| Cantorion
Sydney - Male Voice Choir
A good male voice choir is hard to find! Cantorion Sydney,
aims to bring a special new choir to Sydney of which it
can be proud. In the Choir are men ranging
from 23 to 83 years of age.
To date, Cantorion Sydney has a foundation core of men
from various backgrounds which have a tradition in male
voice choral singing including Welsh, Italian and Russian.
The choir will focus on folk, classical and sacred works
from various ethnic sources with a core of Welsh standards
and some rareities giving it a distinctly Welsh flavour.
Director of Music John Lloyd had this in mind when he
created the group. He said “In Wales the male voice
choir holds a very special place in the hearts of our people,
so powerfully can it stir the deep feelings of love for
the country and its language. Beyond our country the sound
of our male voice choirs brings joy to people of many lands.
For myself the male voices choirs of Russia are special
in that they breathe the spirit and humour of the people
and can allow the spiritual feeling to flow to anyone who
hears their sound.
There is no greater male voice choral repertoire than
that of Germany. Anyone who has heard the Bavarian Radio
Choir singing Schubert will never forget it!”
The Choir has no allegiance to any faith or denomination
but it is fortunate to have as its practice venue, St Peters,
at the top of Blues Point Road in North Sydney. This is
very close to the North Sydney railway station. Here the
Choir has the use of fine instruments, pianos and organ,
in an acoustically vibrant surround.
John Lloyd (Mmus), is a musician who comes from the heart
of Wales and who was brought up in the Welsh choral tradition.
John has wide conducting and choir training experience,
has taught at the Conservatorium of Music and was a senior
lecturer in music at the University of Technology, Sydney.
He is currently Director of Music for the Centre for Research
and Education in the Arts at UTS. He speaks Welsh, English,
French and some German. He has also played football for
Newcastle.
The accompanist, Rachel Harding (Bmus Amus), has considerable
experience as a choir accompanist and is revered by the
members for her outstanding ability. Rachel has also toured
Europe as an accompanist.
Cantorion Sydney is calling for men from Sydney’s
Welsh community and beyond who have a love for singing
and a passion about their country’s traditions, heritage
and language to apply for membership.
“Practice is
a serious and enjoyable affair but there is always a fair
bit of good natured banter between the boys and John is
a great conductor” said baritone Richard Williams
(pictured)
Lloyd said “This is your chance or the chance for
your friend or acquaintance who can sing! To become a member
you will need a love for the male voice choral sound and
be able to sing in tune! There is no embarrassing entry
audition!
If you are interested in joining the Cantorion Sydney,
or would like further information -
Telephone the Membership Secretary on 99795584.
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