(News prior to Jan ’15)
What a wonderful end to 2014
The year ended with the busiest of Decembers for us at Canatabile. First as guests at a concert in the Picton Centre taking part in a concert for Kidney Research Wales. This was followed by two sessions at Morrisons in Haverfordwest raising money for both ourselves and the Sue Ryder organisation. Singing Christmas carol’s our way with fun and smiles certainly brings in the donations. To finish the year we made our way to Nevern to sing as a flash mob at the wedding of Ceri and James. Wow, it was a super ceremony and we were on FIRE!
AGM October 2014
We turned out in thunder and lightening but it was worth it. It was good to get together for a chat and hear news and opinions from all. The past year has seen a massive change in all of us. New music and learned with fun and enthusiasm from a hard working Musical Director and Accompanist. New venues and new challenges such as a flash mob have been enjoyable. All of us hope the fun and laughs continue.
Night Out April 2014 (see gallery photo’s)
A night out was due and so hearing that the Station Inn at Pembroke Dock was serving wonderful meals with a great atmosphere Cantabile members went to check it out. It was certainly true! The food was incredibly good and having a room to ourselves we had an opportunity to relax and catch up on news. We have little time at rehearsals to chat so this venue was perfect. Some members were even able to watch trains depart across the station from their window tables.
Check out the cheque (see gallery photo)
After a positive response from Morrison’s to use their foyer for carol singing members turned up in good numbers and together sang a wonderful selection of carols to shoppers. Margaret Howell the Cantabile accompanist put together a programme of wonderful carols that the audience, including the younger members, enjoyed. The foyer at Morrison’s was acoustically perfect and with suitable bells on certain pieces the sound was superb. Members gave a rousing 12 Days of Christmas and even managed to get a number of shoppers to sing along with them. Of the money raised it was decided to make a contribution to Morrison’s for their charity “Save the Children” as a thank you for allowing us to use their venue.
New CD at the Planning Stage
As Cantabile come to the final month of 2013 discussions are now underway for the start of rehearsals for the new CD to be recorded in the spring. Members are eagerly awaiting the introduction of some new pieces to be included on the third CD that Cantabile are to release.
AGM October 27th
Wonderful turnout for the AGM which hopefully reflects the greater feeling of involvement members now feel. New officers were proposed and elected to the committee and the wish for a younger representation was achieved. Tea and cakes were served and hopefully there were enough laughs to make the evening enjoyable.
Hilary has a boy!
Hilary Riley our much appreciated soloist has given birth to a boy who will be called Noah. Hilary now has 2 girls and the baby to keep her on her toes. Hilary is the master of multi-tasking so we expect her back with us soon looking her usual serene self.
Wedding Fayre October 13th.
The Cleddau Bridge Hotel gave Cantabile a free pitch at their Wedding Fayre and despite a lower turnout than previously the quality of attendees was very good and it looks like another booking is coming our way. Already there are 3 wedding bookings for 2014.
Wedding Fayre September 1st.
Leslie and Shirley turned out to help on the wedding fayre stand on Saturday 1st of September. It was a quieter event that usual but Cantabile representatives still managed to get 26 good leads.
Rachel has a beautiful baby girl.
One of the most popular members of Cantabile (our librarian) Rachel Branston has produced her first baby and a bonus – it is a girl!! Amelie was brought in on Wednesday and all wondered at such a perfect looking baby. Clever Rachel!
New music has been welcomed by all.
With a new musical director has come a change of pace in music. New pieces introduced have been welcomed by all but require a lot more attention as they are fast and sometimes furious but certainly enjoyed by all. One member commented – “Damn I am really enjoying this!”
Changes afoot
Carole Goldsmith has announced her wish to step down as Chair in September. Glenda Phillips has also asked to be allowed to step aside from the role of Treasurer. Replacements will be looked for at the AGM in September. Carole has stated that she is happy to continue with her Marketing and Publicity role.
A much awaited new Musical Director arrives
At last Sue Howley has joined us at Cantabile and gave our first introduction to her style of enjoying music on Wednesday the 8th of May.
New Musical Director
Great celebrations at Cantabile as we have found ourselves a new Musical Director. Sue Howley has agreed to join us and we all look forward May the 8th when Sue takes up her appointment.
Musical Director Needed
It is with huge regret that we, at Cantabile, have had to accept Richard’s resignation. However, we understand his reasons and wish him all the very best and much success in the future.
The issue now is – How do we replace him?
If anyone knows of an experienced Musical Director who can take on a group of singers who have lots of enthusiasm, humour and drive then please ask him or her to get in touch with us at: [email protected]
Carole Goldsmith (Chair)
We shall go on!
It was a suprise to us all that Richard Stephens announced his retirement as our Musical Director on the 9th of January. Richard began Cantabile Singers six years ago and the group has flourished under his direction. However his commitments are great and he has decided that he needs to allocate his time more carefully.
It was decided that Cantabile members would go away and think about whether they wished to find another Musical Director and continue or wind up the group. A vote was held on the 16th of January and a resounding call to continue was given by the members.
The committee will, with Richards help, seek another Musical Director and look forward to continuing their enjoyment in making music.
Connie in our Polo shirt
Connie Fisher (our President) could not be with us at a recent concert in Cardiff but still sent us a picture (in Cantabile colors) wishing us luck.