Pamela Cook

Review: Called by one observer "probably the best girls' choir in the world," Mansfield, Nottinghamshire's (UK) Cantamus Girls Choir consists of approximately 40 girls aged between 13 and 19. Founded in 1968 by Director Pamela Cook, the Choir has consistently won international competitions such as the "Choir of the World" title 1997 Llangollen Eisteddfod, Olympic Champions title at the World Choir Games 2004 and 2006 and many others. There are 20 songs here, mostly lightly accompanied by accompanist and arranger Michael Neaum. Some of our favorites are "Look to this Day," "La Regata," "O Won't You Sit Down?," "Goin' Up-a-Yonder;" "Pretty Little Horses," "And So It Goes," "Miss You Nights" and "The Rose." Wonderful leads, perfect harmonies - "Joy" is exactly that!

Songlist: Look to This Day, White Waves on the Water, The Last Spring, La Regata, Sous le Dome Epais, The Lord Bless You and Keep You, Sanctus, O Won't You Sit Down?, Didn't My Lord Deliver Daniel, Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child, Goin' Up a-Yonder, You Raise Me Up, Pretty Little Horses, Harry, Can You Hear Me?, Hallelujah, And So It Goes, Who Knows Where the Time Goes?, Miss You Nights, The Rose

Review: This disc by this exemplary girls' chorus is an assortment of songs from around the world, from traditional folk music to works by composers such as Pergolesi, Schubert and Lloyd-Webber to spirituals. Many of the songs were arranged for Cantamus by their accompanist Michael Neaum. The chorus shows great skill in their mastery of a wide variety of styles and languages. This recording showcases pieces under the topics of Morning Joy, Meditation, Love's Delights, Love's Lament, Dancing and Goodnight. This CD features "Songs from a Bare Mountain" by Nigel Osborne, which was commissioned by Cantamus.

Songlist: Gaudete, Christus est natus, My Lord, What a Mornin', The Nightingale, Gaude Mater Polonia, Sanctus (Petite Messe Sainte Cecile), Didn't it Rain!, Allelujah!, Quando corpus: Amen (Stabat Mater), Cantique de Jean Racine, Songs from a Bare Mountain, Pie Jesu (Requiem), Calino custore me, Sakura, Standchen, Op. 135, Danny Boy, John's gone to Hilo, The Water of Tyne, Der Wasserman, Dancing Song, Dance to your Daddy, A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square, Leka Nosht

Review: Michael Neaum's arrangements number over 150. His work is lauded by choirs for being singable. He brings out the color and flavor found with in the conventional harmonic idiom and adds unexpected nuances. In addition to arranging, he is the accompanist for Cantamus. On this recording the world renowned girls' chorus sings Neaum's accompanied and a cappella arrangements of folk songs, spirituals, madrigals, Victorian songs and popular ballads from the twentieth century. Neaum's arrangements are wonderfully sung by this exceptional chorus.

Songlist: Tiree Love Song, A Bunch of Thyme, The Stuttering Lovers, Lullaby, Dolina, I Gave My Love a Cherry, A la rurro nino, Bolero, Listen to the Lambs, All my Trials, Deep River, I Got a Robe, Amor Vittorioso, Rest, Sweet Nymphs, What Then Is Love But Mourning?, Pavane, Excerpt: Venus & Adonis, Full Fathom Five, What if I Never Speed?, The Last Rose of Summer, The Lost Chord, Yesterday, Just the Way You Look Tonight, I Got Rhythm

Review: Founder Pamela Cook directs Cantamus, based in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, UK, her 40 hand picked singers, girls age 13 to 19, in a generous, finely-crafted Christmas collection of 19 songs. Just a quick listen to John Rutter's "Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day," and accompanist Michael Neaum's arrangements of "The Little Drummer Boy" and "Do You Hear What I Hear," and we know what a treat "Noel" is going to be! Mostly accompanied by piano, flute and other instruments, there are few sounds as joyous and welcoming at Christmas than these soaring, spirited young voices singing favorites like "Patapan," "Stille Nacht," "White Christmas," "Riu, Riu Chiu" and "Away in a Manger;" and lesser-known tunes like "I Sing of a Maiden," "Lullay Myn Lyking," "Midwinter" and "Pastorcito Santo." Treat yourself and your loved ones to "Noel," a true musical Christmas gift!

Songlist: Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day, The Little Drummer Boy, Do You Hear What I Hear?, I Sing of a Maiden, A Maiden Most Gentle, Patapan, Midwinter, Riu, Riu, Chiu, Pastorcito Santo, Shepherd's Pipe Carol, What Child is This?, The Lily and the Rose, Sussex Carol, Stille Nacht, Mary's Lullaby, Lullay Myn Lyking, Away in a Manger, The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy, White Christmas