How long have you been in the choir?     

Since it began in around 2000. But I have been involved in various musical experiences with Richard Hubbard since the early 90s, when he directed the local choir for Roger Jones’ musical Angel Voices in the Charter Hall. That choir was part of Music and Worship Foundation, but it sowed the seeds for what was to become the  Cantus Firmus Choir.

What first attracted you?      

The wide variety of music, and Richard’s distinctive and encouraging style of leadership and conducting.

What do you particularly enjoy?    

Meeting up with friends from other churches in the area, as well as the singing. Even the warm-ups are fun!

What was your favourite event?     

They have all been enjoyable, but probably Sharers in the Promise. Mersea Island churches were involved in the very early days. It has been encouraging to see how this unique work has developed and adapted according to the skills available, and the venue. The version we did at St. Botolph’s was a most professional production, as well as being a moving spiritual experience.

What do you feel is particularly distinctive about the Cantus Firmus Choir?    

As an ‘occasional choir’, there is not the regular commitment week by week, so it gives opportunities to singers who are already committed in other ways to be involved. But more important is the wide variety of musical styles used. I have learnt to appreciate music which I do not normally experience in my own church.

Are you involved in all the events?

Most of them. Richard gives the freedom for choir members to drop in and out on a per-event basis, so although he expects people to attend rehearsals for the event they have signed up for, there is no pressure to be involved in everything.

What would you like to see the choir do next?

Grow. Richard puts in such a lot of work in the preparation of events. It would be encouraging for him to know well in advance how much support he would get for a proposed event. And there is so much the choir can offer to the local community.

Pat Kirby, interviewed by Howard Gardner