About

HISTORY OF CANTEMUS – (Latin for “Let us Sing”)

Cantemus was established in 1986.  Initially the choir was a small group meeting on Hayling Island, but later began rehearsing at Warblington School on the mainland to attract membership from a wider area as it does today.  More recently rehearsals moved to Bedhampton Methodist Church.  We are particularly grateful to Robin McInnes, a supporter from the Warblington days, who although no longer singing with Cantemus, continues to provide us with music practice files and CDs a vital contribution to the quality of our performances.

CONCERT VENUES

The early concerts were performed in a variety of venues including Ditcham Park School, Goodwood House, Stansted House and churches in Southsea, Havant and Westbourne.  More recently performances have been given in St James’s Church Emsworth and churches on Hayling Island, Havant and Waterlooville as well as a number of secular venues. The growing size of the choir is with regret increasingly limiting our ability to perform in some of the smaller churches and other venues.

MUSICAL DIRECTION, ACCOMPANIMENT AND SOLOISTS

We have had a number of talented Musical Directors and accompanists since 1986, from whose professional expertise we have benefited greatly.  A longstanding and productive association with Chichester Cathedral has provided the choir with talented musicians, who have directed, accompanied, sung and composed music for us. Details of our present Musical direction team can be found here (click): musical direction

REHEARSALS

Rehearsals take place on a Tuesday evening between 7:30PM and 9:30 PM at Bedhampton Methodist Church, 12 Hulbert Road, Havant, PO9 3TF.  Directions: google maps

Rehearsal Aids

Online music practice files and a free CD are available to help you learn your part at home.  A small charge is made for music hire.

CONCERT DRESS

Ladies:

Long black skirt or trousers; long-sleeved black jacket; white, sleeved, blouse.

Gentlemen

Dinner suit (black tie) or Smart black jacket and trousers, long-sleeved white shirt and bow tie.

Variations and additions

Jackets are generally not worn for the summer concert.  Coloured bow ties for men and matching corsages for the ladies are provided when required.