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With great sadness we also announce the passing of our founder and conductor Philip King MBE on 8th May.

Philip was a truly remarkable figure in music education, whose vision, dedication and passion touched the lives of countless young people across South Derbyshire and beyond. Over fifty years ago, he founded the South Derbyshire Music Centre and the South Derbyshire Singers, later Cantabile — a legacy that has endured and flourished, inspiring generations of musicians. It was in recognition of this extraordinary contribution that he was awarded his MBE, an honour that reflected the enormous respect and admiration in which he was held.

Philip gave so much of himself — his time, his knowledge, and his love of music in all its forms — to ensure that others could discover and share in the joy he found in it. His influence will continue to be felt in every student he taught, every ensemble he nurtured, and every life he enriched.

He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Our heartfelt love and sincere condolences go to Richard and Elizabeth and their families at this most difficult time. May they find comfort in knowing how greatly he was cherished, and how lasting his legacy will be.

We are sad to announce the loss of Peter Evanson.

Peter was a member of the choir for over 50 years and sadly passed away 15th April at the age of 85.

Peter was a supportive and enthusiastic member of Cantabile. He also performed with Rolleston Choral Society and helped choirs at several churches. He just loved to sing. Many would say that you heard Peter before you saw him. He would burst into song anywhere and at anytime.

When his eyesight began to fail, I had the pleasure of driving him to practice. He would sing all the way there and all the way home. Not always choir music, there were a few rugby songs as well.

As his health worsened Peter was most grateful to Ian and James, fellow Cantabile choir members, who supported him in rehearsals and to the late Roy who provided Peter with CD’s to help him learn his music. This enabled Peter to continue his joy of singing as long as was possible.

Cantabile will miss Peter’s naughty humour, his smile and his beautiful bass voice greatly.

Our sincere condolences go to Louise, John and Matthew

— Helen Gilliver

We currently have vacancies for
two first sopranos
and
two second basses.

For further information, simply email admin@cantabilechoir.co.uk

Cantabile is offering scholarships for all vocal ranges of £500 per year for two years, for talented singers aged 18-25 years.

General criteria for application:

• By audition: Grade 8 or equivalent standard.
• Ability to sight-read.
• Aged between 18 and 25 yrs.

Advantages of a choral scholarship:

• The opportunity to develop vocal and musical skills through high level choral practice.
• Participate in professional standard rehearsals and public performances.
• Enjoy an extensive choral repertoire.

Conditions of a scholarship:

• Attendance at a weekly rehearsal and all scheduled performances.
• Contributing to the life of the choir.
• Yearly report to the trustees, outlining how the scholarship has aided development.

Please contact admin@cantabilechoir.co.uk for an application form to apply.
Closing date: Saturday 28th June 2026
Auditions: July/August 2026

Roy’s sudden death has left us all totally stunned. 

Roy has been one of the most supportive members of our choir throughout all the years he’s sung with us.  He had a fine tenor voice and he regularly suggested new music to me.  Of course everyone benefited from the huge number of rehearsal tracks he prepared, thus enabling those who needed additional support for note-learning at home.  As a conductor, I never underestimated the good which these tracks meant to so many.  Typical of Roy was the fact that when Abi announced the new repertoire for this term, he immediately set about creating the rehearsal tracks, even though he was ill!  

Alistair, one of our basses who left us in the summer to work in Utah, wrote ‘He was such a lovely, enthusiastic choir neighbour, and arranging my men’s group send-off touched me greatly. How very sad. I shall be raising a final parting glass to him and a life well-lived tonight. 

My thoughts are with you, the choir and his family.

​Roy didn’t confine his music interest to Cantabile: he regularly told me of the music he was learning with his other choirs.  He was a past trustee of the South Derbyshire Music Centre, and from my perspective, he was often my ‘go-to’ person when I needed help with my computer! He worked tirelessly to help anyone who needed support.

There are many, many reasons why we’ll miss Roy, but mainly, I believe, for his complete dedication for all that Cantabile strives to do.  We will miss him greatly.

Philip King​ MBE    Cantabile Choir