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.