Firstly, because we are asked about this on so many occasions, a word about our name.. In 2004, when the group was first formed, we all realised it was something quite different and (we thought, anyway) exciting and we wanted our name to reflect that. Finding something suitable was rather more of a headache until, by chance, Zelda (one of our founding members) found a picture of a dodecahedron and made the mental lateral leap to 'Dodecantus'. We didn't tell her that 'dodeka' (Greek for 'twelve') and 'cantus' (Latin for 'singing') are actually two different languages as we didn't want to hurt her feelings. So 'Dodecantus' it was - with the added 'uk' tag because we didn't want to be confused with an Italian group known by the same name. As you may have gathered by now, Dodecantus is a group of singers. Since the early days (when there really were only twelve of us) we have grown a little and now have up to 16 singers at any one time. We like to keep our numbers small to ensure we create something very special and intimate whenever we perform, forging a bond between ourselves and our audience, without whom no performance is complete To us, our listeners are as much a part of the act as ourselves and we therefore do our best to cultivate a friendly, informal, atmosphere at all our concerts. However, it should not be inferred from this that we let our musical standards drop - our aim is, and always will be, to perform to the very highest standards, though it should not be underestimated just how difficult it is for individuals to sing in a group as small as this. There are no hiding places and it requires dedication, commitment and a love of music which, we hope, comes across in our performances. With regard to our preferred repertoire, we haven't really been in existence long enough to root ourselves firmly in any historical style. Besides, our members' interests are so wide- ranging we are keen to keep an open mind and take on new challenges whatever their format. A flick through our concerts pages should give you a fair idea of what we have achieved so far. In addition to our formal concert programme, we are available for any occasions where anybody feels it might be appropriate to have some music - weddings, christenings, funerals, anniversary bashes, formal dinners - you name it, we will consider it. We are far less expensive than you might think and would be pleased to discuss different choices of music to suit different occasions. So if you have an event coming up where you think we could add a certain something, please feel free send us an email or telephone Tim, Francis or Zelda. Dodecantus is a relatively new choral ensemble interested in performing music to the best of our collective abilities but still making the experience fun for both ourselves and our audience. Like any infant, we need a helping hand, as we have ambitions beyond our current budget. In particular we would very much like to attend various international music festivals and are planning a tour of Burgundy in summer 2006. It follows that we would be delighted to hear from anybody who would be interested in offering us support or sponsorship, however small, to help us get there - every £20 is a set of music for one singer. Please do get in contact if you think you might be able to help in this regard, or feel free to pass our details to any squillionnaires that you might know. Another way you can help is to become a Friend of Dodecantus. It's free and there are a number of benefits aside from the knowledge you will be supporting the arts. |
Hello and welcome to Dodecantus!