Canto resumes in September 2025

Register Here (it's free)

Jeannine Gibson

I joined Canto from the start along with my husband who has never sung in a choir before.

We were new to the area and it has been a great way to meet people. It is a friendly and inviting environment with a fun atmosphere. It's really nice to be part of the choir. It sets new and interesting challenges while giving a great sense of achievement and comradery.

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Jeannine Gibson
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Teresa Egger

I joined Canto to enhance my voice. I found this choir so organised and welcoming, fun, fablous people, great spirit and inspirational. 

I missed one night in total, I loved it so much.

Thank you to Denis and Carol and Ann Marie, and all my Canto Friends..... see you all in September.

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Teresa Egger
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Jane Murphy

I joined Canto as I like to sing and the idea of a community choir sounded interesting.

I have loved every Tuesday evening.  Each gathering was well organised and thought through by you Denis.  Having received your messages with the programme and music was very helpful.  Thanks for that.  (Your IT skills are amazing, music, website, practice pieces, etc.  - all so...

Jane Murphy
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Anne Caher

I had heard so much about the benefits of being part of a choir, but never got around to joining one before. And also wasn't sure if I would be 'good enough'! But Canto sounded like something it would be nice to be a part of. I did feel apprehensive but soon found out how good it was, even though I didnt know many people. I'll admit that I found some pieces quite challenging, but Denis was always...

Anne Caher
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Nuala

I joined Canto because I wanted to learn how to sing better. I enjoy singing even though I don’t think I have a ‘good’  voice and sometimes I don’t even stay in tune.  Even though it’s an effort for me to go there on Tuesday evenings, afterwards I am always glad that I did. I get a buzz out of it and I learn new songs. There is no judgement, just encouragement. My...

Nuala
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Sheila Dennehy

My initial attraction to joining Canto was when a friend  told me that one didn't have to be a good singer to join the Choir.

While I  have always loved music, I have never studied it & I am not a good singer.

With some trepidation & lots of excitement, I headed to Butlerstown on the appointed Tuesday night last September. 

I soon forgot about myself,...

Sheila Dennehy
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Ruth Wallace

From dogs to music, both lift my spirits!

I met Denis and Carol, through my dog groomer, and when I heard that they were going to start a community choir, sure I just had to give it a go.  The distance felt a little daunting for the dark nights as about 35mins drive over the hills and far away, so I asked a couple of women in my locality and 1 said she would join me on this venture. ...

Ruth Wallace
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Cathy Teale

I sent the Ave verum to a friend who is taking up position on Cannon Precentor at St. Paul's, get me,

Comments were "accurate and confident", high praise from the high church.

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Cathy Teale
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Mary Kearney

I joined canto because I like singing and I am thrilled that I joined. I find the Tuesdays enjoyable and come away feeling better. The music you choose is varied and your teaching is very good. It’s great to have the recordings of each part. It makes it easier for us all. You are so organised it astounds me! All your hard work pays off and the open evening was delightful. So sorry I couldn’t stay...

Mary Kearney
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Gillian Orsatti

Just love it!!!
Have learned so much, and it's really fun.
Amazing harmonies..... definitely my happy place.
Denis and Carol are wonderful.
If you love music it's a must.

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Gillian Orsatti
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Cathy Teale

Two of my friends said I should come along. So glad they did, it's been such a joyful experience. The encouragement from  Denis shines through  in the exuberance and enthusiasm of all the singers.

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Cathy Teale
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Gemma O'Brien

Are there words? Maybe you should let Michael O’Brien at it….

Anyway here’s a go….

Canto on a Tuesday night. How to describe it…. 

Two hours of fun, laughter and joy…Leave with a spring in your step, a tune running through you, and a smile on your face that will still be there the next morning ♥️

Thank you again and again, we are blessed

...

Gemma O'Brien
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Kay O'Neill

I'm living in Clonakilty and have been following the choirs practices online with a view to becoming an active member. Had the opportunity to attend the open evening on Tuesday last and oh boy ! It exceeded my expectations.  From the informal inclusiveness to being well organised the convivial atmosphere the genres of music harmonies and joyous uplifting 2 hours....what's not to like about...

Kay O'Neill
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Michele O'Dwyer

Why did I join … I sang in a choir with my dad as choirmaster years ago. As music and singing is emotive I couldn’t bring myself to sing in a choir again. I’m years saying I’d join a singing group and when canto landed in my doorstep I had no excuse. 

I absolutely love it .. it’s time out, you’re in the moment, it’s such fun (due to you), it’s not a competitive sport, its a “no hassle”...

Michele O'Dwyer
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Nadine Carroll

I had been thinking of joining church choir but when I saw Canto I thought well why not?. It is a great choir in a relaxed but organised structure. I missed a few sessions due to illness etc but slotted right back in. There is no pressure and only encouragement and fun. Great mix of songs and styles and we are consulted re times and choice of songs etc. If in doubt try it
out. " Denis is a...

Nadine Carroll
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Dominic Moseley

Being unable to read music and with limited experience of singing, I signed up to Canto with trepidation.
The friendly choir members and the musical skills of Denis, Carol and Anne-Marie meant that in a few weeks, I was joining in songs that covered a spectrum of styles. A lovely group.  More power to your baton,  Denis

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Dominic Moseley
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Ann Phayer

I joined because I enjoy singing - it makes me feel good.  Canto exceeded my expectations as I've learned so much about the technical side of singing with a choir - not as easy as I initially thought but the end result, when everyone sings together is amazing. Everyone is there for the same reason - to sing and enjoy it. A great outlet and no pressure.

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Ann Phayer
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What is Canto?

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

Canto is a free community choir based in Butlerstown*, West Cork

* please note temporary location: Barryroe National School

Location Map for Canto

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: 7:30pm to 9:00pm
Barryroe National School

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

How Do I Join?

Just register and you should receive all you need in an email (as it is automated you might check your junk mail folder and add the email to your trusted 'whitelist')

Register Here