We're back singing

A new term starts for the singers of Canton Chorus on Wednesday 14 September. That's when we will back back in our usual rehearsal space at Canton Uniting Church (Cowbridge Road East CF5 1LH) and will start familiarising ourselves with a new repertoire which we hope to perform at a concert early next year. Definitely planned: Vivaldi's Gloria and Haydn's Paukenmesse (Missa in Tempore Belli).

We are always on the lookout for new members in all all parts - soprano, alto, tenor and bass. No audition is required - just turn up and see if you like us. Or get in touch with us beforehand (see under 'Contact Us' on this website).

We had a concert ...

Finally, after over two years without performing publicly, some 30 Chorus members took part in an enjoyable and well-attended ‘outdoor’ concert under canvas on the afternoon of Saturday 25 June. The principal work, Fauré’s Requiem, was given in a new arrangement by Benjamin Teague for keyboard and strings, with soloists Victoria Illsley (soprano) and Piet Zorn (baritone), and this was preceded by some shorter works by Rachmaninov, Purcell, Stanford and others. Our musical director John Abraham made a welcome return to the podium.

Canton Chorus would like to thank Cardiff Harlequins RFC for allowing us to use part of their field to erect the marquee that served as our concert venue – and which proved invaluable when the rains came during performance. The marquee was hired from It’s Covered.

This was a free concert, but a collection for the local refugee charity Space4UCardiff raised a total of £253.62, for which we received a lovely letter of thanks (see below).

We are sorry to say that, despite the precautions that we took, some members of the choir reported positive Covid tests in the days following the concert. We wish them all a speedy recovery.

Photographs © Gordon Plant

We have a date: 25 June

At last - we have a concert date. And it's going to be a concert with a difference. We'll be under canvas for a charity performance of Fauré’s Requiem, newly arranged for string ensemble, plus shorter works by Stanford, Purcell, Bruckner and others.

All this will be taking place in a marquee specially set up at Cardiff Harlequins RFC ground, Forest Farm Road CF14 7JN from 2.30 pm on Saturday 25 June.

Admission will be free (but with limited space under canvas), and there will be a retiring collection for local refugee charity Space4U Cardiff.

We are pleased to say that our music director John Abraham will be back on the podium. Our soloists will be Victoria Illsley (sporano) and Piet Zorn (baritone). At the keyboard will be regular accompanist - and arranger - Benjamin Teague.