Updated November 2025
Comfort and Joy celebrates the partnership between Colorado Public Radio and the classical performing community. Join us for exclusive recordings from the CPR Performance Studio including vocal groups Kantorei and St. Martin's Chamber Choir, the innovative instrumental groups Sphere Ensemble and Playground Ensemble, and former University of Colorado-based concert pianist Hsing-ay Hsu.
Check out some of the featured recordings.
'Angels We Have Heard on High' sung by Anima Chamber Ensemble
We were honored to capture this talented group of singers and music teachers in the CPR Performance Studio during their short tenure in Denver. Anima was created by Chris Maunu, Director of Choirs at Arvada West High School for 17 years. Maunu is now Artistic Director of the Pacifica Youth Choir in Oregon, and has been a finalist for GRAMMY® Music Educator of the Year four times (so far).
'The Christmas Song' performed by Hsing-ay Hsu
Hsing-ay Hsu is at the forefront of personal empowerment through music. She was Artistic Director of CU Boulder's Pendulum New Music, working with 500 music students and championing contemporary composers. Now working in New York, she tries to foster a rich human experience through creative and improvisatory exploration, and "leading through listening" in her teaching. She's contributed to Psychology Today and several music publications.
'The Holly and The Ivy' performed by Kantorei
Denver-based Kantorei is basking in international accolades. Their 2018 release of music by Norwegian composer Kim Andre Arnesen and 2020 release of works by Jake Runestad have been widely praised. They've now recorded "Song Offerings," on a major label, composed for them by Christopher Tin. Kantorei was founded by six singing friends and members of The Meistersingers at Cherry Creek High School taught by Richard Larson. He was also founder and artistic director of Kantorei from 1997 until 2014, when Joel Rinsema took over after 23 years with the Phoenix Chorale.
Harpist Lily Primus plays 'Greensleeves'
Lily Primus was only 17 when she made this recording in the CPR Performance Studio. After attending Denver School of the Arts, she went on to study at Rice University and now enjoys a successful career as a professional harpist. It's no wonder she's so talented -- her mom is violist Barbara Hamilton, founder of the Colorado Chamber Players. Her dad is Paul Primus, the principal second violinist with the Colorado Symphony (and a member of the Colorado Chamber Players).
Hear CPR Classical by clicking “Listen Live” at the top on this website, or download the Colorado Public Radio app. Listen on your radio to CPR Classical at 88.1 FM in Denver, at radio signals around Colorado. You can also tell your smart speaker to “Play CPR Classical."
View virtual and in-person holiday concerts in Colorado and beyond.
