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Register by October 17 to Secure Your Spot!
| Registration Type | Member Price |
|---|---|
| Early Bird Registration (Sept. 11-Oct.3) | $750 |
| General Registration (Oct. 4-Oct.17) | $850 |
DENVER, CO — July 1, 2025 — Kantorei, Denver’s acclaimed choral ensemble, announces the appointment of Courtney Huffman as its new Executive Director, ushering in an exciting new chapter of strategic growth and community engagement. Huffman brings over a decade of leadership experience in the arts, with a strong foundation in the music industry and a proven track record in development, marketing, and organizational management.
Huffman’s impressive career includes roles with the Boulder Chamber Orchestra, Columbus Symphony Orchestra, St. Martin’s Chamber Choir, and most recently, the Denver Art Museum. Her multifaceted background positions her to guide Kantorei as it expands its artistic reach and operational capacity. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s in
organizational leadership, and is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE).
“I’m honored to help lead an organization so deeply rooted in musical excellence and community,” said Huffman. “Kantorei’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and artistic integrity is inspiring, and I look forward to supporting its next phase of growth.”
In conjunction with Huffman’s appointment, Joel M. Rinsema, who joined Kantorei in 2014 and has served as Managing Artistic Director since 2019, will now continue as Artistic Director. The Board of Directors has extended his contract through 2030, affirming their confidence in his leadership and vision. This transition allows Rinsema to focus exclusively on shaping Kantorei’s
artistic direction and programming.
Under Rinsema’s leadership, Kantorei has seen remarkable growth in audiences and donor support, increasing its operating budget by over 450%. A passionate advocate for new choral works, Rinsema has led the ensemble in commissioning and premiering compositions by some of today’s most influential composers, including Jake Runestad, Kim André Arnesen, Eric
Whitacre, and Christopher Tin.
His tenure has also included the release of two critically acclaimed albums on the Naxos label: Infinity: Choral Works of Kim André Arnesen and Sing, Wearing the Sky: Choral Music of Jake Runestad—both of which achieved top rankings on iTunes, Billboard, and Amazon charts. For his visionary leadership, Rinsema received the Louis Botto Award for Innovative Action and Entrepreneurial Zeal from Chorus America.
“Courtney’s leadership will allow me to fully dedicate myself to Kantorei’s artistic mission,” said Rinsema. “Together, we’re poised to strengthen our impact locally, nationally, and internationally.”
Kantorei’s dual leadership model sets the stage for increased innovation, expanded community engagement, and continued artistic distinction.
For media inquiries or more information, please contact:
Sara Michael, Business Manager
kantorei@kantorei.org
kantorei.org
About Kantorei
Founded in 1997, Kantorei is a Denver-based choral ensemble dedicated to artistic excellence, innovation, and inclusivity. Through compelling performances, educational outreach, and the commissioning of new music, Kantorei brings the transformative power of choral art to audiences across Colorado and beyond.
