ILKLEY’S leading chamber choir, Cantores Olicanae, have begun this season’s rehearsals led by their newly-appointed Musical Director, Rory Johnston. Rory is a conductor, composer, tenor and pianist from Bradford-on-Avon. Currently, he is studying for a MusM Masters degree in Instrumental Composition at the University of Manchester, having recently graduated with a First Class Honours degree in 2016.

As a pianist and tenor, Rory has performed in various capacities including singing treble and becoming head chorister in the Bath Abbey Choir, with live recordings on BBC Radio 3 and 4.

Rory has wide-ranging experience as a conductor. During his time as an undergraduate he worked with all the university ensembles, including the symphony, chamber and wind orchestras, whilst also directing the choirs. As well as Cantores Olicanae, he is now the director of The Brixi Singers, The A Capella Singers, Wigan Choral Society and the Manchester Renaissance Ensemble, of which he is the founder.

The Cantores Olicanae choral season begins with a concert on Saturday, November 19 at 7.30pm in St Margaret’s Church, Queen’s Road, Ilkley. The programme includes Elgar’s The Music Makers and With Proud Thanksgiving, plus songs from a new work by Geoff Cloke entitled For the Fallen to mark the centenary of the end of the Battle of the Somme. The choir will be conducted by Rory Johnston with guest contralto Lucy Vallis and organist Alan Horsey.

Tickets are available from The Grove Music Shop on 01943 817301 or ring 01943 830873 or on the door on the day of the concert.

Tickets £10, £5 students, under 14s free.

For further details of this and future concerts visit: www.cantoresolicanae.org.uk