A SPECIAL performance by the Cantamus Choir can be enjoyed in the acoustic ambiance of Milton Abbey ahead of Christmas.

The vocalists will sing on Thursday, December 13 from 7.30pm.

Cantamus was formed in 2012 and have been performing around west Dorset, east Devon and south Somerset ever since, giving concerts in spring, summer and Advent each year.

The 25 members all live within reach of Bridport, where they rehearse at Holy Trinity Church, Bothenhampton.

The choir performs a magical mix of the very best music from six centuries of composition: Palestrina and Gibbons, Mozart and Mendelssohn, Bob Chilcott and John Tavener. Rather than being based around one major work, Cantamus programmes consist of about 20 songs or short movements, so there’s always something for everyone; listeners find themselves challenged by an unfamiliar piece one minute, then relaxing into the comfort of an old favourite the next. The Milton Abbey concert will include some traditional Christmas music, including the Coventry Carol and Rutter’s arrangement of the Sans Day Carol, as well as a couple of rarely heard 17th-century pieces by Juan García de Zéspedes (Mexico) and Joan Cererols (Spain).

With a fine tone and an exquisite blend of voices, the choir has established a loyal following across the region among lovers of quality sacred and secular music. After a recent concert, one audience member wrote: “What consistently turns Cantamus concerts from very good to outstanding is [the] brilliant choice of repertoire,” while other reactions have included “stunning”, “beautiful” and “fabulous”.

The group’s musical director is Malcolm Knowles, a St John’s College Cambridge choral scholar who went on to study singing in the UK and Austria. He has had a long, distinguished career as a tenor soloist in choral music and opera, and has directed several

accomplished choirs. The accompanist is Steve Kinnersley, a pianist of broad experience who also currently plays with the Dorchester Area Schools Partnership orchestra and is a member of a local folk duo.

*Cantamus, Milton Abbey, Thursday, December 13, 7.30pm. Tickets cost £10 for adults and £5 for under 18s, available at miltonabbey.org/events, and also on the door. Proceeds will go to the Milton Abbey Heritage charitable Trust towards abbey renovations.