RepertoireThe repertoire is wide. Major works performed latterly have included Mozart`s Requiem and Mass in C Minor, Haydn`s Nelson Mass, Ramirez`s Missa Criolla, Allegri`s Miserere and John Rutter`s Reluctant Dragon and Requiem. The choir has also sung works by Bruckner, Britten, Schubert, Poulenc and Moeran in recent times. And, of course, there have also been many ventures into the likes of Flanders & Swann, Gilbert & Sullivan, Noel Coward, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Lennon & McCartney.
Audiences
Cantiones has a core of devoted followers which makes up the base of its support, but individuals attracted by its popular and appealing repertoire find concerts highly enjoyable (and often much less stuffy than they thought they would be!) ensuring that audiences grow performance after performance.
Newsletter
A newsletter keeps “friends” in regular touch with the choir`s activities. This is received either by post or by email.
Performance venues
As its main performance venue Cantiones prefers to use Holy Trinity Church, Roft Street, Oswestry. Holy Trinity has unusually good acoustics and the view is uncluttered by pillars or other obstructions. There is a wonderfully welcoming atmosphere and it is always warm! Other locations for concerts in recent years have included the parish churches in St. Martins, Kinnerley, Selattyn, Llanyblodwel, Telford and Rhydycroesau, the Parish Centre in Oswestry, and the village halls of St. Martins and Trefonen. Cantiones has also deputised at holiday time for the choirs of Shrewsbury Abbey, St. Asaph and Chester cathedrals.
Rehearsals
The present rehearsal venue is at Oswestry. Rehearsals take place on a Tuesday evening between 7.45 and 9.45 pm, with a social break in the middle.
Committee
Cantiones is run by an active and well-balanced committee of members, whilst the choir as a whole makes all major decisions. This ensures everyone has a contribution to make and no one individual has an excessive burden.
Finances
The choir is self-financing, with occasional help from the very supportive Oswestry & District Arts Association. The Secretary can give details of the current membership subscription.
Membership
Cantiones has open membership, though regrettably not to young people under the age of 18 at the moment. Amongst others, choristers are drawn from the medical, teaching and legal professions, some members are retired, some are full-time parents. Prospective new voices are most welcome. It is helpful, though not essential, that potential singers can read music, and it is important that they have a voice which is controlled and blends well, and that pitching is accurate. It goes without saying that members are committed and punctual. Cantiones currently has a full complement of basses and sopranos but there is room for another alto and specific vacancies for tenors. The present MD is so experienced that a voice test is not usually required, but a trial period within the choir is mandatory. Contact the secretary for details. Location
Cantiones is a mixed chamber choir of around 30 voices based in the Shropshire market town of Oswestry. Considered to be one of the best vocal groups in the Welsh Border area, Cantiones draws its members from Welshpool, Wrexham and Baschurch as well as from Oswestry itself and its satellite villages. Its Musical Director, freelance musician Gerry Howe, travels from Crewe to conduct this high quality choir.
Annual Season
Cantiones` “season” runs roughly parallel with school terms, beginning in September and drawing to a close generally in June. During this season the choir performs three major concerts, at Christmas, in the Spring, and rounding up with a Soiree in the summer. Christmas and Spring programmes are considered to be of a more serious nature, while the summer soiree is an evening of light and mostly secular music usually accompanied by appropriate refreshments! There are, of course, several more “minor” activities in between, ranging from weddings & funerals to mediaeval banquets and cathedral services.
A social break...
About us