Grenville Hancox will be returning to lead AMICI CHORUS from September 11th
Dear singers,
We have some lovely news...Grenville, our founder, will be returning to lead AMICI CHORUS from September 11th at 5.30pm in St Paul's church, following Stefan's productive tenure leading to five concerts with them. We are immensely grateful for all Stefan's time and effort put into supporting and encouraging the singers and wish him the very best of luck with his many other musical roles!
"As I informed members this evening, I am delighted that Grenville will be taking over from me as Musical Director in September. I have enjoyed my time leading Amici immensely however I have found it increasingly more difficult to devote enough time to the choir to ensure our high standards are maintained. The ‘social’ event on July 10th at 4.45 will allow the choir to welcome Grenville back (he intends coming) and celebrate our time together."
I would also like to congratulate everybody involved in last weekend's joyous, shared experience of singing at the Colyer-Fergusson Hall, when all parts of the Trust came together under the direction of our new artistic director, successor to Grenville Hancox, Emily Renshaw-Kidd. Fellow singing group leaders Stefan Catto, Phil Self and Trish Vella Burrows, together with accompanists Christopher Gower and David Jones showed off the talents of their singers and the audience were encouraged to take part in rounds, call and response songs and a sea shanty which form the bedrock of the repertoire for Skylarks and Monday Music. The Langton Chamber Choir joined us also, demonstrating their commitment to their vital connection with the Skylarks group and the work of the Trust. The second part of the concert featured a wonderfully rhythmic work, Zimbe, which had everybody clapping along to the fabulous backing from the jazz ensemble led by Peter Cook and Richard Dray.
The joy and humanity of the occasion was palpable for all and I am immensely proud to have been part of this wonderful event which also raised £424 for the vital work of the local Parkinson's Centre for Integrated Therapies. Some wonderful quotes below reiterate the power and impact experienced.
I would like to give a huge vote of thanks to our trustees, sponsors and all those involved in all the background preparation needed to bring this event together, but especially to our amazing and inspiring Artistic Director, Emily Renshaw-Kidd, carrying on the work of the Trust with such drive and warmth.
Thank you, Roshna Ahmad
Chair, Canterbury Cantata Trust.
Comments from the University of Kent following the performance of Zimbe
The Canterbury Cantata Trust’s recent concert on Saturday 22nd June was a resounding success, raising an incredible £424.82 for the Parkinson’s Centre for Integrated Therapy (PCIT). This special event wasn’t just about raising funds, it was a joyous celebration of music, community and the Trust’s incredible work.
Under the inspiring leadership of the Trust’s new Artistic Director, Emily Renshaw-Kidd, the combined choirs presented a vibrant and diverse musical experience. The highlight of the concert was a powerful rendition of “Zimbe” by Alexander L’Estrange, leaving a lasting impression on all those present.
This uplifting concert wasn’t just about exceptional music; it was a chance for the community to come together for a good cause. The audience showed their support for the invaluable work of the PCIT, while celebrating the power of music and the joy of singing in unison.
I was honoured to be invited to attend this event. The talent and passion of the choirs was truly inspiring and the sense of community spirit in the room was clear to see. The funds raised will have a huge impact on the work we do at PCIT and I am incredibly grateful to the Canterbury Cantata Trust for their continued support.”
The team at PCIT would like to express their deepest gratitude to everyone who attended the concert, made a donation and helped make this event so special. Let’s continue to raise our voices and celebrate the power of music and community, together.
I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the Concert yesterday and what an amazing sound and atmosphere was achieved by you all.
It was so uplifting to hear and to understand the significance of singing and music for people of all ages with differing needs- I especially loved the joy on many of the faces of the participants- both in the Choirs and the audience.
I watched carefully the full engagement of your amazing young people and I think your words at the beginning were so true about the impact that this kind of collaboration will have on their futures and their roles in society. Maddie agreed with me that this was quite probably the most important vocal experience she has taken part in thus far.
Thank you for all that you are doing.
Join the Canterbury Cantata Trust for a celebration of song and community
Raising vital funds for the Parkinson's Centre for Integrated Therapy
The Canterbury Cantata Trust is hosting a joyful musical event on Saturday 22nd June at 3.00pm in the Colyer-Fergusson Hall, University of Kent. This special concert is not only a celebration of the Trust’s amazing work, it is also helping to raise vital funds for the Parkinson’s Centre for Integrated Therapy (PCIT) and we are most grateful to the Trust for their support.
Join us for a wonderful afternoon, which will be attended by Professor David Wilkinson (Director of PCIT) and the Sheriff of Canterbury, to enjoy the combined talents of all the Canterbury Cantata Trust singing groups under the inspiring leadership of their new Artistic Director, Emily Renshaw-Kidd. This concert marks a historic moment, bringing together various choirs including Skylarks’ Sing to Beat Parkinson’s, Amici, Monday Music, Canterbury Cantata and the Simon Langton Boys’ Chamber Choir for the very first time for a mass performance of Zimbe by Alexander L’Estrange. The Trust believes singing is for everyone, regardless of experience or financial limitations.
This uplifting concert promises to be a delightful event for all ages and will be a chance to:
be captivated by a vibrant and diverse musical experience
show your support for the PCIT and their invaluable work
celebrate the power of music and community togetherness.
Tickets are just £10 and are selling fast! Get yours now through the Gulbenkian website.
Let’s raise our voices and celebrate the joy of singing, all for a good cause. A collection will take place during the event and all donations will be given to PCIT, directly supporting those living with Parkinson’s in our community.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Amici Chorus Present Music for Easter
Dvořák Stabat Mater (original 1976 version).
Directed by Stefan Catto with Accompanist Christopher Gower.
Soloists: Catherine Futcher (Soprano), Elizabeth Green (Alto), Zachary Smith (Tenor) and Sonny Fielding (Bass).
Tickets £10 on the door. Free to students.
Wednesday 20th March 2024 at 7pm
St Pauls Church, Church Street St Pauls, Canterbury, CT1 1NH
