Cantilena Trio

Cantilena Trio is a Southern California–based chamber ensemble known for its lyrical artistry, refined musicianship, and expressive storytelling. Formed in 2017, the trio brings together flute, voice, and guitar in an intimate and distinctive combination that highlights both instrumental color and vocal clarity. Their programs span classical masterworks, art song, and chamber repertoire curated for warmth, nuance, and direct communication with audiences.

Cantilena Trio has performed throughout Southern California on many respected concert series, including Chamber Music Palisades, Colburn School Summer Encounter, Rolling Hills Concert Series, Laguna Live!, the LA Philharmonic Philanthropic Society, Laemmle Live! Music Series, and the Balboa Island Classical Concert Series.

Flutist Susan Greenberg was a member of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra for 36 years, where she appeared frequently as a soloist on both flute and piccolo. She has also performed as guest soloist with the San Francisco Symphony, Oakland Symphony, Santa Monica Symphony, Napa Valley Symphony, and at the Hollywood Bowl. Ms. Greenberg is currently Professor of Flute at Pepperdine University, principal flute of the Santa Monica Symphony and the Vicente Chamber Orchestra, and Artistic Director of Chamber Music Palisades, now in its 26th season.

Tenor Jon Lee Keenan is widely praised for his clear, expressive sound and compelling narrative presence. Of his solo performance as the Evangelist in the Los Angeles Master Chorale’s St. Matthew Passion, Los Angeles Times critic Mark Swed wrote, “As the Evangelist, Jon Lee Keenan offered a clarion tenor and commanding narrative style.” A native of Las Vegas, he earned his undergraduate degree from UNLV and completed his doctorate in Vocal Arts at USC. His work encompasses oratorio, chamber music, and contemporary repertoire.

Guitarist Kenton Youngstrom enjoys an international career as a recording artist, producer, composer, arranger, and educator. He has appeared in concerts throughout Europe, the Far East, Canada, Mexico, and across the United States. His compositions and arrangements have been featured in film and television, including works for guitar trio with orchestra. His producing credits include the award winning Concord Records release Virtuoso Music for Three Guitars by the Falla Guitar Trio. His recent recordings, Voices of the Collection, Vols. 1 and 2, feature 55 classical works performed on 55 world class instruments for the second edition of Sheldon Urlik’s A Collection of Fine Spanish Guitars from Torres to the Present. Mr. Youngstrom earned his MM in guitar performance from USC and has served on the faculties of the Colburn School of Performing Arts since 1979 and Pasadena City College since 1999.

Together, Cantilena Trio offers performances that balance technical excellence with expressive intimacy, creating programs that resonate with both seasoned listeners and new audiences alike.