About Us - Schola Cantorum of Waynesboro VA.

Schola Cantorum of Waynesboro was formed in 1996 to give accomplished area singers an opportunity to learn and perform great works of the master composers. Its name, derived from medieval Latin meaning "school for singers," is a testament to the mission of the group, which is to challenge its musicians to master and perform the great works of classical music for the enjoyment and education of the community.

Since its inception, the group has performed many great works including J. S.Bach's "Magnificat", Maurice Durufle's "Requiem", Gabriel Faure's "Requiem", George Frederick Handel's "Messiah" and Mendelssohn's "Elijah". Schola has presented Joseph Haydn's "Mass in the Time of War" and "Te Deum", as well as a performance of the great Giacomo Puccini's "Gloria".

Waynesboro and the surrounding area are home to many talented musicians including instrumentalists who perform in many orchestral and musical events. Schola Cantorum has joined forces with the Waynesboro Community Orchestra performing Antonio Vivaldi's "Gloria" and in another joint concert featuring Franz Schubert's "Mass in G". Schola recently collaborated with the Waynesboro Symphony Orchestra (formerly the Waynesboro Community Orchestra), under the direction of Peter Wilson, including their final selection, Tchaikovsky's The Year of 1812, Festival Overture.

In an effort to afford our local students with opportunities to sing and perform with professional orchestras and soloists, Schola has joined with the Waynesboro High School Concert Choir. One such concert presented "Come Lovely Spring" from Haydn's "Seasons" and "Lacrymosa" from Mozart's "Requiem". A collaboration on Carl Orff's "Carmina Burana" included Schola, Waynesboro High School Concert Choir and the Kate Collins Middle School Ragazzi. This performance included soloists and a double piano accompaniment.

Striving for greater variety in its repertoire, Schola also performs shorter works of contemporary music, folk songs and spirituals. One such concert featured John Rutter's "Magnificat" and "St. Francis in the Americas: A Caribbean Mass" by Glenn McClure. The latter piece was accompanied by the 14 piece JMU Steel Band who also held a workshop for band students at the local middle school sponsored by Schola Cantorum. A highlight for many Schola singers was the area premiere performance of "The Armed Man- A Mass for Peace" by Karl Jenkins.

Schola's goal is to perform all works as the composer intended, with orchestra and soloists, piano, organ or a cappella. In addition to concerts in the Fall and Spring of each year, the group strives to increase its performance schedule to include more ambitious works and allow more opportunities for the community to appreciate and enjoy classical music. Small ensembles from the group perform at smaller venues such as community events, hospitals, libraries, churches and retirement communities.