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Atlanta Schola Cantorum is a 24-voice chorus specializing in the performance of sacred choral music of the 16th century Renaissance, notably the works of Josquin des Prez, Palestrina, Victoria, Tallis, and Byrd. This focus on Renaissance polyphony sets Atlanta Schola Cantorum apart from other Atlanta choirs.

During the European Renaissance, “the world was an extremely wretched and dangerous place,” according to music critic Pierre Ruhe (December 2009, Atlanta Journal Constitution). Yet, he notes, “perhaps as a call to an otherworldly paradise, sacred church music was an escape of extraordinary, timeless beauty.”

Atlanta Schola Cantorum strives to present authentic, engaging performances of this timeless but little-known music. Describing a May 2006 Schola performance, Ruhe wrote, “The music is exhilarating, sweet, agonizing and intensely poignant.… Yet, true to form, everything is perfect in balance, structure and sensibility.… Such depth of expression—a fusion of harmonies and texts—was the hallmark of [Atlanta Schola Cantorum] throughout the concert.”

Schola also performs rarely heard medieval chants and songs, including early Spanish music from the Codex Las Huelgas and Llibre Vermell de Montserrat. In addition, the group’s extensive repertory includes early baroque music and works by contemporary composers such as Pärt, Tavener, Lauridsen, and Whitacre.

Auditions: Send inquiry to atlantaschola@gmail.com