A Few Words from Friends & Colleagues

David Dally, Conductor-Arranger of Monterey String Quartet, Monterey College Orchestra and I Cantori's Concertmaster for more than three decades

Pauline Troia, Accompanist

Susan Mehra, Conductor, VOCI Chamber Ensemble, Member and Past President of 
I Cantori di Carmel 

Gretchen Taylor, Concertmaster of the Monterey Peninsula College Chamber Ensemble, Member of I Cantori di Carmel

Katherine Edison, Soloist and Instructor of Voice

Carol Kuzdenyi, Accompanist, MPC Choral Ensembles and Choir Member

Linda Purdy, Mezzo Soprano Soloist, Vocal Instruction and Performance, Member: National Association of Teachers of Singing

Anne Burleigh, Soloist with I Cantori di Carmel and Instructor of Voice

Tom Lee, Choir Member

Laura Kafka-Price, PhD, Soprano,
Teacher of Voice, French, and Musicology

Elizabeth Behrens-Nagle, Founding Member
and I Cantori di Carmel Historian

MaryLee Sunseri, Singer-Songwriter,
Multi-Award Winning Children's Recording Artist

"I always look forward to a new work by my friend, conductor and colleague, Dr. Sal Ferrantelli. The originality of the writing and the passion of his rehearsing and conducting give every encounter a closeness with the composer’s intent." (more...) 

"In each of his roles as educator, conductor and composer, Dr. Sal Ferrantelli applies the same passionate vision and devotion to detail.  No measure of music remains unscrutinized; every note is meaningfully expressed. The diversity of his choral compositions is astonishing. It's been my privilege to work beside him as accompanist for many years, and it is my ardent desire that the world will have a chance to experience the Ferrantelli magic." (more...)

"Sal Ferrantelli--what a treasure he is. As a choral conductor, he enriches every piece of music with an intuitive depth of understanding, always seeking to realize the full musical potential from every genre of music, sensitive to every phrase, every musical gesture." (more...)  

"I have performed many times under the direction of Dr. Ferrantelli, both as a singer in I Cantori di Carmel and as a violinist with the Monterey Peninsula College Chamber Ensemble. I so appreciate his essential caring and connection to his musicians. It takes a special knack for even an established, accomplished conductor to deeply move a student or listener to a meaningful mood and interpretation of a score. Sal has this! He gives his all, teaching with energy, knowledge and a unique sense of humor – primarily about himself." (more...)  

"Sal's compositions are complex, powerful, and mystical. One need not know much about music to be transported when hearing his work. Sal's dedication to music is sincere and truly authentic while his Italian charm charges the ensemble in a playful way." (more...)

"My work with Sal has opened my eyes, ears, and heart to music in ways which have helped me grow significantly. I remember the semester we did his new composition, 'Absalom.' At every rehearsal I was incredibly and increasingly moved by how Sal's music gave voice to the unbearable grief King David felt at the death of his son, Absalom." (more...)

“As I look back over my singing years of concertizing, touring and teaching, I can honestly say that performing with Sal Ferrantelli has been an inspirational highlight! Sal is a lovely man overflowing with high energy and humor! Sal is a passionate and talented musician, conductor, composer and educator who creates magical moments when conducting his chorus, orchestra and soloists in concert." (more...)

Upon moving to Carmel, California, when I made it a point to attend every concert on the Monterey Peninsula, one concert stood out as being exceptional: clean, well executed, artistic, precise and thoroughly enjoyable. That concert was I Cantori under the direction of Dr. Sal Ferrantelli." (more...)

Looking back I realize that singing from the source of untroubled joy is indeed possible and even inevitable.   Sal follows his own rule.  Like the rest of us, he has plenty to dismay but daily decides to bring a grin and fun with him into class.  And of course, there's Sal's ability to make the classics come alive body and soul, what a gift!" (more...)

"Dr. Sal Ferrantelli is a superb multi-dimensional artist that has shared his musical treasures with us without restraint for over thirty years making it a better world through music." (more...)

"He is extremely passionate about choral music and I have learned so much from him over the years.  No note, phrase, dynamic, tone, nuance or pronunciation is too small not to be perfected." (more...)

"It's a rare thing, to be in the presence of a great musician, a great technician and artist. I feel privileged to have sung in Sal's beautiful choir, I Cantori di Carmel." (more...)