About Us

Performing major choral works for over 60 years

The Isle of Wight Cantata Choir was founded in 1956, originally as The Isle of Wight Cantata Club, by Andrew Pusey, the County Music Adviser.

Dennis Wickens succeeded him in the Adviser role and also as Isle of Wight Cantata Choir’s Conductor from 1967 to 1976.

In 1977, following in both roles, Douglas Potts took the choir from strength to strength over a period of 21 years.

Our Musical Director

Rachel Tweddle has been our Musical Director, since March 1998.
Rachel was educated at Carisbrooke High School and studied clarinet, piano and singing on a scholarship at Trinity College of Music, London.
She subsequently took up a teaching position as a clarinet specialist, with the Schools Music Service, in Guernsey and participated in both orchestral and choral sides of musical life; being involved with church and chamber choirs.
After five years on the Channel Island, Rachel went on to fulfil a similar teaching position in Bromley, Kent.

Since returning to the Isle of Wight, she has been absorbed with both choirs and orchestras – teaching young and young at heart, alike.
Currently, Rachel is the Head of Academic Music and Choir Director at Ryde School with Upper Chine.
Additionally, she is part of the female vocal trio ‘Trinity’, a guest vocalist of the local folk band ‘Slainte Va’, and clarinettist and chairman of the Island Concert Band.

Who’s Who

The success of the choir and its ability to perform live concerts depends on the dedication, energy and enthusiasm of its musical leaders, elected committee and supporters.

PRESIDENT

Douglas Potts

MUSICAL DIRECTOR

Rachel Tweddle

PIANO ACCOMPANIST

Richard Wilkins

CHAIRMAN

Geoff Kirk

TREASURER

Geoff

MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY

Judith

SECRETARY

Caroline

LIBRARIAN

Julie

SOPRANO SECTION LEADER

Pat

ALTO SECTION LEADER

Ann

TENOR SECTION LEADER

John

BASS SECTION LEADER

Chris

MAKING MUSIC REPRESENTATIVE

Ann

SPONSORSHIP REPRESENTATIVE