IAN AKROYD

Cantabile is a chamber choir based in Chapel Allerton, North Leeds. We are a small group of experienced and enthusiastic singers who enjoy the challenge of performing a varied repertoire of choral music spanning almost 1,000 years.

I have been Music Director of Cantabile since 2011 and during that time we have performed a huge range of music from 12th century works by Perotin to works by contemporary composers such as Tormis and Gjeilo and works commissioned by and arranged for the choir. Much of our music is a capella. However, we have also performed works with organ, piano and string sextet including Vivaldi's Gloria, Coronation Anthems by Handel, Britten's Rejoice In The Lamb and works by Lili Boulanger.

As musical director of the choir I seek to present music that is challenging, beautiful and enjoyable for singers and audiences alike.

I am committed to developing partnerships with other arts organisations and under my leadership Cantabile have performed at the National Media Museum in Bradford as
part of their ‘Memento Mori’ exhibition; worked with performance artist Hester Reeve to develop and present YMEDACA at Yorkshire Sculpture Park and worked with contemporary artists to create 'Approaching Nocturne', a multi media visual and aural event.

In 2018 Cantabile performed a second time at Yorkshire Sculpture Park as part of "A Weekend of Wonderful Things", YSP's celebrations to mark its 40th anniversary. The choir was invited to give a series of 'promenade' performances in the park's stunning outdoor spaces. At the end of the day we gathered in the 'Deer Shelter' to sing Ola Gjeilo's beautiful setting of Ubi Caritas. You can experience this magical performance by clicking on the youtube link.

In 2021 we produced a virtual soundcloud concert comprising recordings from recent performances as a 'thank you' to all the audiences who have supported the choir since it was formed in 2007 and who were missing the opportunity of hearing us sing during the period of lockdown.