> Hi everyone,
> Happy 2010!
> The first enquiries have come in as to when choir is starting this
> year.
> As I know a few of you are around / some are at summer school, it is
> possible we could start early this year. At the very least it will be
> good to make a start with preparing for what will be a big year.
> Please advise when you can start coming along to choir again.

> First up, a choir camp in Oamaru in early March, tentatively March
> 13-14, going through technique, confidence building, voice matching
> etc and repertoire for the whole semester. Plan is to sing a concert
> at the end of it and link in with local musicians and schools. We
> received an OUSA grant to offset costs, estimate cost of $15 each
> towards a hostel. Please advise what dates are preferred, week 1, 2 or
> 3 in March.

> Next, we are invited to an Easter concert in Invercargill on April 4,
> i.e. Easter weekend. Travel costs will be covered and it will involve
> an orchestra.   Again, will be good to know who maybe available over
> Easter.

> Next, Cantores received a grant from Creative New Zealand for another
> Song, Dance and Art Concert. This will be in mid to late May and is to
> involve orchestra, art, dance and at least one pop song arrangement.
> I've already pencilled in some Bach B minor mass along with some Haydn
> and Elgar, but the rest is up for discussion.

> As is customary, it is inevitable that travel to other places will be
> discussed as the choir builds and therefore the repertoire learned in
> Oamaru will attempt to cater for many occasions.

> Plans have also begun to perform one of the most defining choral
> works, Monteverdi's Vespers (Vespro della Beata Vergine), which are
> 400 years old this year. This is pencilled in for September and its
> epic nature has meant I am preparing aspects of it already. As with
> the Mozart Requiem and the Bach Magnificat, singing this is a once in
> a life time opportunity.

> Finally, December will bring another Messiah with proceeds to a good
> charity.

> If you have any comments or queries, ideas and requests, please simply
> get in touch.
> Greg