SING WITH US
Cantemus is actively looking for competent singers and we have vacancies in all sections. If you’re thinking of applying to join us, you may find the information below helpful, together with a Q&A.
MEMBERSHIP
Members pay subscriptions by monthly standing order. This contributes to the costs of our professional Music Director and to our ambitious concert programme. The full rate is £22 a month. A probationary member of the choir pays 50% of the monthly subscription rate (£11 per month). A member in full-time education pays just £10 per term (£30 per year).
We are keen to ensure that singers on low incomes are still able to join/remain in the choir. Therefore a member in receipt of means-tested benefit pays 50% (£11 per month). Members occasionally also pay for purchase, hire or photocopy of scores which rarely amounts to more than £20 per year, subject to choice of programme.
AUDITIONS
You can audition to join us choir at any time throughout the year. Auditions are usually 1-1 with our Director Huw Williams and involve a selection of vocal exercises, sight reading and singing a pre-prepared solo you feel confident with. If you'd like to audition, please fill in the form below and our friendly Chorus Manager Pauline Cox will be in touch to provide more information and arrange next steps.
REHEARSALS
Following a successful audition, you will be formally welcomed into the choir. You will be assigned a mentor from your section (Soprano, Alto, Tenor or Bass) who can support where needed and answer questions. Everyone will be made to feel welcome, prepared and confident.
When: Saturdays, fortnightly
Time: 10.30 - 13.00
q&a
What are the best things about being in Cantemus?
Lots! We sing a huge range of wonderful classical music, from Renaissance to the present day, we’ve got a great conductor, we broadcast on TV and radio (check out our One Show appearance on our YouTube channel!), we’ve done some very high profile concerts, such as singing in Buckingham Palace, and we work with top-notch orchestras and soloists. But in spite of our reputation as one of the country’s best amateur choirs, we’re a very down to earth, friendly bunch, and all new members are guaranteed a warm welcome.
Do you socialize much as a choir?
You won’t have to try very hard to persuade people to come to the pub after rehearsal: we’re a very sociable lot. There’s usually a celebratory curry after every concert, and we regularly arrange dinners and evenings out.
Will I get to go on tours?
Yes! We’ve previously been to Holland, Germany and Italy, and have sung services at St Paul’s Cathedral, St George’s Chapel, Windsor and Westminster Abbey.
Do I need to be an experienced singer to join?
We do expect our members to have experience of choral singing, but you don’t need to have been a professional singer or a music graduate (although some of our members are). Good sight-reading skills are desirable, as our rehearsals are fast-paced and focus on interpretation rather than learning notes. Most of our members work hard on learning the repertoire at home in between rehearsals, so that we don’t have to spend time 'note-bashing'.
I’m interested! What do I do next?
Fill in the form below with some details about your previous singing experience. Music qualifications aren’t essential, but if you have any, please tell us about them. If we think your experience matches what we’re looking for, we’ll be in touch to invite you along to a workshop day, and then we’ll take it from there!
We look forward to hearing from you.
Your information will be stored in line with our privacy statement, which you can find here. If your application or audition is unsuccessful then your data will be deleted immediately, unless you opt to join our mailing list.