COULD THIS BE YOU (WITH OR WITHOUT BEARD….)?
At present we’re pretty well set in all sections except the tenors. But we’re always on the lookout for new talent, especially experienced singers who might be able to support us as deputies when choir members have to miss individual concerts. Normally we invite interested singers to come along to a couple of rehearsals to try us out, then our conductor will audition (informally).
We have a waiting list for interested singers, so even if we don’t have a vacancy for your voice at the moment, you could still come and try us out.
We also have a deps’ list of experienced singers who may be able to help us out with three rehearsals and a concert. If you are interested in either, please use the contact page.
Cantores was formed in 1991. We are a successful chamber choir,which mainly sings a capella but occasionally performs with an accompanist or orchestra. We have a broad repertoire covering five hundred years of music, enjoying everything from Tudor Anthems to recent pieces from local composers.
Membership: We have 27 members and the current line up is sopranos (9), altos (6), tenors (6), and basses (6).
Rehearsals: We rehearse in the Reading Room at Rendcomb College, from 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm on Wednesdays during term time.
Concerts: We aim to perform at least 6 concerts a year. We sing in local churches, some of which have wonderful acoustics, especially for example Highnam and Northleach. Different venues over the years have included Merton College, Oxford and Woodchester Mansion. A number of venues regularly invite us back, but we are particularly keen to explore new places to perform. In addition, we are sometimes invited to sing at weddings etc as “Cantabile”.
Repertoire: Currently we buy our own music, or hire music if available. Our core repertoire includes for example: * European Sacred Music * Oxford Book of Tudor Anthems * Oxford English Madrigals * Oxford Book of Spirituals * Folk Songs for Choirs 1 and 2 * In the Mood * English Romantic Part Songs * Making of the Drum – Bob Chilcott * English Folk Song arrangements by Darryl Runswick * Jesu Meine Freude – Bach Music by Vaughan Williams, Holst, Elgar, Finzi, Poulenc, Frank Martin, Britten and local composers including Michael Gryspeerdt.