About Us

A Long Tradition

Founded in 1974 as part of Kelly’s Seed & Feed Theatre, Atlanta Schola Cantorum is the oldest independent chorus in Atlanta. Schola presented the first local performances (in the 1970s) of 12th-century mystic and composer Hildegard von Bingen’s Ordo Virtutum and provided the original casts for The Play of Herod.

Schola presents two sets of concerts each year (winter and spring) in the Atlanta area, with occasional concerts at other venues in the Southeast. Since the 1970s, the group has been invited regularly to perform in Charleston, S.C., for the annual Piccolo Spoleto choral festival and other occasions.

Our Music Director

Nancy Ruth Durance has been director of Atlanta Schola Cantorum since 2022.  She has previously sung with the early music consort, Camerata Nova, in Winnipeg, Canada, and has directed church, community, and school choirs in Canada, Vietnam, Slovenia, and England.  She has a Master of Music in Vocal Performance and Conducting from University of Surrey, UK, an ARCT Diploma in Piano Performance from the Royal Conservatory of Music Toronto, Canada, and is currently completing a PhD from Biola University, exploring the impact of contemporary culture on the field of choral directing.  In addition, she is a published composer and has composed more than 120 pieces, including music for choirs, piano, and modern hymns. She is a member of ACDA and GMEA.

Auditions

Atlanta Schola Cantorum is an auditioned mixed chorus of amateur and professional musicians who volunteer their time and talents. While most of Schola’s performances are a capella, some concerts include works accompanied by period instruments, organ, or piano.

Atlanta Schola Cantorum is open to new singers and conducts auditions periodically. Please send us an email.

News and Reviews

Religion of Music Redefines the Role of the Chorus at Piccolo Spoleto and Beyond (Leah Stacy, The Post and Courier [Charleston], 6/3/2012)

Early Music Celebrates Holiday Serenity – Atlanta Schola Cantorum and Play of Herod (John Lemley, WABE’s City Cafe, 12/9/2011)

Atlanta Schola Cantorum Brings Ancient Church Music to Life (Pierre Ruhe, AJC, 11/30/2009)

“Renaissance Rocks with Atlanta Schola Cantorum” (Pierre Ruhe, AJC, 5/7/2006)

Contact Us

Send email to atlantaschola@gmail.com