By Anna C - Chorister This is my second year in Cantiamo's Training Choir. It's been a wonderful experience so far. Jackie and Laura choose (and even compose) lots of interesting music for us to sing, in different languages sometimes. We sang Klee Wyck, a song about Emily Carr who is one of my favorite… Continue reading Cantiamo Training Choir – a chorister’s perspective
At the beginning of February 2015, the Cantiamo Girls Choir of Ottawa went on an overnight retreat to the Bonnenfant YMCA camp. The camp is located right beside the Ottawa River, with woods and nature surrounding it. At that time of year, the snow blanketed everything. The setting alone was enough to bring us closer… Continue reading Cantiamo Winter Retreat
The atrium of the Royale Retirement Residence in Kanata (Ottawa) was festively decorated and glittering with Christmas lights on December 8, 2014. Many of the residents were gathered waiting. In this annual event, the Cantiamo Girls Choir of Ottawa had come to sing Christmas carols for - and with - the residents. This special night brought beautiful,… Continue reading Christmas at Royale Retirement Home
It’s the most wonderful time of the year: food, decorations, music, concerts, caroling, Santa, and of course, Christmas movies. There are few things I can think of that I love more. All year, I look forward to this special time but - without a doubt - the thing I look forward to most at Christmas… Continue reading Holly Jolly Christmas Concert
Lying on the floor at the yoga studio one day, I found myself (rather than focusing on my breathing) wishing I could invite my “yoga friend” Marilyn to a Cantiamo concert. Marilyn, a woman perhaps in her 60s, attends yoga class regularly, and we often exchange a few friendly words of conversation or at least… Continue reading Sharing the Music
On November 12th and 13th, 2014, the Cantiamo Girls Choir performed in Mendelssohn’s Midsummer Night’s Dream at the National Arts Centre (NAC). Cantiamo, under the direction of NAC Music Director designate Alexander Shelley, sang together with Vocum from Canterbury High School, Ensemble vocal sénior De La Salle High School and the ladies of the University… Continue reading Midsummer Night’s Dream at the NAC
On May 5th, nearly five hundred choristers packed into the NAC foyer. Every one of them loved to sing, and knew they were there to promote music education. When Jackie Hawley raised her arms, all eyes were focused on her. The singers were silent, until she brought them into song. These choristers were proud to… Continue reading Music Monday 2014
The following article was first published in "Dynamic," which is the publication of Choirs Ontario. Choirs Ontario supports choral music groups and directors across the province of Ontario. Cantiamo's choir manager, Jane Pickett, was invited to share her experience on running an board meetings. As you may have already experienced firsthand, board meetings can be… Continue reading How to have Effective Board Meetings
The performance of Stabat Mater by Pergolesi and Requiem by John Rutter on Easter Saturday, April 19th, 2014 at St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Kanata, Ontario was another special night for the Cantiamo Girls Choir. As Manager of the Cantiamo Girls Choir whose daughter performed in the concert and as a chorister in the St.… Continue reading Stabat Mater and Requiem – A Special Evening
On March 2nd, 2014, Cantiamo Training Choir participated in the "Together in Song" Training Choir Festival along with the Goulbourn Junior Jubilee Singers, Cross Town Chorus, and Baobab Roots. The event included an afternoon workshop followed by a performance for parents and guests. This is the second year I have been fortunate to be involved… Continue reading “Together in Song” Training Choir Festival
