Catharus is a vocal ensemble led by Kenan Serenbetz that explores the American hymn tradition. The group sings original hymns that contemplate and celebrate the divine as it courses through the natural world. By singing about specific beings and cycles in our Midwestern ecosystems, Catharus creates a symbolic language of bioregional imagery to articulate a theology centering our interdependence with all beings that share this land. Catharus creates rich harmonies rooted in centuries of sacred vocal music, from medieval polyphony to shape-note hymnody.

       The word Catharus comes from a genus of thrushes, a type of songbird known for their complex and ethereal songs.

Click to hear Kenan interviewed about Catharus on Jazz88