Introduction
Welcome to the Cantores Olicanae website. We are a mixed voice chamber choir with approximately 50 members. We give the opportunity for amateur singers from Ilkley and neighbouring areas to take part in the performance of major choral works, under a professional conductor, with invited soloists and orchestral or keyboard accompaniment.
Each year the
choir performs five concerts, usually at St Margaret's Church, Ilkley, but
occasionally at Christchurch, Skipton, with performances in March or April,
June, October or November. We regularly round the year off in December with a
performance of Handel's Messiah, closely followed by our Christmas Carol
Concert. Visit Concerts to see our schedule and
details of how to book.
Cantores has been in existence since the late 1970s. Many distinguished Personalities have been or are associated with the choir. For more details of our origins and development through the years, see History.
We have performed over a hundred concerts since our foundation. To find out what repertoire we have covered in recent years, visit our Past Events section.
This level of activity is only possible with hard work and organisation. Choir practices are held on Tuesday evenings at St Margaret's church hall. Final rehearsals, with accompaniment, take place during the Saturday afternoon before every concert.
Everyone in the
choir is expected to attend the maximum possible number of rehearsals and not to miss
more than three rehearsals in any one term unless there are special
circumstances. Choir members should visit our
Members section for the rehearsal calendar and other items of
interest.
In principle we are an auditioned choir, with the understanding that applicants have had some experience and are able to read music. Our choir is currently at full capacity, but enquiries are welcome - see Joining the Choir.
Members enjoy a number of social occasions through the year such as a New Year social evening and an end of season Summer garden party. These events are organised by individual members but are open to the whole choir and guests. The choir is a happy social mix of ages, voices and musical interests.
The choir is affiliated to 'Making Music' and has good relationships with other local music groups. Again, visit the Information page to see links to all relevant information.
We are a registered charity, no. 700841.