ABOUT CANTIONES
Background
Cantiones is a mixed voice choir based in the Shropshire market town of Oswestry. Their highly-regarded performances over the past years have encompassed a wide selection of music from the renaissance to the present day and are well attended by appreciative audiences.
The choir performs four concerts each year as well as other ad hoc performances when the occasion arises.
The average number of singers performing in a concert is 40 and sometimes Cantiones will join with another choir to perform larger works such as ‘The Dream of Gerontius’ (Elgar) which took place at Chester Cathedral in 2024 with the Chester Bach Singers and Chester Philharmonic
Orchestra conducted by Martin Bussey.
Performances
Major choral works are always performed in the Spring and Autumn with a more informal concert in the Summer and carols in December. Repertoire for concerts is chosen not only to attract an audience but also to inspire the singers so great care is taken to choose concert programmes.
Professional soloists and musicians are invited to achieve varied timbres, artistry and expertise.
Vocal Technique.png)
It is very important to the choir ethos to keep on improving vocal quality and musicianship however experienced the singer is. The choir benefits hugely from having a professional Vocal Coach,
Sarah Wright-Owens, who assists the conductor in some rehearsals and runs the occasional vocal health and technique workshop.
'Come and Sing'
These have been regular events for some years.
It helps to engage other singers with the choir in an enjoyable day. Who knows, they may decide to join! It also helps to raise money for our concerts.
In October 2024, another successful ‘Come and Sing’ day was held to rehearse and perform the Requiem by John Rutter. Some singers travelled great distances to take part in this moving work. The Pie Jesu was sung so beautifully by Natasha Hendrickes-Welsh.
Awayday
Future plans:
Cantiones is continually evolving and looking out for new challenges to develop their choral sound and artistry. In 2025 under the baton of their new conductor, Tony Coupe, they will be exploring choral works by Mozart in the Spring with a selection of choral chamber works to follow in the Summer. It is planned to develop the considerable vocal talent within the choir itself to sing some
of the smaller ensembles as well as inviting professional soloists to perform.
Ad. Hoc performances:
Cantiones often offer performances in the community such as singing Christmas carols for the local Hospice in Oswestry. One of the primary goals when the choir sing further afield on an ‘away-day’, is to sing some well loved pieces that the choir enjoy in inspiring venues.
Choir social calendar
Cantiones value the social life of the choir and we therefore organise events each year. There is a
regular Christmas celebration and Summer party. The ‘away-day’ in 2025 is planned to be a
rehearsal followed by a performance (venue TBC) followed by a gathering in a local hostelry or
restaurant.
Background
Cantiones is a mixed voice choir based in the Shropshire market town of Oswestry. Their highly-regarded performances over the past years have encompassed a wide selection of music from the renaissance to the present day and are well attended by appreciative audiences.
The choir performs four concerts each year as well as other ad hoc performances when the occasion arises.
The average number of singers performing in a concert is 40 and sometimes Cantiones will join with another choir to perform larger works such as ‘The Dream of Gerontius’ (Elgar) which took place at Chester Cathedral in 2024 with the Chester Bach Singers and Chester Philharmonic
Orchestra conducted by Martin Bussey.
Performances
Major choral works are always performed in the Spring and Autumn with a more informal concert in the Summer and carols in December. Repertoire for concerts is chosen not only to attract an audience but also to inspire the singers so great care is taken to choose concert programmes.
Professional soloists and musicians are invited to achieve varied timbres, artistry and expertise.
Vocal Technique
It is very important to the choir ethos to keep on improving vocal quality and musicianship however experienced the singer is. The choir benefits hugely from having a professional Vocal Coach,
Sarah Wright-Owens, who assists the conductor in some rehearsals and runs the occasional vocal health and technique workshop.
'Come and Sing'
These have been regular events for some years.
It helps to engage other singers with the choir in an enjoyable day. Who knows, they may decide to join! It also helps to raise money for our concerts.
In October 2024, another successful ‘Come and Sing’ day was held to rehearse and perform the Requiem by John Rutter. Some singers travelled great distances to take part in this moving work. The Pie Jesu was sung so beautifully by Natasha Hendrickes-Welsh.
Awayday
The choir has an annual 'Awayday' when members visit a new location with different acoustics to practise technique and go through new repertoire, finishing the day with an info
rmal concert. The very sociable lunch is always a popular part of this event.
On 11th May 2024 Members of the choir enjoyed their second annual Awayday, rehearsing and then performing the Summer season repertoire. This has become a popular event in the calendar combining some work on technique, repertoire rehearsal and an opportunity to socialise over lunch. As last year, the day took place in Gladstone’s Library in Hawarden, with the informal performance in the adjoining chapel which has lovely acoustics. The Awayday was led by Musical Director, Martin Bussey and accompanied by Steve Owens.
rmal concert. The very sociable lunch is always a popular part of this event. On 11th May 2024 Members of the choir enjoyed their second annual Awayday, rehearsing and then performing the Summer season repertoire. This has become a popular event in the calendar combining some work on technique, repertoire rehearsal and an opportunity to socialise over lunch. As last year, the day took place in Gladstone’s Library in Hawarden, with the informal performance in the adjoining chapel which has lovely acoustics. The Awayday was led by Musical Director, Martin Bussey and accompanied by Steve Owens.
Future plans:
Cantiones is continually evolving and looking out for new challenges to develop their choral sound and artistry. In 2025 under the baton of their new conductor, Tony Coupe, they will be exploring choral works by Mozart in the Spring with a selection of choral chamber works to follow in the Summer. It is planned to develop the considerable vocal talent within the choir itself to sing some
of the smaller ensembles as well as inviting professional soloists to perform.
Ad. Hoc performances:
Cantiones often offer performances in the community such as singing Christmas carols for the local Hospice in Oswestry. One of the primary goals when the choir sing further afield on an ‘away-day’, is to sing some well loved pieces that the choir enjoy in inspiring venues.
Choir social calendar
Cantiones value the social life of the choir and we therefore organise events each year. There is a
regular Christmas celebration and Summer party. The ‘away-day’ in 2025 is planned to be a
rehearsal followed by a performance (venue TBC) followed by a gathering in a local hostelry or
restaurant.
