A retreat is your chance to step aside from life for a while, to rest and just 'be' in a welcoming, peaceful place.
Our Patrons
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Margaret Rizza
Composer and musician, Margaret has been an enthusiastic supporter of the work of the Retreat Association for a number of years and was Liturgist at our 2015 conference (see photo below).
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​Margaret studied at the Royal College of Music in London and the National School of Opera in Italy and went on to use her gifts as a world-class opera singer for 25 years under such conductors as Benjamin Britten, Igor Stravinsky and Leonard Bernstein.
Margaret then taught singing at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama for 17 years. In 1986 she dedicated herself to the wider aspect of music in the community including outreach projects in prisons, hospitals, hospices and schools.
She began training and directing choral groups in 1989 and composing in 1997, and her contemplative choral music has received worldwide recognition. She has led many retreats, days of prayer, days of music and meditation, and vocal and choral workshops. Her beautiful contemplative music continues to be widely used and loved in church and reflective settings.
