Cantorion Phoenix supports Nevill Hall

Posted: 25th May 2023

Clarence Hall regular Cantorion Phoenix recently presented a cheque to the Windsor Suite, Nevill Hall as part of its ongoing support of local causes.

Founded in 2011, Cantorion Phoenix is a mixed choir for people of all backgrounds and singing abilities.  Thanks to the enthusiasm and boundless energy of the choir’s Musical Director, Dian Winter, what started as a small choir with only a hand-full of members has now grown to a well-established and popular choir performing at many events in Crickhowell, Govilon and the surrounding areas.

The choir’s emphasis is very much on the community aspect and its mission is to enable those who enjoy singing to attain a high standard of musicianship.  Anyone wishing to sing may join, with no auditions, nor is there a requirement for members to read music.  For many members, the choir’s weekly rehearsal is the highlight of their week, combining music, friendship and fun!

In addition to benefiting the community of members, Cantorion Phoenix gives a number of concerts each year with the aim of fundraising for a number of local causes, in this case the Windsor Suite at Nevill Hall.  Members of the Choir who attended the presentation ceremony included:  Dian Winter, Musical Director; Mike Davies, Treasurer; and Jeff Fisher, Librarian.  Natalie Poore, deputy sister accepted the cheque on behalf of the Windsor Suite.

Unfortunately, Sue Konieczny, a former patient of the Windsor Suite and a current choir member, was unable to attend.  She was represented by her husband Tony Konieczny, who as a town councillor and Mayor of Abergavenny from 2019 until 2021, chose the Windsor Suite as his charity.  The money being presented now was from donations towards a Gala Concert in aid of the Mayor’s charity arranged by the choir, which then had to be cancelled due to the pandemic.

One of the highlights for the choir in recent years was the invitation it received to perform at the International Music Festival in Llangollen in July 2019.  This was a tremendous experience for the choir, with a memorable conga being undertaken as part of the warm-up process!  Cantorion Phoenix hopes to revisit Llangollen in the not too distant future, but for the time being it has its sights on Abergavenny Eisteddfod in June.

New members are always welcome.  If you enjoy singing inspiring musical arrangements and having lots of fun, then Cantorion Phoenix can be found rehearsing at the Clarence Hall on Tuesday evenings in term time, between 7.30 and 9.00pm.