Canto (Latin, Italian) "To Sing" or "Song"

Based in Butlerstown Community Centre, Canto is a brand new community choir formed in September 2024

Location of Butlerstown Community Centre

Would you like to have fun and sing in a choir?

Are you a living in or near the Butlerstown / Barryroe area?

It is free to take part, there is no audition and no previous choir experience is necessary.

You are welcome whether you are an experienced musician or a complete beginner whatever your age*.

All ages welcomeAll ages and abilities are welcome

* Under 18s must be accompanied by a designated parent or guardian at all times

Canto (Latin, Italian) "To Sing" or "Song"Canto (Latin, Italian) "To Sing" or "Song"

When does Canto meet?

Tuesdays (beginning 17 Sep 2024)
7:30pm to 9:00pm
Butlerstown Community Centre

What can you expect?

  • Broaden your horizons with wide variety of music including:

Rock | Classical | Sacred | Gospel | Pop | Traditional | Jazz | Rounds | World Music | Musicals | Madrigals | Contemporary | Experimental

  • Learn how to sing in harmony
  • Master how to read music
  • Fun, Laughter and Community

Who is running this?

Canto Community Choir is founded by Denis O'Regan

 

Composer, Arranger, Conductor, Pianist, Music Therapist, Choirmaster

Biography

Born in Skipton, Yorkshire in 1961, Denis O’Regan is of Irish, German, English and Dutch descent

In 1983 he was the first composer to graduate from the Guildhall School of Music, London.

Denis also studied piano, voice, percussion and conducting and during his time at Guildhall met Carol Dolan.  A talented cellist from Wicklow, Ireland, Carol had given up her career playing with the RTE Symphony Orchestra to undertake a post-graduate qualification as a Music Therapist which at the time was not available in Ireland.  So it was in moving to London to study that Carol and Denis met.

In 1986 Denis also qualified as a Music Therapist, married Carol and therefore they were probably the first married couple of Music Therapists.

Denis O'Regan GGSM, LGSM(MT)Denis O'Regan GGSM, LGSM(MT)

In his early career Denis worked in the NHS as a full time Music Therapist in a long-stay institution for adults with Learning Disabilities.  He also applied his profession in a child diagnostic centre and specialised in working with people with challenging behaviour and severe multiple disabilities.

WildFireWildFire

In the nineties Denis helped to launch a covers band called Wildfire arranging and performing music from the 50s to the present day.

As well as gigging in the UK for weddings, and corporate events, the band performed in France and Italy and was known for their tremendously wide repertoire covering artists such as Otis Redding, James Brown, Abba, Oasis, Madness, Sting, Kylie, Robbie Williams and Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Carol and Denis redesigned their lives moving to West Cork in 2015 knowing nobody there.  They are now appreciating the wonderful wildlife living in a home on the edge of the Atlantic and are delighted to have been welcomed into the local community.

Denis now uses his IT skill to develop websites for faith communities, (see faithful.ie) provide livestream Masses, as well as taking on the role of stranding researcher and Cork coordinator for the IWDG (Irish Whale and Dolphin Group).

Over the years Denis has held posts in several churches as Musical Director and Choirmaster.  He continues to be involved in various music ventures and is currently putting the finishing touches to composing a new musical setting of the Mass as gaeilge.