Preview: Chanticleer’s Uplifting Holiday Voices Come to Walt Disney Concert Hall on Dec. 15

On Monday, December 15th at 8:00 pm, as part of LA Phil’s “Deck the Hall” holiday series, the Walt Disney Concert Hall welcomes something especially joyful with Chanticleer — the Grammy-winning, 12-voice ensemble often described as an ethereal “orchestra of voices.”

Founded in San Francisco in 1978 and now led by Music Director Tim Keeler, the vocal virtuosos of Chanticleer have built their esteemed reputation on almost impossibly amalgamated harmonies, crystalline tuning, and programs that move effortlessly from Renaissance polyphony to jazz, spirituals, and contemporary commissions. Their concerts tend to feel less like traditional choral evenings and more like musical odysseys that underscore the group’s trademark dynamic control and ability to make the experience of concertgoers feel simultaneously intimate and larger than life.

This particular visit has extra allure: the program is expected to feature selections from Joy to the World, Chanticleer’s 2025 holiday album, alongside centuries-spanning seasonal works and fresh arrangements by current members. Some of the other selections may include time-honored carols, early-music pieces and modern works that treat this time of the year as a living, evolving tradition rather than static. In a room as warm and resonant as the Disney Concert Hall — Frank Gehry’s architectural gem and one of the best contributions to downtown LA — tight-knit harmonies and pianissimos will dazzle aurally. For longtime admirers and first-time listeners alike, it’s the sort of evening that can reset how a person thinks about the holiday music they listen to privately and publicly.

Ahead of the concert, LAexcites spoke with Keeler, who in addition to being Chanticleer’s Music Director, was also a countertenor for the group during its 2017-18 season. Keeler also has experience as a conductor and educator, previously mentoring the Young People’s Chorus of New York City and directing the University of Maryland Men’s Chorus, to name just a few accomplishments. In the following interview, Keeler discusses his background, Chanticleer’s trademark sound, arrangements, new album, and performing during the holidays, particularly at the famed Walt Disney Concert Hall.

Every Chanticleer member has had a distinct musical journey. What inspired you to get into music and whom, besides yourself, would you credit most for the vocal abilities you’ve curated over the years?

Keeler: You’re right, everyone in Chanticleer will have a different answer to this! For me, I started my journey singing along to Paul McCartney, John Lennon, and the Beatles during car rides with my parents. As for where I am today, I think my singing was inspired by tenors like Anthony Rolfe Johnson and Fritz Wunderlich, who managed to sing with such beauty and clarity higher in their registers.

What about Chanticleer’s eclectic repertoire — from classical pieces to more modern ones — speaks to you the most?

Keeler: The fact that our repertoire is​ so varied is what excites me most about Chanticleer! We’re able to sing a little bit of everything, so we never get bored!

Chanticleer’s blend is often described as “orchestral” even though the ensemble performs without instruments. From your vantage point, what makes this collection of voices work so seamlessly?

Keeler: Chanticleer is made up of 12 solo singers who also happen to have the ability to sing well with others. It’s about listening so intently that you can find the perfect amount to give and to withhold depending on the piece, register, dynamic, etc.

This year’s program includes selections from Joy to the World, Chanticleer’s newest holiday album. What stands out to you about these arrangements — either musically, emotionally, or in how they translate in an ideal acoustic space like the Disney Concert Hall?

Keeler: There are a lot of stunning arrangements of timeless classics on this album. And what makes them so interesting is not just the unique harmonies that each arranger brings, but the warm, nostalgic hug that Chanticleer as an ensemble can add to this familiar music.

The Walt Disney Concert Hall is certainly famous for its acoustics, with no need for amplification. Is there a particular section in the program that you feel really takes advantage of this unique space?

Keeler: We love singing at the Walt Disney Concert Hall! The portion of our show that features close harmonies really shines in this space. The clarity in the room is stunning!

Chanticleer is practically synonymous with the holidays. How does the group approach the balance between honoring the familiar and introducing audiences to newer or lesser-known selections in its repertoire?

Keeler: When we think of Christmas, we think of seeing family and friends, and traditions, and we’re filled with a certain sense of nostalgia. Chanticleer tries to capture that sense of timelessness with Renaissance motets and familiar melodies. But traditions always grow, as do families and friend groups. So, we try to infuse some new perspectives on the season every year!

Chanticleer has toured extensively and performed for many audiences. Is there a certain audience reaction or affirmation that you look forward to most?

Keeler: We always love hearing the personal stories from concertgoers after shows. We hear stories of how ‘A Chanticleer Christmas’ has been a tradition for them for years, or how a song brings back the memory of a lost loved one. Every audience member comes away with something different from our show, and hearing those personal stories makes the season feel extra special for us.

Cover image caption: Chanticleer, renowned for its “orchestra of voices” represented by 12 male members, was founded in 1978 by Louis Botto, a well-respected musicologist and vocalist. Photo courtesy of Chanticleer.

For more information about Chanticleer at the Walt Disney Concert Hall on Monday, Dec. 15th and to purchase tickets, visit laphil.com.