Bristol University Music Department Schola Cantorum
The Schola Cantorum is a pair of auditioned choirs, one for women and the other for men, which rehearse separately. The two choirs often combine for concerts and other events. We welcome singers who can sing in tune, and who are willing to learn to blend their sound, improve their sightreading, and learn to read medieval square notation. These choirs are open to students taking the unit UNIV10011, as well as students who want to sing as an extra-curricular activity. The choirs are friendly, inclusive and welcoming, and are run by members of university staff.
We specialise in medieval music and contemporary music, often written specifically for the choir. Auditions are usually held at the beginning of the academic year, within the main department vocal auditions, although it may be possible to join the choir at other times if there are vacancies. If you are anxious about doing a formal audition, please contact the choir director emma.hornby@bristol.ac.uk, and we'll make an alternative arrangement for you.
We regularly perform in concerts within the Music Department’s lunchtime concert series (see http://www.bristol.ac.uk/music/events/ for upcoming performances). We occasionally lead public singing workshops, usually where members of the public are invited to join us in preparing for a sung chant vespers or similar. We also travel further afield to give concerts, in return for travel expenses and a fee. Please contact Emma Hornby for more information.
For more information about the Schola Cantorum’s work in disseminating Professor Hornby’s research, see http://www.bristol.ac.uk/research/impact/schola-cantorum/