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The Musical Daily Allowance

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What do you do to keep your mental health where you want it to be? How do you get out of a rut when you’re feeling down?

I have exciting news. A study out of Britain suggests that just listening to music for 9 minutes makes you feel happier. Off the top of my mind, I can’t think of anything that would lift my mood quicker than that! Can you?

Researchers in Britain are reporting that most of us may benefit from being prescried a daily musical allowance from our doctor to improve our mood. The researchers found that people often use music to make them feel happy, process sadness and to aid their focus and concentration.

I think it is very impressive that 89 percent of almost 8,000 participants in the study had improved energy levels and another large majority (65%) laughed more just after a short duration of time. This definitely puts a new spotlight on the phrase “Laughter is the best medicine”. I know that I always feel better after laughing. It really is amazing.

Are we, Cantala music makers, surprised by these findings? No..

We have likely already discovered that music is essential for our optimial health and wellbeing and that it is one of the reasons why we have seeked out making music with others.

Considering that choir reherasal is about 90 minutes long, coming to choir is really like a big happy mental health party! While nothing is gauranteed, it is likely that you will leave in a different mental state than you arrived in.

Just another reason to join choir.

See you on Monday Septemer 12th, 7pm for our first rehearsal.

Auditions for newbies happening now.

Music as Medicine infographic, from The British Academy of Sound Therapy. Picture: BAST

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Magical Endocannabinoids

We have all come to choir rehearsal feeling drained and walking out feeling energised. This is not just an observation anymore but proven science. And it is due to a chemical called endocannabinoids….. Hubba what??

Me too. No idea.

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New Beginnings

Cantala Choir and I had our first in person rehearsal in two years in February 2022 and for so many reasons, it feels like a new beginning. For one, as I re enter the world of choral music and choral programming I feel I have many new ideas and perspectives. So consider this: what about changing “hundred of years-old sacred text” to a sacred text that is relevant to our human society today? Radical idea? Read on.

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Cantala's AGM

Did you know that Cantala is a registered charity and has a Board of Directors? All charitable organizations in Canada are required to have a Board of Directors to oversee and direct the vision and mission of the organization. Who is on the Board of Directors and what is their role in your singing experience? Read on to find out.


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Saturday December 17th 2pm

Here at Cantala our favorite Winter themed concert includes A Ceremony of Carols by Benjamin Britten. However, we have now presented that work recently and made an outstanding recording of the work with Canadian legend Harpist Erica Goodman, so what could be next to rival that work? Read on to find out.

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Ending the year 2023

Do you ever think about death? I do. Death was an underlying theme at the concert this past December 2nd. It was a powerful night of wonder.

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