MUSICAL DIRECTION

We were very sad to say farewell at our recent concert (July 2022) to our Musical Director of eight years, William Waine, who moves on to new musical challenges. We shall always be very grateful to him for introducing us to a very wide range of testing but enjoyable choral music covering both the religious and secular spectra of both modern and classical music. One of the highlights was to introduce us to Howard Goodall’s then new work Invictus: A Passion. He then, during the pandemic while we were unable to rehearse in person, kept our interest going via Zoom, taking us on a choronological tour of choral music through the ages from the Mediaeval era through to the present day. We are hugely grateful and wish him every success in the future.

We are delighted to welcome as his successor our endlessly patient and hugely talented former accompanist George Haynes.

George 2

George Haynes

Musical Director – George Haynes

George Haynes is currently a Lay Vicar in the choir of Chichester Cathedral, having spent six years as a Lay Clerk at Peterborough Cathedral. He is looking forward to directing Cantemus in a wide variety of music, having previously served as their accompanist for a number of years, continuing the good relationship between the choir and musicians from Chichester Cathedral. He pursues a varied career as a countertenor, accompanist, conductor and composer, most recently directing his own professional ensemble, the South Downs Soloists. He is also the accompanist for Fernhurst Choral Society, and has performed with them as a soloist and pianist. During his time in Peterborough, George was Assistant Director of Chapel Music at The Peterborough School, and for three years was Musical Director of St. Peter’s Singers. A music graduate of the University of York, he has also been a Choral Scholar in the choirs of York Minster and Wells Cathedral.
George undertakes vocal studies with Robert Rice, having studied previously with the countertenor Iestyn Davies. He received a strong musical education as a chorister and Organ Scholar at All Saints’ Church in Northampton. As a composer, George has written music for the choirs of York Minster, Peterborough Cathedral and Chichester Cathedral, and was winner of the Eton Choral Course Composition Competition in 2013, which included a broadcast of his piece on BBC Radio 3.

Musical Accompanist – Tim Stewart

Timothy began his musical training aged 6 in singing and piano.  He started organ lessons aged 12 with Gillian Lloyd at the URC in Guildford.  As a chorister at Holy Trinity, Guildford under Martin Holford, he was introduced to the organ’s qualities and potential and was also particularly inspired by hearing Widor’s Toccata whilst on a choir tour to Norwich Cathedral in 2015.

Tim was appointed to the post of organist at All Saints’ Church, Dummer, Hants and St Giles Ashtead whilst also assisting with organ playing at Holy Trinity and URC churches in Guildford.

As well as gaining distinctions in grade 8 piano and organ, he has won the Junior section of the London Organ competition (2019) and various first prizes for organ at the Godalming Performing Arts Festival in 2019 and 2020.

Timothy has given recitals at Oakham Church (2019) and St Mary’s, Guildford and was also invited to play at l’Abbaye Saint-Sauveur in Redon, France (2020). Future recital engagements include Guildford Cathedral and Chichester Cathedral.

Tim is currently the organ Scholar of Chichester Cathedral where he assists the Organists in the smooth running of the music department and sharing the playing for the 8 weekly services that take place at the Cathedral. Timothy continues to take lessons with Katherine Dienes-Williams. After his time at Chichester Cathedral, he will begin a 4 year course at The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire studying for a BMus in organ performance. After this, he hopes to pursue organ scholarships at London cathedrals such as Westminster Abbey and St Paul’s Cathedral.