Cantamus Choir Bournemouth

Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols 18th Dec 4pm

2011-12-12T13:29:00.000-08:00

Traditional Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols

St. Katharine’s Church, Southbourne
on

Sunday 18th. December 4 pm

The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols was a really good start to the Christmas celebrations. The church looked beautiful as candles flickered in the windows and the aisles. The choir processed in to improvisations on the organ followed by the solo first verse of, 'Once in Royal David's City', sung to a packed church. The large choir processed down the aisle, filling the church with sounds of Advent and Christmas. A young treble sang Mary's verse in, 'The Angel Gabriel', three choirmen each sang a different king's verse in, 'We Three Kings', one of them also singing the introduction to, 'Past Three O'Clock' as another solo. The combined choirs of St Katharine's Church and Cantamus blended together, singing as one choir, joining together to produce a memorable carol service.

The choirs were directed by Malcolm Wood, who also accompanied the Congregational Carols on the organ

Before the service we took a photo of the choir:

The Parish of St. Katharine with St. Nicholas, Southbourne

A FESTIVAL OF NINE LESSONS AND CAROLS

Sunday 18th. December 2011, 4 pm

Processional Hymn 1 Once in Royal David’s city

(Choir only verses 1 and 2) Descant Willcocks

Bidding Prayer and Lord’s Prayer

Choir The Lord at first did Adam make arr. Willcocks

First Lesson Genesis 3: 8-15

God announces in the Garden of Eden that the seed of woman shall bruise the serpent’s head

Choir Adam lay ybounden Boris Ord

Hymn 2 O come O come Emmanuel

Second Lesson Genesis 22: 15-18

God promises to faithful Abraham that in his seed shall the nations of the earth be blessed

Choir Ding, dong merrily on high

Third Lesson Isaiah 9: 2, 6-7

Christ’s birth and kingdom are foretold by Isaiah

Hymn 3 O come all ye faithful (vv 1, 2, 6)

Descant Malcolm Wood

Choir In dulci jubilo arr. Pearsall

Fourth Lesson Micah 5: 2-4

The prophet Micah foretells the glory of little Bethlehem

Hymn 4 O little town of Bethlehem

Choir A virgin most pure Malcolm Wood

Fifth Lesson St. Luke 1:26-38

The Angel Gabriel salutes the Blessed Virgin Mary

Choir The Angel Gabriel

Sixth Lesson St. Matthew 1: 18-23

St. Matthew tells of the birth of Jesus

Choir Lullay my liking Gustav Holst

Hymn 5 Away in a manger (Choir verse 1)

Seventh Lesson St. Luke 2: 8-16

The shepherds go to the manger

Hymn 6 While shepherd’s watched their flocks

Choir The angels and the shepherds Bohemian arr. Trevor

Eighth Lesson St. Matthew 2: 1-11

The wise men are led by the star to Jesus

Hymn 7 We three kings

(Choir sing verses congregation sing Chorus)

Choir Past three o’clock English traditional

Ninth Lesson ALL STAND

St. John 1: 1-14

St. John unfolds the great mystery of the incarnation

BLESSING

Recessional Hymn 8 Hark the Herald Angels sing Descant Willcocks

After the service there was a lovely atmosphere in the hall as the choir and congregation shared together in drinking mulled wine and eating mince pies.

Christmas Carol events with Cantamus Choir December 2011:

2011-12-03T09:58:00.000-08:00

We very much enjoyed the following events:

Sunday 11th. December Evening Carol Concert

St. Mary’s Church, West Moors 7pm,

admission free,

retiring collection in aid of church funds.

This was a fundraising concert and Christmas celebration for St Mary's Church, West Moors.

The programme included many traditional carols for everyone to join in. The carols were chosen to appeal to all ages and we were very pleased to see a wide age range enjoying the evening at St Mary's Church.

When the choir was ready, we sat in the choirstalls to wait until it was time to start.

When the choir was ready, we sat in the choirstalls to wait until it was time to start.

The programme was as follows:

St. Mary the Virgin, West Moors

A Christmas Carol Concert

Given by

ALL Once in Royal David’s City (Choir only verse 1)

CHOIR

People look East arr. Stainer

There is no rose of such virtue John Joubert

Adam lay ybounden Boris Ord

ALL O come, all ye faithful

CHOIR

O little one sweet (harmonised by J.S. Bach)

Ding, dong merrily on high 16th. Century French arr. Charles Wood

I saw a maiden Basque traditional

ALL Away in a manger (Choir only verse 2)

CHOIR

Sing lullaby Old Basque carol

In dulci jubilo arr. Pearsall

ALL O little town of Bethlehem

CHOIR Cradle song John Rutter

ALL While shepherds watched their flocks

CHOIR

The angels and the shepherds Bohemian trad. Arr. Trevor

Past 3 o’clock English trad. Arr. Charles Wood

We wish you a merry Christmas

After the concert the church provided mince pies and mulled wine. Very many people stayed to chat, making the refreshments a lovely end to a most enjoyable evening. Cantamus really appreciated the many compliments regarding the sound of the choir and are looking forward to returning to sing in the not too distant future!

On Monday 12th. December

7.30 pm

Cantamus sang a programme of Christmas Carols at a block of warden assisted flats in Parkstone. We sang a varied programme of carols enabling residents to join with us in singing many well know carols.

Once again we were served hot mulled wine and mince pies after singing. This enabled the choir to socialise together and to talk to those who had taken part in singing together with us.

Christmas Carols Westbourne Arcade 3rd December 2011

2011-10-17T03:21:00.000-07:00

On Saturday 3rd. December Cantamus choir sang carols in Westbourne Arcade from 2pm to 4pm. It was a lovely sunny day, despite all the predictions of wind and rain. Many people stopped to listen to the choir as they shopped in Westbourne, and made very appreciative comments. It was particularly good to see so many children listening to the carols with their parents.

We had a break half way through and enjoyed the delicious hot drinks in the cafe, where we were served by very friendly staff who even moved their furniture around so that we could sit together and chat.

We will again be making a donation to Michaels as a result of our singing. They are a very good cause, as they are local and support people who would otherwise be homeless.

Concert 16th October 2011 at St Andrew's Church, Florence Road, Boscombe

2011-10-03T00:32:00.000-07:00

On Sunday 16th October we performied a concert at St. Andrew’s Florence Road, Boscombe. The choir gave a varied programme and were warmly welcomed by a very appreciative audience. Choir items ranged from pieces written during the 17th century to those composed in the late 20th. (They included the simple but very effective Elgar 'Ave Verum' which features on our logo.) Solo items were peformed by Becky McCleery, Christopher Hammond and Malcolm Wood. The church provided refreshments after the concert and many choir members stayed to chat with the audience. Admission was free with a retiring collection in aid of a charity of the church's choice.

The programme was as follows:

Organ: Millennium Prelude Noel Rawsthorne born 1929

Praise to thee Lord Jesus H. Schutz 1585 - 1672

O Lord, increase our faith Henry Loosemore died 1670

Solo: Rondeau from Abdelazar Henry Purcell

Christopher Hammond, trumpet

Ave verum Edward Elgar 1857 - 1934

My soul, there is a country C.H.H. Parry 1848 – 1918

Thou wilt keep him S.S. Wesley 1810 – 1876

Solo: Pie Jesu Andrew Lloyd Webber b. 1948

Becky McCleery, soprano

God is gone up with a merry noise William Croft 1678 - 1727

We adore thee Palestrina 1525 – 1594

Solo: Conchita rêve Joaquín Turina 1882 – 1949

Malcolm Wood, piano

God be in my head John Rutter born 1945

A Gaelic blessing

A Hymn for St. Cecilia Herbert Howells 1892 - 1983

50th anniversary of St Nicholas's Church, Southbourne on Sunday 2nd October 4pm

2011-07-03T15:21:00.000-07:00

On Sunday 2nd October Cantamus joined together with the choir of St Katharine's Church, Southbourne to celebrate the 50th anniversary of St Nicholas's Church, Southbourne.

Choir and congregation joined together in the singing of well known harvest hymns.

It was a scorching hot summer day in October!!! We were very warm in our cassocks and surplices as we led the harvest hymns and as the choir performed the three anthems: 'Sing to the Lord of Harvest', 'Thou visitest the earth' and 'Glory Love and Praise and Honour'.

Malcolm Wood directs the two choirs in a harvest anthem.

We all sat and listened as Hugh Ashley - formerly of Radio Solent - introduced each item.

Afterwards the congregation and choirs all enjoyed a wonderful high tea.

Photographs taken by John Wilson, churchwarden, and used with his permission.

Choral Evensong St Katharine's Church, Southbourne Sunday 3rd July 2011

2011-05-19T07:15:00.000-07:00

On 3rd July we joined together with the choir of St Katharine's Church, Southbourne for a special Choral Evensong to welcome back the vicar from his study leave. At the start of the service the Vicar dedicated the bell, which has recently had major repairs. He then rang it for the first time since it left the church to be worked on. The service was very well supported.

There was special music sung by the choir, as well as hymns for everyone to join in.

The music was as follows:

Introit Anthem, 'Hail Glorious Spirits' by Christopher Tye
Responses by Smith
The setting to the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis was Stanford in B flat.
Anthem, 'O thou the central orb' by Charles Wood

Choral Evensong St Mary's Church, West Moors Sunday 22nd May 2011 at 6pm

2011-03-15T05:02:00.000-07:00

Cantamus thoroughly enjoyed singing Choral Evensong at St Mary's West Moors on Sunday May 22nd at 6pm.

It was a sunny late spring/early summer evening, ideal for a visit to a country church. The service was well attended with a good mix of people of all ages.

The church made us most welcome. On arrival the choir were greeted with refreshments before we even started to sing!

Attached to the very picturesque old church of St Mary's was a lovely modern hall, in which we were able to relax togerher once we were ready for the service.

We started the service by singing the beautiful motet 'If Ye love me' by Tallis.

Malcolm cantored for the Ayleward Responses as well as directing the choir and accompanying the service on the organ.

The Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis were sang to the rousing setting in C by Stanford.

The anthem was 'My Soul there is a country' by Parry.

There were also four well known hymns for everyone to sing:
O Praise Ye the Lord!
Ye Choirs of New Jerusalem
Father Hear The Prayer We Offer
Angel Voices Ever Singing

A church member kindly took photographs of us at the church door:

We are looking forward to returning to St Mary's for a Christmas concert on Sunday 11th December.

Choral Evensong St Andrew's Church Florence Road, Boscombe Sunday 13th March 2011 at 6.30pm

2011-02-24T10:40:00.000-08:00

Cantamus Choir was invited to sing Choral Evensong at St Andrew's Church Florence Road, Boscombe on Sunday 13th March 2011 at 6.30pm. This was a United Service for Boscombe Churches Together. It was very well attended and the choir received many positive comments from members of the combined congregation who came from across Boscombe and Southbourne churches.

The choir sang:

Canticles by Brewer in F

Versicles and Responses by Smith
Anthem - 'Rejoice in the Lord' - Anon (sometimes attributed to Redford)

Congregational hymns for everyone to join in included:
Forty days and Forty nights

Soldiers of Christ arise

Dear Lord and Father of mankind

Cantamus very much enjoyed singing at St Andrew's Boscombe again. We always find the church very welcoming and are delighted that the church finds that we enhance their worship.

Many choir members stayed after the service to enjoy refreshments and chat together with the congregation.

Sunday 19th December 4pm, 'Traditional Festival of Lessons and Carols' at St Katharine’s Church Southbourne.

2010-12-08T10:48:00.000-08:00

Malcolm Wood directs the combined choir in the beautiful setting of St Katharine's Church Southbourne.

On Sunday 19th December 2010 Cantamus choir joined together with the choir of St Katharine's Church, Southbourne for a festival of lessons and carols. The church was full depite everyone having had to travel though snow to get there. Lanterns lit the stained glass windows and the church had a beautiful atmosphere. The two choirs (both trained by Cantamus's Director Malcolm Wood) blended together visually as well as musically, as St Katharine's Choir wore their new cassocks for their first major event since having received them.

The music and readings included:

Once in Royal David’s city

(Choir only verses 1 and 2)

Bidding Prayer and Lord’s Prayer

Ding dong merrily on high

Genesis 3: 8-15

God announces in the Garden of Eden that the seed of woman

shall bruise the serpent’s head

Adam lay ybounden Boris Ord

O come O come Emmanuel

Genesis 22: 15-18

God promises to faithful Abraham that in his seed
shall the nations of the earth be blessed

There is no rose John Joubert

Isaiah 9: 2, 6-7

Christ’s birth and kingdom are foretold by Isaiah

O come all ye faithful Descant Malcolm Wood

In dulci jubilo arr. Pearsall

Micah 5: 2-4

The prophet Micah foretells the glory of little Bethlehem

O little town of Bethlehem

Cradle song John Rutter

St. Luke 1:26-38

The Angel Gabriel salutes the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Angel Gabriel

St. Matthew 1: 18-23

St. Matthew tells of the birth of Jesus

Joseph and the angel

Away in a manger (Choir verse 1)

St. Luke 2: 8-16

The shepherds go to the manger

While shepherd’s watched their flocks

In the bleak midwinter Harold Darke

St. Matthew 2: 1-11

The wise men are led by the star to Jesus

We three kings

(Choir sing verses, congregation sing chorus)

Whence is that goodly fragrance C.H. Kitson

St. John 1: 1-14

St. John unfolds the great mystery of the incarnation

Hark the Herald Angels sing

After the service most people went across to the Parish Centre where they were served with hot minced pies and warm mulled wine, before heading back out into the snow!

Christmas carol singing in Westbourne arcade

2010-12-06T01:50:00.000-08:00

Cantamus Choir singing in Westbourne Arcade December 2010

On Saturday 4th December 2010 Cantamus once again filled Westbourne Arcade with the sound of live music. The south was blanketed by snow, providing the perfect back drop to the singing of Christmas carols!

As usual, we will be making a donation to a local charity following this event; this year we will, once again, be supporting help for homeless people in Bournemouth. We will be giving all the money collected in Westbourne Arcade this year to Michaels.

Our thanks to the Gallery in the Arcade for looking after our belongings while we sang, for making us very welcome and for giving us mince pies before going home. Thanks also to the cafe who served us very welcome hot drinks during our break, the hot chocolate was delicious!

The choir very much enjoyed singing and many people expressed their appreciation of the music. Comments from members of the public included, 'I thought it was a CD playing until we saw you,' and 'You're the best choir I've heard for a long time'.

Events in December 2010

2010-07-25T12:05:00.001-07:00

Cantamus had a busy December. They performed in Westbourne Arcade; sang again at a private function for residents in Warden Assisted flats and provided unaccompanied carols: for a large works party in a select venue; for prestige clients of a leading firm; and for a choir member who was too unwell to sing with us this year. Our Christmas performances concluded on Sunday 19th December 4pm, when we sang a, 'Traditional Festival of Lessons and Carols' at St Katharine’s Church Southbourne. This included many well known carols for everyone to sing.

After these events the choir joined together to share in a Choir Christmas Party.

Combined Concert at St Katharine's Church Southbourne on Saturday 17th July 2010 at 7.30pm

2010-06-26T09:28:00.000-07:00

Concert at St Katharine's Church Southbourne on Saturday 17th July 2010.

On Saturday 17th July Cantamus Choir Bournemouth joined together with the choir of St Katharine's Church Southbourne to present a varied programme of choral and instrumental music.

Both choirs performed pieces as separate choirs and also joined together.

Cantamus and St Katharine's Choir in Rehearsal

Joint choirs in concert

Choral pieces included music by Christopher Tye, William Fox, Thomas Weelkes, Heinrich Schütz,Anton Bruckner, Fredrick Ouseley, Palestrina, C.V. Stanford, Thomas Tallis, Peter Hurford, Arthur Hutchings and Charles Wood.

Additionally a number of choir members played instrumental solos - on flute, trumpet, trombone and piano.

Please see below for further details regarding the programme:

Music for a Summer’s Evening
Saturday 17th. July, 2010 7.30 pm

Programme

St. Katharine’s Choir
O come ye servants of the Lord Christopher Tye 1505 – 1572
Teach me thy way William Fox Died 1579

St. Katharine’s Choir and Cantamus
Let Thy merciful ears Thomas Weelkes 1576 – 1623

Flute solo
The nightingale serenade Wilhelm Popp 1828 - 1902
Rebecca McLaughlin, Flute

Cantamus
Praise to thee, Lord Jesus Heinrich Schütz 1585 – 1672
Locus iste Anton Bruckner 1824 -1896
Rejoice in the Lord alway Anon C17th.

Piano solo
Claire de Lune Claude Debussy 1862 - 1918
Katy Wallis, piano

St. Katharine’s Choir and Cantamus
From the rising of the sun Frederick Ouseley 1825 – 1889

Trombone solo
Concerto for trombone Second Movement Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakov 1844 – 1908
Jake Convery, trombone

Cantamus
We adore thee, Lord Jesu Palestrina 1525 – 1594
Beati quorum via C.V. Stanford 1852 – 1924
If ye love me Thomas Tallis

Soprano solo
Nulla in mundo pax sincera Antonio Vivaldi 1678 – 1741
Rebecca McLaughlin, soprano

St. Katharine’s Choir
O Holy Spirit, Lord of Grace Christopher Tye 1505 -1572
Litany to the Holy Spirit Peter Hurford Born 1930

Trumpet solo
The Prince of Denmark’s March Jeremiah Clarke 1659 – 1707
Christopher Hammond, Trumpet

Cantamus
God is gone up with a merry noise Arthur Hutchings 1906 -1989

St. Katharine’s Choir and Cantamus
O Thou the central orb Charles Wood 1866 – 1926

Children from St Katharine's Church choir welcomed people as they arrived and gave out programmes. They also helped with the retiring collection which was in aid of music at St Katharine's Church.

Choral Evensong St Andrew's Church Florence Road, Boscombe

2010-06-26T09:18:00.000-07:00

On Sunday 25th April 2010 Cantamus were again invited to sing Choral Evensong St Andrew's Church Florence Road, Boscombe.

The order of service was as follows:

Introit If ye love me by Tallis

Opening hymn Love’s redeeming work is done

Versicles and responses Saunders

Psalm 23

First lesson

Magnificat Brewer in D

Second lesson

Nunc Dimittis Brewer in D

Creed, Lesser Litany and Lord’s Prayer Saunders

Collects

Anthem Praise to thee Lord Jesus

Hymn I the Lord of sea and sky

Final Hymn Now the green blade riseth

Cantamus was conducted by their musical director Malcolm Wood and accompanied on the organ by David Beeby.

St Andrew's Church made us feel very welcome and provided refreshments for choir and congregation to share after the service.

St. Katharine's Church, Southbourne A FESTIVAL OF NINE LESSONS AND CAROLS Saturday 19th. December 2009, 6 pm

2009-12-15T09:26:00.000-08:00

On Saturday 19th December 2009, Cantamus Choir and St Katharine's Church Choir joined together to present a Traditional Festival of Lessons and Carols. The choirs were directed by Malcolm Wood, who also accompanied the Congregational Carols on the organ. The order of service can be seen below. After the service choir and congregation joined together to enjoy Christmas drinks and mince pies.

St. Katharine's Church, Southbourne

A FESTIVAL OF NINE LESSONS AND CAROLS

Saturday 19th. December 2009, 6 pm

Processional Hymn 1 Once in Royal David’s city (Choir only verses 1 and 2)

Bidding Prayer and Lord’s Prayer

First Lesson Genesis 3: 8-15

God announces in the Garden of Eden that the seed of woman shall bruise the serpent’s head

Choir People look East arr. Stainer
Hymn 2 O come O come Emmanuel

Second Lesson Genesis 22: 15-18
God promises to faithful Abraham that in his seed shall the nations of the earth be blessed

Choir Ding dong merrily on high

Third Lesson Isaiah 9: 2, 6-7

Christ’s birth and kingdom are foretold by Isaiah

Hymn 3 O come all ye faithful (vv 1,2,6)
Cantamus In dulci jubilo arr. Pearsall

Fourth Lesson Micah 5: 2-4
The prophet Micah foretells the glory of little Bethlehem

Hymn 4 O little town of Bethlehem

Fifth Lesson St. Luke 1:26-38
The Angel Gabriel salutes the Blessed Virgin Mary

Choir The Angel Gabriel

Sixth Lesson St. Matthew 1: 18-23
St. Matthew tells of the birth of Jesus

Choir O Little one sweet (harmonised J.S Bach)
Hymn 5 Away in a manger (Choir verse 1)

Seventh Lesson St. Luke 2: 8-16
The shepherds go to the manger

Hymn 6 While shepherd’s watched their flocks
Choir Past three o’clock

Eighth Lesson St. Matthew 2: 1-11
The wise men are led by the star to Jesus

Choir We three kings
Hymn 7 As with gladness men of old

Ninth Lesson
St. John 1: 1-14
St. John unfolds the great mystery of the incarnation

Recessional Hymn 8 Hark the Herald Angels sing

Christmas Carols in Westbourne Arcade Saturday 12th Dec 09

2009-12-15T09:23:00.001-08:00

On Saturday 12th December 2009 members of Cantamus choir sang carols in Westbourne Arcade from 2 -4 pm. We sang a varied programme of carols, including a number at the request of passers by. The weather was clear and cold which brought the Christmas shoppers out in strength. As usual, we will be making a donation from this event to support the work of Michaels.

Evensong for All Saints Day, Sunday 1st November 2009

2009-11-03T07:17:00.000-08:00

On Sunday 1st November 2009 Cantamus choir was invited to sing a Festal Choral Evensong for All Saints Day at St Katherines Church Southbourne, Bournemouth.

The music included:

Responses by Ayleward
Canticles by Walmisley

Anthems:
Tye -Hail Glorious Spirits
Parry -My Soul There is a Country

The service was very well attended and well received.

The church very kindly thanked the choir by providing a wonderful tea for us afterwards which we very much enjoyed!

Choral Evensong St Luke's Winton, Bournemouth, Sunday 7th June 6.30pm 2009

2009-05-14T03:22:00.000-07:00

On Sunday 7th June, Cantamus sang Choral Evensong at St Luke's Winton, Bournemouth at 6.30pm.

The music will include:

The Saunders responses

Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis by Murrill

'Let all the World', from the 5 Mystical Songs, by Vaughan Williams

Organist's Association Evensong

2009-05-14T03:18:00.000-07:00

Cantamus enjoyed helping to lead the Bournemouth Organist's Association Choral Evensong after their Annual General Meeting. Our choral Director, Malcolm Wood, was cantor for the service; David Beeby conducted.

Cantamus Christmas Events 2008

2009-01-21T03:52:00.000-08:00

Cantamus Events Christmas 08

As usual Cantamus had a busy December. The events at which we sang are listed below:

Saturday 13th December
Carols in Westbourne Arcade
We sang a wide range of unaccompanied carols for two hours to the shoppers in Westbourne.

Tuesday 16th December
Carols at Oakmead School
We were delighted to be asked to perform at, and help lead, the Oakmead School Carol service.

Thursday 18th December
Carols at Homelake House, Station Road, Parkstone, Poole. We very much enjoyed entertaining residents, in this warden assisted house, at their Christmas Party.

Sunday 21st December
Festival of Lessons and carols, St Luke’s Winton
Cantamus joined together with St Luke's Church Choir for a Traditional Candlelit Service of Nine Lessons and carols.A large congregation enjoyed singing the well known christmas carols and listening to the choirs performing items ranging in period from from plainsong to the present day.After the service congregation and choirs shared a range of refreshments at the back of the church.

Advent Carol Service Sunday 30th November 6.30pm

2008-11-29T00:38:00.000-08:00

“From Darkness to Light”

On Sunday 30th November 2008 Cantamus choir Bournemouth and St Luke's Choir will join together to lead a Traditional Advent Carol Service in St Luke's church, Winton, Bournemouth.

All are welcome.

At the beginning of the service the church will be in subdued lighting. The choir will process to the West End of the nave. They will then sing the MATIN RESPONSORY to the setting by Palestrina, after which they process to the chancel singing “Creator of the stars of night” to plainsong. When they are in their places all lights in the church will be illuminated.

The service will be as follows:

Opening Prayers

HYMN Lo! He comes with clouds descending
CHOIR Adam lay ybounden Boris Ord

FIRST READINGS

HYMN Hark a herald voice is calling
CHOIR A spotless rose Herbert Howells

SECOND READINGS

HYMN Hark the glad sound
CHOIR The Angel Gabriel

THIRD READINGS

HYMN On Jordan’s bank the Baptist’s cry
CHOIR Angelus ad virginem (14th. Century)

FOURTH READINGS

HYMN The advent of our God
CHOIR There is no rose Graham Ellis

FIFTH READINGS

PRAYERS

COLLECT FOR ADVENT

CHOIR People look East John Stainer
HYMN O come, O come Emmanuel

THE BLESSING

The choirs will be directed by Malcolm Wood.
They will be accompanied by David Beeby on the organ.

Music for a Summer's Evening

2008-07-07T02:48:00.001-07:00

A varied programme of music was enjoyed at the concert on the evening of Saturday 5th July 2008.

All musicians gave freely of their time, on a completely voluntary basis, performing for the Glory of God.

For information regarding details of the music performed and musicians please see the programme and notes below:

Programme:

St. Luke’s Choir and Cantamus Directed by Malcolm Wood
Hosanna to the Son of David Arthur Hutchings

Arthur Hutchings was born at Sunbury-on-Thames in 1906 and died in 1989. After a career as a teacher he was appointed Professor of Music at Durham University in 1947. His joyous anthem ‘Hosanna to the Son of David’ with words from the antiphon for Palm Sunday effectively illustrates the shouts of the crowds as Jesus enters Jerusalem

Ave verum corpus William Byrd

William Byrd c. 1542 – 1623 was organist at Lincoln Cathedral and later at Queen Elizabeth 1’s Chapel Royal jointly with his teacher Thomas Tallis. He founded the English Madrigal School and is considered to be one of the greatest Tudor composers. This very moving setting of ‘Ave verum corpus’, a fourteenth century hymn which hails Christ as the true body born of the Virgin Mary suffering the pain and death of crucifixion for the atonement of mortal sin.

Piano solos Four Contredanses K269b Michael Whiteside (piano) W.A. Mozart

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart 1756 – 1791 was born in Salzburg and began composing at the age of 6 being first taught by his father Leopold and later by J.C. Bach and Joseph Haydn. He performed all over Europe but despite success and fame died in poor circumstances. The contredanse seems to have developed from the English Country Dance which it resembles being danced by two couples facing each other (contra = against). It consists of a series of 8 bar phrases which may be repeated as many times as desired.

Bop goes the weasel Katy Wallis (piano) Bill Readdy

Bill Readdy was born in London in 1953. His parents were both musicians, playing both jazz and classical piano. Bill started learning the piano at the age of six, and started singing in the church choir at the age of eight. After hearing an Art Tatum record Bill became extremely interested in jazz piano, and started composing and improvising at quite an early age. Bop ( as opposed to Pop!) goes the weasel is a lively jazz version of the well-known nursery song.

Vocal duet:
I sing of a maiden Patrick Hadley
Lauren Laing (Soprano); Danielle Davenport (Mezzo Soprano)

Patrick Hadley was born in Cambridge in 1899 and died in London in 1973. He studied at Cambridge University and the Royal College of Music eventually becoming Professor of Music at Cambridge from 1946 – 1963. This setting of a fifteenth century text “I sing of a maiden” in praise of the Virgin Mary combines tenderness with intensity. The two upper voices are accompanied by a gently rocking piano part which creates the mood of a lullaby but with undertones of pain and sadness.

Cantamus Directed by Malcolm Wood
Beati quorum via C.V. Stanford

Charles Villiers Stanford was born in Dublin in 1852 and died in London in 1924. He was Organist at Trinity College Cambridge at the early age of 21 and later after gaining the university’s doctorate in music became Professor of Music at Cambridge. He was also a very influential teacher of composition at the Royal College of Music in London where he taught many of the later famous English composers – Vaughan Williams, John Ireland, Frank Bridge and many others. Although a composer of major works for orchestra, chamber music and oratorios he is now mainly remembered for his songs and church music which latter set a new standard and is still sung in Anglican Cathedrals all over the world. ‘Beati quorum via’, the beautiful setting of words from Psalm 119 “Blessed are those that are undefiled in the way, and walk in the law of the Lord” is dedicated to Alan Gray and the choir of Trinity College, Cambridge. It is written in 6 parts, 3 upper voices and 3 lower. These are used sometimes alternately and at other times each of the six voices enters one after the other to gradually build up rich harmonic textures of sound. The overall effect is one of peace and tranquillity.

Flute solo:
Andante Pastoral Paul Taffanel
Rebecca McLaughlin (Flute); Malcolm Wood (piano)

Paul Taffanel 1844 – 1908.A distinguished French flute virtuoso, conductor, composer and teacher, Paul Taffanel was a very impressive figure in Parisian musical life. Taffanel was one of the first musicians to see the flute as an extraordinary instrument. Taffanel single-handedly created the modern French school of flute playing. The achievements of the School were soon adopted worldwide. Taffanel was appointed professor of the Paris Conservatoire. The Andante Pastoral is a beautiful fantasie with rapid swirling figures in the flute part blending with rich harmonies and unexpected key changes in the accompaniment creating a mood reminiscent of Debussy and the French impressionist style of composition.

St. Luke’s Choir and Cantamus
Cantique de Jean Racine Gabriel Fauré
Directed by Malcolm Wood David Beeby, organ

Gabriel Fauré 1845 – 1924 was Director of the Paris Conservatoire from 1905 to 1920 and taught Ravel amongst other composers. He wrote in a delicate balanced style mainly in small forms for piano, chamber ensembles, orchestra and choral groups. He is famous for his beautiful Requiem and for works such as the Pavanne heard at this concert in an arrangement for organ from the original orchestral version with optional chorus. Its restful mood (apart from a more agitated middle section) is reminiscent of the beautiful choral work ‘Cantique de Jean Racine’ which precedes it. The Cantique is a setting of words by the 17th century dramatist and poet Jean Racine. It was Fauré’s first significant composition, written in 1865 whilst he was in his final year at the École Niedermeyer, the ‘École de musique religieuse et classique’. He submitted the piece for the composition prize, and won, though it was only published eleven years later, with a full orchestral version following in 1906.

Organ solo Pavanne Gabriel Fauré
David Beeby (organ)

St. Luke’s Choir and Cantamus Directed by Malcolm Wood
O Thou the Central Orb Organ: David Beeby Charles Wood

The first part of our concert finished with the exuberant and ever popular anthem ‘O Thou the Central Orb’ by Charles Wood 1866 – 1926. Like Stanford he was born in Ireland and studied at Cambridge University where he also became Professor of Music. Again, like Stanford, he did much to raise the quality of church music at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. The words of the anthem adapted by H. R. Bramley celebrate the brightness and radiance of God entering our dark and wintry world.

Interval

The second part of our concert consisted of music composed entirely by the Austrian composer Joseph Haydn 1732 – 1809. He was a very prolific composer having written 104 catalogued symphonies, 84 string quartets, concertos, 20 operas, songs and many other works including his famous oratorios “The Creation” and “The Seasons” which were inspired by visits to England during which he heard performances of Handel’s oratorios. He established the form of the classical symphony and taught Beethoven and was a great influence on Mozart

Cantamus
Missa Brevis St. Joannis de Deo (“Little Organ Mass”) Joseph Haydn
Soprano Solo: Rebecca McLaughlin
Violins: Cathy Beeby, Danielle Davenport, Dorothea McCabe
Cello: Kathy JacksonContinuo,
David Beeby
Directed by Malcolm Wood

The Missa Brevis St. Joannis de Deo is known as the “Little organ Mass” due to the use of the organ as continuo and its predominance in the Benedictus. Haydn was in friendly contact with the Order of the Brothers of Mercy and dedicated this work to their Patron Saint, John of God. The text was radically shortened by having two or more parts sing different words simultaneously as in the Credo and Gloria. He wrote the work while organist to the Esterhazy family and he conducted the first performance playing the organ part himself. The movements are:

Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, Benedictus and Agnus Dei

Our concert ended with two well-known excerpts form Haydn’s Creation:- a two-part arrangement of the chorus 'Achieved is the glorious work' followed by the choirs singing 'The Heavens are telling the Glory of God'.

Duet: Achieved is the Glorious Work (“The Creation”) Joseph Haydn
Lauren Laing (Soprano): Danielle Davenport (Mezzo Soprano)

St. Luke’s Choir and Cantamus Directed by Malcolm Wood
The Heavens are telling the glory of God (“The Creation”) Joseph Haydn

Details of soloists in order of performance:

Michael Whiteside sings in St. Luke’s Choir and Cantamus. He was a student at Bournemouth School and is currently studying for a music degree at Southampton University where he sings in the University of Southampton Chamber Choir.

Katy Wallis is a student at Bournemouth School for Girls. She has sung in St. Luke’s Choir and Cantamus and is a member of the Bournemouth Youth Handbell Team. She is currently studying piano and organ is a student at Bournemouth School for Girls. Katy is also a keen dancer and performs with “Pure Funk”.

Danielle Davenport is an A Level student at Bournemouth School for Girls and has been singing for the past seven years. She is also an accomplished violinist and a member of the Bournemouth Youth Handbell Team. On completion of her A level studies she aims to study history at university.

Lauren Laing is currently a Year 12 student at Bournemouth School for Girls. She is a member of St. John’s, Moordown Church Choir in which she has sung for the past 10 years. She is currently studying for Grade 6 Singing and also plays the trumpet. On leaving school she hopes to study Marine Biology.

Rebecca McLaughlin has sung with Cantamus since she was 11. In 2006 she completed a music degree at Durham University where she held choral scholarships and sang with Durham choirs in many English cathedrals. In addition to singing she plays the flute to a very high standard. This year she submitted her research to Durham University for her Masters degree.

David Beeby began his musical training as a chorister, then later Assistant Organist at the church of St. James the Greater, Leicester. He studied at the Royal Academy of Music with David Sanger and Arthur Wills where he won a prize for organ improvisation and gained a first in his final organ examination. In addition to being a Fellow of the Royal College of Organists, he also holds the College’s Choir Training Diploma gaining the John Brook Prize for the highest marks in the practical section. He was Organist and Master of the Choristers at St.Peter’s, Bournemouth from 1993 – 2002, after which he was appointed Head of Music at Poole Grammar School.

Ensembles

We are very grateful to David and Cathy Beeby, Kathy Jackson, Danielle Davenport and Dorothea McCabe for forming the orchestra to accompany the Haydn Little Organ Mass. We very much appreciate their giving of their time and talents to make this performance take place.

Cantamus is a chamber choir specialising in liturgical music from the Tudor period to the present. It was formed by Malcolm Wood in 1992 and has sung in local venues such as Christchurch Priory, Wimborne Minster and St. Peter’s, Bournemouth. The choir also likes to bring traditional church music to churches which have no choir of their own. We are available to sing at weddings and sing in secular venues at Christmas.If you are interested in joining us, or would like more information, contact Malcolm Wood. Tel 01202 525444

St. Luke’s Church Choir is affiliated to the Royal School of Church Music and has been directed by Malcolm Wood since 2001. It is a four part choir with members of all ages and sings anthems, settings, psalms and other liturgical music of all periods. Apart from the weekly sung 10 am Eucharist, the choir also sings fully choral evensongs and special seasonal festival services at Christmas and Easter. If you are interested in joining us, or would like more information, contact Malcolm Wood. Tel 01202 525444

The Bournemouth Youth Handbell Team (run by Cathy Beeby who sings with St Luke’s regularly on a Sunday morning) had been intending to perform in this concert but, unfortunately, were unable to join us because of sickness.

The music in the evening’s concert was given in aid of materials and resources for St. Luke’s Sunday School; people gave generously to a retiring collection, which was taken by children from the Sunday School. We would like to thank those who supported this very successful event.

Music for a Summer's Evening Saturday 5th July 2008

2008-06-09T04:12:00.000-07:00

Music for a Summer's Evening Saturday 5th July 2008

St Luke's Church Choir

Conductor Malcolm Wood

Organ David Beeby

with

Cantamus Choir

conductor Malcolm Wood

organ David Beeby

and

Bournemouth Youth Handbell Team

director Cathy Beeby

Music will include

Missa Sancti Johannis de Deo - Haydn

accompanied by musicians from St Luke's Church

soloist Rebecca McLaughlin -mezzo soprano

The Heavens are telling the glory of God -Haydn

Cantique de Jean Racine - Faure

Ave Verum Corpus -Byrd

Beati Quorum Via -Stanford

O Thou the Central Orb - Wood

Soloists:

Michael Whiteside - piano

Rebecca McLaughlin -flute and mezzo soprano

and others

Admission Free -retiring collection in aid of St Luke's Sunday School

Choral Evensong Sunday 15th June 6.30pm

2008-06-09T03:03:00.000-07:00

Choral Evensong Sunday 15th June 6.30pm

On Sunday 15th June St Luke's and Cantamus Choirs sang Choral Evensong in St Luke's Church Winton, Bournemouth.

The music performed included:

Saunders responses

Psalm 100

Canticles - Brewer in D

Anthem - The Heavens are telling the Glory of God (from The Creation) by Joseph Haydn

Conductor Malcolm Wood

Organ David Beeby

All welcome

Festival of Lessons and Carols Sun 23rd Dec 2007 6.30pm sung by Cantamus Chamber Choir and St Luke's Choir

2007-11-14T07:43:00.000-08:00

Festival of Lessons and Carols

On Sunday 23rd December, Cantamus Chamber Choir joined together with the choir of St Luke's Church, Winton, Bournemouth for a traditional Festival of Lessons and Carols.

Many people came to hear their favourite carols and listen to the choirs singing special arrangements of others.

The atmosphere of a candlelit service in a welcoming, friendly church was a fitting start to the Christmas season. Choirs and congregation enjoyed mince pies, crisps, sherry and non alcoholic punch together.

The choirs were especially pleased to welcome a former member who now lives in Spain, and (members when they are in Bournemouth) three undergraduates to share Christmas celebrations with us.

We were also delighted to be approached, after the service, by a young gentleman who had enjoyed listening so much, that he will be auditioning to join us in the new year.

The Choirs were conducted by their Musical Director, Malcolm Wood and were accompanied by Organist David Beeby.

Christmas Carols in Westbourne Arcade, Christmas 2007

2007-10-16T09:53:00.000-07:00

Saturday 22nd December 2007 - Carols in Westbourne Arcade

Cantamus Choir sang a wide variety of carols in Westbourne Arcade from 2pm -4pm on the last Saturday before Christmas. It was lovely to see the pleasure that this gave to Christmas shoppers of all ages. We received many compliments, the most pleasing of which was that, 'this was the real Christmas; this is what Christmas is all about.''

People listened to a range of Christmas carols while they: completed their Christmas shopping in Westbourne; admired the seasonal displays in the Westbourne Arcade shops and while they rested over a meal or drinks in the Arcade Cafe.

Thanks to the generousity of our audience, we will be making a donation to Michaels (as we usually do at this time of year) to help them with their valuable work, helping people to leave 'life on the streets' behind them and take their place within society.

It is an important part of our ethos that we help local charities at Christmas -in past years we have raised money for a children's ward at Poole Hospital, have given to night shelters and to a home for single young women with children.

Cantamus Bournemouth event:Choral Evensong Sung by St Luke's and Cantamus Choirs Sunday Nov 4th 2007

2007-10-13T17:26:00.000-07:00

Cantamus Bournemouth event: Sunday Nov 4th 2007 at 6.30pm

Choral Evensong Sung by St Luke's and Cantamus Choirs

On Sunday November 4th 2007 the two Bournemouth choirs directed by Malcolm Wood combined to sing a fully choral evensong in St Luke's Church Winton, Bournemouth.

The music included:

Responses: Smith
Setting: Brewer in D
Anthem: Give us the Wings of Faith by Bullock

Cantamus Concert Sunday 7th October 2007 -Vivaldi Gloria

On Sunday 7th October at 6.30pm Bournemouth's Cantamus Choir performed Vivaldi's gloria in St Luke's Church Winton. The choir was conducted by its Musical Director Malcolm Wood and accompanied by David Beeby.

This concert was especial because it was arranged to mark Malcolm Wood's 40th anniversary of being an organist and choirmaster.

St Luke's Church hosted audience members from previous churches where Malcolm had directed the music. The audience contained a direct link with Malcolm's first organist/choirmaster post - the wife of the vicar of St Clement's Church supported the concert.

Both choir and audience not only enjoyed the music but also the chance to mix together after the concert while enjoying refreshments.

Cantamus Choir formed 1992

2007-10-13T17:15:00.000-07:00

Cantamus choir was formed in January 1992. You can see a picture of us below.

Here is our cake celebrating our first recital:

We were given cassocks in 1993 as a thank you for helping St James's Pokesdown by singing for a number of special services. Here we are in our 'new' robes:

By 1998 we still had many of our founder members but had also been joined by new singers: