Joel M. Rinsema joined Kantorei (Denver, Colorado USA) in 2014, becoming the second conductor in its 25-year history. During his tenure, Kantorei has experienced tremendous audience growth, nearly tripled its budget, and launched an ambitious recording strategy. A frequent collaborator and champion of new works for chorus, Joel has commissioned and premiered works by many of today’s leading composers, including Kim André Arnesen, Mason Bates, René Clausen, Jean Belmont Ford, Ola Gjeilo, Jocelyn Hagen, Mark Hayes, Cecilia McDowall, Sarah Quartel, Jake Runestad, Christopher Tin, and Eric Whitacre.

Under Joel’s direction, Kantorei has released two recordings on the Naxos label. Sing, Wearing the Sky: Choral Music of Jake Runestad (2020) was the #3 best-selling classical album on iTunes, reached #4 on the Traditional Classical Billboard Charts, and was in the top ten in both the best-selling classical album and new classical release categories on Amazon. Infinity: Choral Works of Kim André Arnesen (2018) climbed to the #2 best-selling classical album on iTunes, #6 on the Traditional Classical Billboard Charts, and #19 on the overall Classical Billboard charts. Santa Barbara Music Publishing Inc., publishes the Joel Rinsema / Kantorei Choral series.

A passionate advocate for the professional choral art form, Joel frequently consults with choral arts organizations around the country. Because of his leadership in his field, he received the Louis Botto Award for “Innovative Action and Entrepreneurial Zeal” from Chorus America, the industry’s advocacy, research, and leadership development organization for choruses, choral leaders, and singers.

Sara Michael joined Kantorei in 2009. Born and raised in Denver, Sara studied at Hesston College and Goshen College, receiving a Bachelor’s degree in vocal performance. Sara has performed with Anima Chamber Ensemble, Colorado Bach Ensemble, Summer Choralfest with Howard Skinner, Opera on Tap, Wellshire Presbyterian Sanctuary Choir, Augustana Lutheran Chamber Choir, and various local theatre productions. Prior to joining Kantorei’s staff, Sara served as Administrative Assistant and Office Manager at Peace Mennonite Church.

Sarah Branton teaches choir and AP Music Theory at Cherry Creek High School in Greenwood Village, Colorado. Prior to CCHS, Sarah opened and spent five years at Silver Creek Middle/Senior High School in Longmont, Colorado. In addition to teaching, Sarah sings with various ensembles throughout the community, including Kantorei, is an orchestra and jazz string bassist, and recently served as Colorado’s ACDA High School Mixed Repertoire and Standard Chair. She joined Kantorei in 2006 and served as the Interim Director for the 2013–2014 season, becoming Assistant Conductor in 2014. Sarah earned her Bachelor of Music Education degree, with instrumental and vocal certification, from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, and her Master of Music in conducting and music education from Colorado State University.

Alicia Rigsby came to Colorado in 1997 after completing her Master of Music degree in piano performance and music theory at Indiana University, Bloomington. As a founding member of Kantorei, both as a singer and accompanist, Alicia has served the organization for 25 years. She also performs with the Estes Trio and the Boulder Chamber Orchestra and has attended and performed at the Aspen Music Festival.  She owns and teaches at the Children’s Music Academy of Erie.

Courtney brings over a decade of business management and development experience to Kantorei; spending the last ten years in progressive leadership positions within the arts specifically. Her education in psychology (B.A.) and organizational leadership (M.S.) provide her with a unique perspective on the structural and human needs within each organization and provide her with insight into what motivates people to give and engage with an organization.

Courtney began her professional career as a wedding and portrait photographer, growing her own business from the ground up. After completing her undergrad degree, she took the skills she gained launching and running her own business and moved into nonprofit management. In addition to her work with Kantorei, she works as a full-time Senior Manager of Individual Giving at the Denver Art Museum. Courtney is also a certified Fundraising Executive, CFRE.

passion for creating impactful, community-focused experiences. Her journey in theater began early and has since expanded to encompass a diverse range of live productions, from concerts and musicals to thought-provoking shows addressing critical social issues. As the founder of an independent production company, Ximena has led projects showcased across the U.S., Argentina, Guatemala, and Panama, highlighting themes of inequality, violence, social justice, and mental health.

With a background in show production from the University of Palermo in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Ximena has had the honor to work with different commercial and independent producing companies, choirs, event organizers, and NGOs, like Saravandah Producciones, Vocalis, Kantorei, Eat Better Wa'ik, and Sventastik. In January, she was appointed the 2025 director for the Salida Theater Festival in Salida, Colorado.

Ximena's pivotal role as executive producer with the choir Vocalis in Guatemala (2020-2022) marked a significant career milestone. She orchestrated the production of El Último Hilo, featuring music by Jake Runestad and poems by Humberto Ak'abal, which intricately portrayed the truths and experiences of indigenous people from Momostenango during Guatemala's civil war, her natal country. In this role, she oversaw the logistics and execution of performances, including scheduling, transportation, hospitality, and overall production coordination, ensuring seamless concert experiences for the ensemble and its audiences. That collaboration led her to further her work with Kantorei, and since 2023, she has been based in Buena Vista, Colorado, serving as the concert manager for Kantorei in Denver. 

Throughout her career, Ximena has collaborated with renowned artistic directors such as Nesti Dominguez in Argentina, Diana Alvarado in Guatemala, and Joel Rinsema, Colorado. She was honored with the Best Event of 2017 award from the University of Palermo for her groundbreaking work on TRISMA, an immersive experience blending live music, visual arts, and performing arts. With a commitment to innovation and inclusivity, Ximena continues to push artistic boundaries, whether producing or engaging audiences in critical dialogues through her creative endeavors.

Trained in opera and musical theatre, Becca holds a B.A. in Musical Theatre with a minor in Dance Performance and is a member of Actors’ Equity Association. She was a soprano and featured dancer with the Tulsa Opera for over five seasons and has performed as a soprano and soloist with the Tulsa Signature Symphony Chorale, the Internationale Opernnacht in Rheinbischofsheim, Germany, and the Canticum Novum Singers in New York City. Select regional credits include Columbia in The Rocky Horror Show, Alexi Darling in RENT, and Maria in West Side Story. Outside  of the performing arts, Becca works as a senior development writer and social media manager.