Cantorion Llandrindod is one of four shortlistees for the 2026 RPS Inspiration Award. We are welcoming public votes to choose the winner – voting is open until 11am on Monday 2 February 2026. The winner will be announced at the RPS Awards on Thursday 12 March at Southbank Centre's Queen Elizabeth Hall.
What began as four friends gathering informally to sing together, has lasted more than 50 years to become Cantorion Llandrindod – a mixed-ability, four-part, non-auditioned community choir based in Llandrindod Wells. Now directed by Hilary Cox, the 25-strong choir performs a range of sacred and secular music, from major choral works to madrigals, sometimes a cappella, or accompanied by instrumentalists when funding allows. Members and audiences travel far to attend performances in this rural part of mid-Wales, where Cantorion Llandrindod’s adventurous programming has become a distinctive feature of its music-making. The group welcomes anyone with an interest in singing its varied repertoire, with a focus on bringing new and varied choral music to its members and audiences. The group maintains a close relationship with contemporary composers Nic Shipp and Rhian Samuel, and is fortunate to count two composers among its members: Jeremy Lingard and Jonathan Copus.
In recent months, Cantorion Llandrindod’s highlights have included Advent and Christmas concerts with music by James MacMillan, Judith Weir and Eric Whitacre, and welcoming non-choir members to a ‘come and sing’ Fauré Requiem. They’ve shown a notable commitment to making underrepresented composers heard in their Voices of Wales: Women in Focus concert, featuring music by Delyth Cresswell, Grace Williams, Hilary Tann, Morfydd Owen and Rhian Samuel.
‘Our weekly rehearsals have become one of the most important and enjoyable parts of my week. Learning, growing musically, and sharing the deeply moving experience of melding voices with people I now count as good friends is such a special experience. A recent programme brilliantly compiled by Hilary, our Music Director, highlighting works by lesser-known female composers proved enormously inspiring, not only for the choir, but also our wonderful, dedicated audience. It’s given the choir confidence in singing ever more ambitious works.’
Kirsty, alto
‘Cantorion Llandrindod has re-emerged since the pandemic invigorated with a new purpose. It’s enabled me to enjoy my singing, learning new and exciting works by current, local and international composers. The sense of belonging is immense and the concerts in the local church, central to the community, help to cement our place here in Llandrindod Wells. Having sung all my life, it continues to bring new joy and satisfaction with my ongoing participation. Long may it continue.’
Toby, tenor
The RPS Inspiration Award is generously supported by Stainer & Bell.
