Return visit by Canta Nova:
 

The Bristol Hannover Council, Westbury Singers and Bristol at large were very happy to play host to some colleagues from Canta Nova Vokal Ensemble choir from Hannover from 13th October to 19 October 2003. It had always been the desire of Westbury Singers to host a return visit for their wonderful hospitality when Westbury Singers visited Hannover in 2001.

During the week, Canta Nova Vokal Ensemble was able to spend some time in the Westbury on Trym area of Bristol, some members staying with local families and the choir rehearsing at The Westbury Baptist Church. Canta Nova has about 35 singing members, 24 of whom were on the tour. Their leader Eiko Saathoff, a young and expressive conductor won the hearts of audiences and members of Westbury Singers alike.

After their arrival and on the first full morning in Bristol, the group was taken on a walk around the harbour and docks and some of the older parts of Bristol. On entering Bristol Cathedral on College Green in the city centre, the choir was sufficiently inspired to break into spontaneous song. Regrettably as the organ was being played it had to be arranged with the verger for them to go back the following afternoon for them to sing in such a splendid setting. A similar urge came over them in Bath's Assembly Rooms where again they found excellent acoustics and were able to entertain other visitors.

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The choir had 2 singing engagements at schools, firstly Broomhill Primary in Brislington and then Cotham Grammar School, before concluding the week with a joint concert with Westbury Singers in Clifton Cathedral. Both choirs sang separately and, in a grand finale, four pieces together.

The final event was a "Barn Dance" on the Saturday evening as a conclusion of their week's activities. The choir say they have very happy memories of Bristol and Westbury on Trym to return home with.