Schola Cantorum of Oxford
Schola Cantorum of Oxford, conducted by Steven Grahl, is the Chamber Choir of Oxford University. The choir was founded by Lásló Heltay in 1960 and has built a reputation as Oxford’s premier concert choir, engaging deeply with complex repertoire and commissioning new music for chamber choir. Schola’s mission is to provide an outstanding musical training for young singers and choral conductors.
Schola has worked with many of the foremost musicians of the last six decades and has built an international reputation through extensive tours and recordings. Alumni who have gone on to successful musical careers include John Mark Ainsley, Emma Kirkby, Christine Rice, Susan Gritton, Ian Bostridge and Roderick Williams – many came to Oxford to study other subjects but developed their musical talents during their time in Schola.
Engagements in 2026 include the première of a commission from American composer Nico Muhly for the opening of the new Sohmen Concert Hall in the Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities. In June Schola will once again be hosting the brilliant Raschèr Saxophone Quartet in the University Church of St Mary the Virgin for a concert to include the première of a commission from British composer Cheryl Frances-Hoad. In July Schola will travel to Germany for a performance at the prestigious Herrenchiemsee Festspiele with Italian period-instrument orchestra Europa Galante under their director, Fabio Biondi, followed by a 3-day residency with the Raschèr Saxophone Quartet.
Schola Cantorum gratefully acknowledges the support of the Roger & Ingrid Pilkington Trust.
