually joins forces with all LU choirs and orchestra in performances of choral/orchestral masterworks.
PHILLIP A. SWAN is Director of Choral Studies at Lawrence University and Musical Director for LU Musicals. Swan directs Cantala and LU Vocal Spectrum and teaches courses in conducting and music education. He is active in the Appleton community, serving as Artistic Director for NEWVoices (recipient of the 2016 Chorus America Education and Community Engagement Award). Swan has conducted Cantala in ACDA performances at two national conferences (2011 and 2019), four regional conferences (2006, 2014, 2018, and 2022), and one state conference (2004). He is a chapter author for three GIA books, participated in the 2014 China International Conductor Exchange Program, and currently serves as State President for the Wisconsin Choral Directors Association. Dr. Swan received degrees from Concordia College (Moorhead), UT El Paso, and the University of Miami (Florida).