A NEWLY-set up community choir is offering people a chance to find harmony in their lives.
Canto was set up by Denis O’Regan, a composer, arranger, conductor, pianist, music therapist, and choirmaster and is open to people of all ages and musical ability – including those who have never sung in their lives.
Denis, and his wife Carol, also a music therapist, moved to Lislevane, outside Bandon, from the UK in 2015.
The Canto choir in full swing.
‘We didn’t know anybody here, but we are delighted to have been welcomed into the local community,’ said Denis.
His motivation to set up the choir was to give something back to the community that was completely free and that would help tackle social isolation, particularly during the winter months.
Denis got involved in the renowned ‘Tops’ variety show in Butlerstown, run by Anne-Marie O’Brien, when he first moved to the area.
‘Anne-Marie has since graduated with a first class honours degree in musical theatre so naturally can’t commit to the show anymore, and I just wanted to offer something as an alternative,’ he said.
He got a massive response when he launched the choir and has more than 80 people currently registered as members – with a general invite to anyone interested to join. The emphasis is very much on fun.
‘No auditions are required, there’s no pressure involved, no judgement and no commitment needed.
‘We meet weekly but people can drop in and out when they please,’ he said.
Members get the opportunity to learn how to read music and sing in harmony.
Denis said joining a choir has many benefits, ranging from the physical to the emotional.
‘It improves your breathing, posture, and muscle tension. It can even relieve aches and pains and help sustain your body’s natural immune system. Learning to sing in a choir can also boost your cognitive skills, memory, and release endorphins that give you a spring in your step for the rest of the week.’
Canto members, he added, are introduced to all kinds of music from different eras and genres – everything from Michael Jackson to Balinese music, and more.
• Canto meets every Tuesday in Butlerstown Community Centre from 7.30pm to 9pm. For more see canto.ie
CANTO’S AIMS
CANTO aims to offer free access to a community choir for local people of all ages and abilities.
As an experienced music therapist Denis says that community singing is good for mental health and can help tackle social isolation (especially through the dark winter months).
Participants are introduced to a broad variety of music from different traditions and cultures and there is an educational thread of learning to sing in harmony and how to read music.
Most importantly, there is fun, laughter and community at its heart.
