Schola Cantorum of the Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School

Along with its liturgical duties in London, the Schola Cantorum of the Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School has toured Europe, the U.S., and beyond. The group has appeared in locations ranging from the Vatican to the Johannesburg township of Soweto, and it has collaborated with several of Britain's leading instrumental and vocal ensembles, as well as being heard on major film soundtracks. The Schola Cantorum of the Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School was founded in 1980. It consists of about 35 boys ages 11 to 18. The group's primary responsibility is to furnish music for masses at the school as well as other liturgical events there, but it has made many appearances externally. These have included concerts at such storied English venues as Westminster Cathedral, St. Paul's Cathedral, and the Royal Albert Hall, among many others. The Schola Cantorum of the Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School has performed in concert with major choral and instrumental groups, both traditional and historically oriented, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Monteverdi Choir and Orchestra, and His Majestys Sagbutts and Cornetts. The Schola Cantorum's vigorous touring schedule has featured stops in cities across Europe and North America, as well as Cape Town and Soweto in South Africa. The choir has sung for the Pope, represented Britain twice at the Loreto Festival in Italy, and appeared at the BBC Proms and the Aldeburgh Festival. It has collaborated with such soloists as baritone Roderick Williams, soprano Sarah Fox, and countertenor Iestyn Davies. The Schola Cantorum has been heard on BBC radio and television as well as Vatican Radio. The Schola Cantorum of the Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School made its first appearances on recordings on film soundtracks; these have included those for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1, Life of Pi, and Paddington. On its own, the group has recorded several collections of hymns. Signing with the Aparte label, the Schola Cantorum released the album In Paradisum in 2020, following that up with Great Is the Lord in 2021.
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