Each month we will sing the praises, or ‘trumpet’, an individual, group or organization that is making a positive difference in a community throughout the state. We could think of no more appropriate ‘trumpet’ for our inaugural issue than a choral group in, of all places, North Sutton, NH. And, oh by the way, they are known as the NH Troubadours.
In the summer of 2005, Susan Cancio-Bello, a transplanted North Carolinian and music professor at Colby-Sawyer College, organized the NH Troubadours to create an opportunity to sing with other talented adults and help raise money for music and arts programs in local schools.
The NH Troubadours ready for a madrigal feast. (Photo courtesy: Susan Cancio-Bello).
Since then, the NH Troubadours have performed a host of local concerts and two madrigal feasts, thus far raising more than $6,000 – donations given to support the music and arts programs in the Kearsarge Regional Schools and Andover Elementary/Middle School.
The NH Troubadours are community ensemble at its very best, comprised entirely of volunteers from Sutton and neighboring New London, Bradford, Wilmot, Sunapee, Warner, Springfield, and Andover.
With vocalists ranging in age from their 30s to their 80s, this spirited squadron of teachers, engineers, quilters, geographers and retirees delights in sharing its passion for performance and love of singing with others. According to Cancio-Bello, conductor Pat Porter challenges the group and keeps its “lads and lasses in shape.” Porter, 83, is an accomplished organist who studied under the legendary Robert Shaw and became the first female to play evensong recitals at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in 1949.
The NH Troubadours as currently comprised: Pat Porter; Linda Barnes; Susan Cancio-Bello; Nancy Edwards-Cogswell; Molly Kildane; Mary Shepard; Kendra West-Senor; Carol Foss; Greg Johnson; Steve Norris; Phil Porter.
Do you know of a special person, organization or tradition in your community that deserves to be trumpeted on these pages? If so, please contact us via e-mail at submissions@nhtroubadour.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by telephone at (603) 673-0100.
