Schola Cantorum of Christchurch celebrated its 25th jubilee year in 2012. Founded in 1987 by Harry Abbenhuis to preserve and perform the rich tradition of Mediaeval and Renaissance Music, the choir performs in concerts and church services, a cappella and with orchestras, mediaeval instrument groups or other choirs.

We have an exciting programme of concerts planned for 2023.

Our first concert for 2023 is: Peasants, Penitents  and Pilgrims  – songs, both playful and prayerful.

Featuring Schola Cantorum, conducted by Courtney Hickmott, with guest artists the Christchurch Recorder Ensemble.

Details: Saturday 27 May, 3pm at St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Telegraph Road, Darfield. CASH door sales only. $20 general admission. Children under 16 free.

Currently we are seeking new members of the choir – see here

Schola Cantorum has sung in concerts conducted by Sir David Wilcox and many other well-known conductors.  It has performed complete concerts of mediaeval plainchant (Gregorian chant), such as a plainchant setting of the Ferial Versicles and Responses, part of the evensong church service, and a concert of Easter-time plainchant. Schola Cantorum also sings the rich tradition of early secular music – rounds, madrigals and other forms from many countries, as well as “crossing over” into more modern territory, such as performing Patrick Shepherd’s Elegy for a fallen city following the Christchurch earthquakes.