Cantabile Girls` Choir (Cantabile) was formed in September 2008 by Jo Williamson. Their first public performance was in April 2009 at the Hereford Festival where they won their class. In May 2012, the girls reached the semi-finals (last 6 choirs) of BBC`s Songs of Praise Senior School Choir of the Year competition. In May 2014, Cantabile reached the finals (last three choirs) of this competition, and in May 2015 not only reached the finals but also won this national competition. In July 2012, the girls also competed at the International Eisteddfod, Llangollen and won the Senior Children`s Choir class. Cantabile won this again in 2013, additionally qualifying as one of three finalists for the new “Children`s Choir of the World” award. Jo Williamson also won the Musical Directors prize. Further winning successes at Llangollen occurred in 2015, 2017 and 2018 (when Cantabile also won the accolade “Children`s Choir of the World”). In October2016, the girls competed in the Canta al mar International Choir Festival at Calella, Spain, where they came second in the Folk Song category. In March 2017, Cantabile competed for the first time in the Barnado`s Senior Choir Competition at the Festival Hall, and won, subsequently taking part in a concert organised by Barnado`s at the Royal Albert Hall in November. In 2019, Cantabile took part in The International Cardiff Choir competition for the first time, and won their category. In 2020, the COVID pandemic put a halt to rehearsals, concerts and competitions. In 2021, Cantabile eventually performed again in a Christmas concert in Dore Abbey. In July of 2022, Cantabile competed at Llangollen once again, and came second, just missing out on being Choir of the World once more. Jo Williamson won the most inspirational conductors prize again. Cantabile again reached the finals of the Barnado`s Senior School Choir competition in February 2023, and came second. In October 2023, the choir took part in the international Choral competition/festival in Calella, Spain, gaining 3 gold awards of 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the three competitions entered. We are looking forward to taking part in the Llangollen International Eisteddfod once again.
Country representing: England
Where and how often do you rehearse? We rehearse at school for one and a half hours a week
How would you best describe your group? The choir have a lovely mixture of personalities and are very supportive of each other. They work very hard towards all they do and enjoy working on many different styles of music. They are group of wonderful young people who give so much. A very proud MD.