Cantamus October 2017 concert

Another date for your diary!  Saturday, 14th October at 7.30 pm in St Edmund’s Church, Shipston-on-Stour.

One autumn evening twenty years ago, a dozen or so singers were to be found cosily ranged around Richard and Dorle Emms’ sitting room in Shipston, about to learn a 16th century Mass by William Byrd.  On most Tuesday evenings now, double that number gather in the Catholic Parish Hall to sing a wide repertoire of music across five centuries.  Having been asked to sing the Mass at St. Edmund’s Church, Richard brought together a small unaccompanied group which has now grown to an adventurous chamber choir.  They will be celebrating those 20 years with a special concert in October this year, entitled “Encore!”.

The singers have indulged themselves in choosing 20 favourite pieces to sing, together with some of Three’s Company’s most delicious readings.  There are treats in store for all – sacred and secular, moving and amusing, joyous and deep-feeling, with music across the centuries and styles, including part of the original Byrd Mass.

Do come and share the joy that Cantamus has in performing music encompassing spirituals, folk songs, anthems, and madrigals from Bach to modern composer Lauridsen, via Purcell, Rachmaninoff and Cole Porter.  Richard, the choir’s director, never fails to delight and stimulate both his choir and audience.

Tickets cost £10, and are available from Clarke’s Electricals in Shipston, and on the door.  Students and accompanied children are welcome to attend at no cost.  If you have any queries, please use the ‘Contact Us’ page on this website to get in touch.

Yvonne Ridley