SCHOLA CANTORUM San Francisco

Photo: Christian Cebrian

Last night I had, and tomorrow will have, a rehearsal with the Schola for upcoming concerts later this week with the New Century Chamber Orchestra.

Founded in 1998 by Director Emeritus John Renke, Schola Cantorum San Francisco (SCHOLASF) has caught the attention of audiences and critics in and beyond the Bay Area for its purity of sound, careful tuning, and fine blend of voices. Especially known for its interpretations of Renaissance polyphony, the group is equally at home in a broad range of choral styles, from Gregorian chant to contemporary works. The resident liturgical choir at the National Shrine of Saint Francis of Assisi until 2005, the ensemble was reorganized in that year as an independent, non-profit arts organization.

SCHOLASF now offers its treasured gift of music for liturgies, concerts, and private events, as well as educational and community outreach programs, throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. The choir’s first two CDs, Pilgrimage: Music from the National Shrine of Saint Francis and This Christmas Night, have been critically acclaimed internationally, garnering praise for a sound "equal to the best of the mixed-voice choirs in Great Britain." Now available, Schola Live!, SCHOLASF's third release and first live recording, features selections drawn from concerts recorded throughout the 2006-2007 season.

Dr. Paul Flight, our new director, is a noted choral conductor and singer. A former member of such distinguished ensembles as The Waverly Consort, Pomerium Musices, and the New York Collegium, he brings a wealth of expertise to the direction of the Schola Cantorum San Francisco.

Celebrate the Holidays

Schola SF with New Century Chamber Orchestra

Thursday, December 11, 2008 8:00 p.m.

St. John's Presbyterian Church

2727 College Avenue

Berkeley CA 94705

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Friday, December 12, 2008 8:00 p.m.

First United Methodist Church

625 Hamilton Avenue

Palo Alto CA 94301

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Saturday, December 13, 2008 8:00 p.m.

Herbst Theatre

401 Van Ness Avenue

San Francisco CA 94102

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Sunday, December 14, 2008 5:00 p.m.

Osher Marin Jewish Community Center

200 N. San Pedro Road

San Rafael CA 94903

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Christmas in the City

Schola Cantorum SF

Tuesday, December 16, 2008 12:30 p.m.

Noontime Concerts

Old Saint Mary's Cathedral

660 California Street

San Francisco CA 94108

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(My friend Mary Ellen -- now in New York -- frequently begins her day

by listening to selections from SCHOLA LIVE!)