A POPULAR choir in Oswestry has been able to find a workaround allowing for its return to singing together since lockdown restrictions have eased.
Cantiones, formed in 1982, has more than 30 singers in its group but with a restriction of the number of people allowed to meet together limited to six, meaning it was unable to take up of the offer of a room at Sweeney Hall.
Instead, aware that rules differ across the border in Wales – where groups of up to 30 can meet – the group was able to meet at Black Park Chapel, in Halton, to rehearse during on May 4 – the first time since September 2020.
Musical director, Martin Bussey, who has been producing rehearsal videos for the choir on YouTube as well as leading whole-choir rehearsals on zoom for nearly a year, said it was a delight to be back together.
He added: “It was great to be able to rehearse in person again.
"We’ve been working hard in zoom rehearsals but were excited to be able to rehearse together in a focused way once again, preparing to perform.
“It felt fantastic to be singing with other people again, to hear them and to make music with them. I’m feeling on top of the world."
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More than two-thirds of the choir returned to singing at Black Park, and while the weather prevented everyone singing at the same time outside, splitting into two small groups, distancing appropriately and wearing face masks allowed two rehearsals to go ahead inside.
Meanwhile, the majority of Cantiones’ members are happy to meet both to rehearse and to perform, despite nationwide fears over returning, and the choir plans to take part in International Music Day on Monday, June 21 in Cae Glas Park.
Also, during the afternoon of Saturday, July 3 the choir also hopes to present a concert in Holy Trinity Church.
A spokesman added: "Cantiones would like to extend its very grateful thanks to Sean Evans for his original offer to host our rehearsals at the Sweeney Hall Hotel and to Dr Bridget Drukker at the Black Park Chapel Trust for the hosting offer we were able to take up."
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