Meet our creative team

  • Jon Day

    Accompanist

    Jon Day is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, arranger, musical director, producer, and educator with a 30-year career of performing with a long list of international and local artists. After returning to Calgary in 2012, Jon has worked as a sought-after freelance performer, producer, recording artist, songwriter, orchestrator, and educator, and has been accompanist for Cum Vino Cantus since 2021.

  • Karen Nell-Bennett

    Artistic Director

    Karen Nell-Bennett has led many community choirs since moving to Calgary in 2004. Karen comes from Newfoundland and you will find her funny and knowledgeable. In addition to her Bachelor of Music from Memorial University (St. John’s, Newfoundland), she also has a Masters in Music in Choral Conducting and Vocal Performance from the University of Alberta. When she’s not living her love for music, she enjoys spending time reading with one (or all) of her three cats curled up on her lap.

In 2006, a spark of an idea was ignited by four young friends: they imagined a community where they could share their love of music, musicianship, and passion for performing with like-minded people.

The founding members craved continued musical fellowship after finishing their time in youth music programs, and decided to create a place for themselves and others to carry on the joy of making music together.

Today, Cum Vino Cantus is an important space for folks with musical experience of all ages and backgrounds to continue the vision of the four founding members

Values

Musical Excellence

With upwards of 90 members, quality musicianship and big sound

Community

Singing together creates a strong sense of community and social inclusion

Joy

Celebrating and fostering the joy that members experience with a perfect harmony

Growth

Promote musical growth through diverse and challenging repertoire