As announced – tickets are available for the Amici Garden Party in Sandgate.  For only £12 a head, you can enjoy this beautiful garden (see photo attached), watch the Folkestone Air Show, and eat scones, strawberries and cream. Drinks will be available to buy.

Here are the details: 
Saturday 21 July, 3pm – 5 pm
14 Radnor Cliff, Sandgate CT20 2JJ

There is free parking for two hours. For those coming by public transport – buses 102 and 17 stop on nearby Sandgate Hill. 

You can buy tickets at the rehearsal this Wednesday or at the concert the following Wednesday, and after that – if there are any tickets left – you can reserve by e-mailing me at s.davies@canterburycantatatrust.co.uk. Places are strictly limited to 40 so don’t delay!

The money raised from this event will help to fund the orchestra for our upcoming concerts.

Dear Friends,

Some of you may be aware of the tragic death of Rob Thrower a former colleague at Canterbury Christ Church University. Rob sang with the Choral Society when I was there and continued to be a loyal ​singer with Dr  David Allinson. I copy below a message from David should any one wish to take part in this memorial service to be held at St Paul’s.

Grenville

As you know, Rob loved music, and was an enthusiastic member of University Chorus during my tenure at CCCU, and for many years before that, under your direction.

I am working with Clair, his widow, to bring together current staff, students, recent colleagues, alumni and friends to sing at a service of thanksgiving for his life, to be held in St Paul’s church, just off Monastery Street, at 4pm on Saturday 16 June.

I hope very much that members of your choir which rehearses at St Paul’s, that includes alumni and former colleagues, might be interested in taking part?

To explain the commitment: depending on numbers signing up, I’m hoping that the choir will sing two fairly simple accompanied anthems, and boost the three hymns with harmony and descants, if appropriate. The music will be ‘upbeat’, and while it will doubtless be an emotional occasion, the intention is to celebrate the creative, sociable and life-affirming person that Rob was.

Might you and your choir members be willing and available to sing? I’d love to have a substantial and good-sounding choir. 

Rehearsals will be in St Greg’s (singers must come to at least ONE of these):

Thursday 7 June, 5.30-7pm

Wednesday 13 June, 5.30-7pm (not possible for Amici)

Everyone will be required to attend the rehearsal on the day, hopefully at 1.30pm in St Paul’s (tbc: the vicar is currently away).

The service will last about an hour, and refreshments will be provided for all afterwards in the Cathedral Chapter House.

I hope you might be willing and able to help.

Would you pass this to your singers and any other contacts who might have known Rob, asking them to reply to me David Allinson <david.allinson@canterbury.ac.uk>AND to Events <events.mpa@canterbury.ac.uk>, giving the following information?

NAME

VOICE PART

CONFIRMATION OF WHICH REHEARSAL(S) YOU CAN ATTEND

This will enable me to select repertoire, make copies of scores, etc. Thank you so much.

And of course, if people are unable to sing but can attend to celebrate Rob’s life, they will be welcome at the service, too.

Best wishes,

David

Dear Amici
thank you so much for your wonderful singing so far this term – it is so exciting to work with you on the opera repertoire!

Please make a note of the following dates:
Wednesday 30th May – no rehearsal (half term)
Wednesday 27th June – recording for the Canterbury Recorder – rehearsal START AT 5pm
Wednesday 4th July – 5pm rehearsal for a 6.30pm concert

Also, for anyone interested in coming along to the Canterbury Voices event later this term, the concert is at 7.30pm on June 15th at St Mildred’s Church.

Finally, those gentlemen who would like to sing the verses for the Toreador are invited to come along at 5pm on Wednesday next week. We will go through the verses to share out the lines, clarify the French and secure the notes.

best wishes
Kerry