Ten years
of bringing sacred music to Williamsburg's sacred spaces
Welcome
Welcome! The William & Mary Schola Cantorum is a “school” of student singers and organists dedicated to performing, preserving, and cultivating the vast “treasury of sacred music” imbedded in the western musical canon.
Founded in 2010, the Schola is committed to singing the full spectrum of this musical tradition—from Gregorian and Anglican chant to polyphonic Mass settings, Latin motets to English anthems—in its proper liturgical context as well as in concerts and colloquia. While reserving a special place for Renaissance polyphony, our repertory spans centuries and includes the greatest composers of every age.
The highly selective membership of the Schola is comprised of undergraduate and postgraduate students at the College of William & Mary in Virginia. Founded in the tradition of Oxbridge college choirs, the ensemble has numerous engagements during the academic year within the College as well as throughout the greater Williamsburg area. Though not a denominational choir, the Schola seeks to foster greater ecumenical cooperation amongst the various campus and Williamsburg ministries through the transcendent beauty of music.
In recent years, these relationships have included the Canterbury Association at William & Mary, William & Mary Catholic Campus Ministry, Bruton Parish, Williamsburg Presbyterian Church, and the National Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham. Now entering our second decade, we look forward to continuing the tradition of excellence in sacred choral music at William & Mary.
Sincerely, Peter Varga, Music Director 2019-2021
About us
The William & Mary Schola Cantorum is an entirely student-directed chamber choir dedicated to enriching the cultural life of the College and the City of Williamsburg at large. Founded in the Spring of 2010 for a one-off concert, the Schola rapidly became one of the College's most ambitious student ensembles, tackling inventive programs, reaching new audiences, and building musical bridges.
The Schola has performed alongside the William & Mary Early Music Ensemble, the William & Mary Bel Canto Brass Quintet, the William & Mary Gallery Players, Christopher Newport University's CNU Voices, and guest instrumentalists. It has also sung for conducting student masterclasses and played a role in commissioning works by young composers.
Now a decade into its work, the Schola is going strong. Whether you're a prospective singer, a student, faculty, or a member of the community, we hope to see you at a performance soon!
Leadership
Laura Lielbriedis, Music Director
Emily Elston, Assistant Director
Catherine Freemon, Business Director
CONTACT US
ADDRESS
The W&M Schola Cantorum
104 Jamestown Road
P.O. Box 20
Williamsburg, VA 23185
