News for members

FEBRUARY 2012

This month there is not much to report - January and February are months where very little happens, and we are all already looking forward to March and the first signs of spring.

The concert calendar this year is a little less than in previous years, but we have some good quality events planned, and I am looking at some other possibles, but I won't be telling you about these until I have more information, and then when I do, I will be handing over to Loraine, our Secretary and events co-ordinator.

The new CD 'Together in song' is finally out and selling after a much-awaited launch. I would like to thank the members for some very good sounds on the recording, and it is a good representation of what we as a group can do. My thanks to all involved.

I would like to thank Carole (Goldsmith) for arranging the photograph to be taken, and I think we all agree that the results were first rate. Such a shame that some members missed the opportunity, because it would be so good if every member could be in the photograph. We will arrange an outside photograph in the castle or the priory ruins in the spring and summer months, and attendance will have to be mandatory - so we can finally get a picture with each and every member present.

I would like to turn your attention now to the two rehearsals I have had to cancel this month - firstly the 8th and then  the 22nd. The former is because I have a parish church council meeting, and as Director of Music to the parish I have an obligation to attend. The second date is yet again a church commitment - Ash Wednesday service. I hazard a guess that Anna too, as Organist at Pembroke, would be involved on the launch of Lent service, so it is not possible to hold a rehearsal this night. Moving on slightly from this, I would just like to state publicly that I am a little disappointed to have heard again that my commitment to Cantabile has been questioned in malicious rumours. I will be speaking to the committee about this, because I want to pin point the people responsible who are saying this, and put a stop to it once and for all. As a person I am extremly busy, and as MD to the Male Choir and DofM to the Parish of Haverfordwest, there is a lot of work to be done outside of Cantabile.  I also hasten to add that my two other roles which I have mentioned are remunerated roles where Cantabile is totally voluntary basis, so without putting a finer point on it, I ask members to draw their own conclusions. I have given 100% commitment to Cantabile from day one, and will continue to do so. There will be times when rehearsals may have to be cancelled, and this comes with the nature of my other roles, but this is kept to a minimum wherever possible. I wish to reiterate here so every member can read it, that this sort of gossipping and ill-founded rumour must stop, and if anybody has concerns, then come and speak directly to me in this regard.

Finally, it is with regret that we have lost Clare Rabjohns as a member of the soprano section. There are reasons why Clare felt she had to leave, but I am hopeful that she may return in the future. On a happier note, we welcome Louise to the sopranos, who I hope will be encouraged to stay with us and settle in.

I am looking forward to a good year ahead and some very good profile performances. The millennium centre will happen at some point later in the year, and I am already looking forward to our candlelight music for Christmas which will be very atmospheric.

Let's have a good year. Take heed of what I have spoken about this month, and we move forward in unity.

With best regards

Richard