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Written by our great supporter and participant, John Rose and published in the clubs section of the Kentish Gazette on the 27th April, 2017, so many thanks to John for his untiring help in promoting our work.
The Canterbury Cantata Trust singing groups finished their Spring season performances with J S Bach’s magnificent St John Passion by Canterbury Cantata and Camerata, directed by Artistic Director Professor Grenville Hancox MBE,at St Mary and St Eanswythe Church, Folkestone, on Saturday 15 April.
On Sunday 9 April, Canterbury Cantata gave a moving performance of Bach’s B Minor Mass at the University of Kent’s Colyer Fergusson Hall, under Professor Hancox’s direction. Once again they were accompanied by orchestral group Camerata. These two performances were termed ‘A Bach Journey 2017’ and were very well received by capacity audiences.
Canterbury Cantata Trust, a registered charity, was formed by Professor Hancox in 2012. Its central belief is that anyone who wishes to sing with other people should be able to do so, regardless of experience and without any financial barrier. Based on the belief that ‘singing is good for you’ Canterbury Cantata Trust acts as an umbrella organisation to make opportunities for caring through singing.
The Trust runs, supports and funds singing groups, enabling people to sing regularly and enjoy the benefits. Each group is concerned with caring through singing, caring for each other and demonstrating care for others in the community through a range of activities and performances.
The Trust comprises four main singing groups: Canterbury Cantata, a small choir of experienced singers coming together by invitation of the Director to realise challenging choral repertoire to the highest possible amateur standards.
Monday Music, a choral group for anyone who wishes to sing with other people to improve health and wellbeing. Formed by Professor Hancox in 2010 with just 8 members, it now numbers between 60 – 70 people each week.
Sing to Beat Parkinson’s, a growing network of singing groups in the UK and overseas enabling People with Parkinson’s and dementia to better express themselves and to relieve some of the symptoms they experience.
Amici Chorus, a community choir comprised of around 100 singers. No auditions are necessary for Monday Music, Singing to Beat Parkinson’s or Amici. Canterbury Cantata Trust also supports a Residency at the Beaney House of Art and Knowledge and collaboration with Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and Aldeburgh Music. It supports a long-term aim of singing on prescription whilst a partnership with the Queensland Conservatorium Research Centre, Griffith University promises exciting research outcomes centred on singing and Parkinson’s.
The season began on Saturday 25 March when Canterbury Cantata Choir staged an open rehearsal/lecture of J S Bach’s Mass in B Minor at the Beaney House of Art and Knowledge, part of the Sounds Beaney series.
On Saturday 1 April, Monday Music sang in a fundraising concert with Lemon Zingers and Umed Pop and Rock Choir, Sweden, at St Peter’s Methodist Church, Canterbury. The following Saturday, 8 April, Monday Music was one of six choirs that took part in “Do you hear the people sing?” Top Choir Kent 2017 Gala at Shirley Hall, King’s School, Canterbury, arranged by the Rotary Club of Canterbury who made a generous donation of £200 to Monday Music. Songs performed by Monday Music included ‘Those were the Days’ and the stirring ‘Canon de la Paix’ with inspired piano accompaniment by Amelia-Rose Hamilton. Edited highlights of this event were broadcast on BBC Radio Kent during the early evening of Easter Monday, beginning with two songs by Monday Music, namely ‘Singing on a Monday’ and ‘With a Little Help from my Friends’.
Amici Chorus held an end of term celebration on Wednesday 5 April including Jan Dismas Zelenka’s Miserere, at St Paul’s Church, Canterbury. All the groups’ performances were directed by their Artistic Director, Professor Grenville Hancox MBE.
To find out more about the work of Canterbury Cantata Trust, donate, become a Friend, get involved or find out details of future performances, go to info@canterburycantatatrust.co.uk or www.canterburycantatatrust.org.uk ... See more
