Schola Cantorum

Small mixed chorus; study and perform choral literature appropriate to the group from variety of style periods and origins; emphasis on a cappella repertoire. Three rehearsals weekly. Regular performances on and off campus; occasional international tours. May be repeated.

Setting the standard for choral excellence on campus since 1971, Schola Cantorum is comprised of undergraduates who represent more than 30 different academic majors across the university’s School of Arts & Sciences, School of Leadership Studies, and Robins School of Business. Schola has made two recordings with Jeffrey Riehl and was the centerpiece of the 2007 PRI broadcast Christmas from Jamestowne. Praised for its expressive and incisive singing, Schola has performed with Joseph Flummerfelt, Peter Phillips and the Tallis Scholars, Chanticleer, New York Polyphony, Eighth Blackbird, composer Nico Muhly, jazz bassist Matt Ulery, and composer Eriks Esenvalds. In April 2019, Schola joined the Richmond Symphony Orchestra to premiere “She Will Transform You” by the dynamic young composer Reena Esmail. The choir has made seven international concert tours under Dr. Riehl’s leadership:

2000 – Italy and Slovenia

2004 – southern France and Italy

2007 – northern and central Spain

2009 – Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary

2012 – southern Spain and Portugal

2016 – Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania

2019 – Croatia, Slovenia, and Italy

MSEN 196: Schola Cantorum

Rehearsals: M-W-R, 4:40–5:30 p.m. in North Court 124 (Choir Room)

General Education Requirement: FSVP—must take one unit in same ensemble before FSVP credit is awarded.

Unit: .5

Conductor: Dr. Jeffrey Riehl, associate professor of music and department chair

Additional Information:
Open to all students regardless of academic major.

Auditions are held during the first week of classes each semester and consist of the following:

  • Singing a simple song like "My Country 'Tis of Thee"
  • Aural acuity exercises
  • Tonal memory exercises
  • Simple sight reading
  • Please note: No prepared pieces are required.

To schedule an audition, contact Dr. Jeffrey Riehl