Rehearsals resume this week for the Cantabile Singers following the Christmas break and an invitation is extended to female singers between the ages of 16 and 65 who enjoy choral singing. Members come from Haverfordwest, Pembroke, Milford Haven, Narberth and Carmarthen.
The choir meets each week on a Wednesday under the direction of Richard Stephens, who over the past 13 years has established himself as one of Wales' finest choral conductors, having performed at St. Davids Hall, Cardiff, Brangwyn Hall, Swansea, and Symphony Hall in Birmingham on many occasions to conduct massed choirs and orchestras. The choir performs a varied repertoire, including the inspiring music of John Rutter, Bob Chilcott and Howard Goodall, as well as classical repertoire such as 'Paradisi Gloria' from Haydn's Stabat Mater, especially arranged for the singers by Richard Stephens.
This year, the choir will also begin learning 'In Flanders Fields' composed especially for the Cantabile Singers by West Wales composer, Jonathan Copus. The poem by Lt. Col John McCrae speaks of the fields of Flanders during World War I and Jonathan has set this to wonderful evocative music.
Future engagements of the choir include performances at Hereford Cathedral and Shrewsbury Abbey for their annual music festival and also St. Davids Hall, Cardiff.
The following committee appointments have also been made: chair, Cara Dyer; secretary, Myfanwy Davies; treasurer, Pamela Erickson; committee members - Angharad Phillips, Sheila Evans, Glenda Phillips and Catherine Jones. The choir's rehearsal accompanist is Chris Mends.
So if you enjoy choral singing, then why not give Cantabile a go. The ability to read music is an advantage, but not essential. They are a county choir - not affiliated to any particular town. To discuss and arrange to go along to a rehearsal, please give the secretary a call on 01437 783812.