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Originally the Wagga Civic Choir, the Cantilena Singers was formed in 1977 under the directorship of Adrian Wintle and adopted its present name when Max Reeder became its longest serving director. A choir for Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Bass voices, the Cantilena Singers has a varied repertoire comprising folk, sacred, popular and operatic works. There are still a few members of the original choir amongst our number, which attests to its enduring nature.
Choir highlights over recent years have included three trips to Wagga Wagga's sister city of Nordlingen in Germany, a concert at Joyes Hall in 2001, which combined the talents of the Cantilena Singers, the Wollundry Singers, the High Wycombe Choral Society and the Australian Army Kapooka Band in a performance of John Rutter's Gloria and the Berlioz Tibi Omnes. In 2007, they performed Antonio Vivaldi's Gloria with the Murrumbidgee String Orchestra in Wagga and Cootamundra. More recent performances have included their own Annual Concert, providing music for various church and community services, the Leeton and Cowra Eisteddfod, and a program of carols for Christmas.
The Cantilena Singers became an ensemble of the Riverina Conservatorium in January 2004. The choir aims to provide opportunities for the enjoyment of singing and rehearsing together, learning new music, performing as a group and promoting a love of choral music in the community. The choir performs for the residents of Wagga and its nearby communities. The Cantilenas are also available to sing at weddings and functions when requested. |
