The Feast of St Cecilia in Paris with the Schola Sainte-Cécile

In celebration of their patronal feast this year, the Schola Sainte-Cécile sang the Messe solennelle of Charles Gounod (1818-93), also known as the Mass of St Cecilia, to honor the famous Catholic composer in this, the bicententary year of his birth. This Mass was created at the Parisian church of Saint-Eustache, and performed for the first time on the feast of St Cecilia in 1855; it was written in honor of Gounod’s father-in-law, the celebrated pianist and professor at the Paris Conservatory, Pierre-Joseph Zimmerman († October 18, 1853). Two extracts from Gounod’s oratory Mors et Vita, first published in 1885, were also sung; as described by the artist himself, “... I mention Death before Life, since Death is not only the end of an Existence (on earth) which is continual death, but the first instant of the birth of something which dies no longer.” The extract sung here from the second part depicts the adoration of Christ sitting in majesty at the Last Judgment, worshipped by the Saints, followed by two extracts of the third part, a description of the New Jerusalem and the life of the Blessed. (See the full program of the Mass and Vespers at the website of the Schola Sainte-Cécile.)

Solemn Vespers of St Cecilia.

Schola Sancta Caecilia Releases New CD of Advent and Christmas music

In Bethlehem features unaccompanied sacred vocal music sung by five ladies in high school and college. Formed at the parish of Sacred Heart of Jesus in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the Schola Sancta Caecilia has been singing for the Extraordinary Form Mass since 2012. While the members are young, their approach to the music is very mature. This CD, recorded at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic church, features hymns and chant for the seasons of Advent and Christmas.

For blend, balance, intonation and sheer beauty the Schola Sancta Caecilia is a group to watch carefully. A true musical gem from the Great Lakes State.

[Kurt Poterack, Adjunct Professor of Music Director, Choir and Schola Gregoriana Christendom College]

Another wonderful CD by the Schola Sancta Caecilia. A full array of genres from chant to folk melodies are performed with a stark beauty that stands as a welcome alternative to the typical Christmas fare heard on the radio. These young women have provided us a beautiful album that should find its way onto everyone's shelf.

[Heath Morber, Director of Music, St. John's Catholic Newman Center Champaign, IL]

The Schola continues to grow and change, as Director Stephanie Pestana attends Michigan State University, two members leave for religious life at the Community of St. John and the Benedictines of Mary, and new members from the parish join to fill the ranks. CDs and downloads are available now on CDBaby, iTunes and Amazon. All proceeds from the sale of the CD will go to the Sacred Heart of Jesus music program. A short video of the recording session for “In Bethlehem” is available below:

Stella Splendens - a beautiful CD by six high school girls from Michigan

“Stella Splendens” features unaccompanied sacred vocal music sung by six ladies in high school. Formed at the parish of Sacred Heart of Jesus in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the Schola Sancta Caecilia has been singing for the Extraordinary Form Mass since last year. All of the members are 18 or younger, but their approach to the music is very mature. This CD features Gregorian chant, ancient hymns, medieval polyphony and three recent compositions from the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles in Kansas City. Recorded in Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic church, the CD has a very “live” sound. Here are some reviews:

With their purity of tone and clarity of diction, the Schola Sancta Caecilia are the "Anonymous Six" of the Midwest. Like the professional group, Anonymous Four, these young ladies sing Gregorian Chant and Medieval Polyphony with an expert tonal blend and a flawless intonation. They also branch out into Renaissance Polyphony and more modern pieces with equal success.

Kurt Poterack, Adjunct Professor of Music

Director, Choir and Schola Gregoriana

Christendom College

I was blown away by the purity of their tone, the blend, intonation and precision of their ensemble and their command of the liturgical music. It prompted me to pass along to them a setting by St.Hildegard of Bingen which they included on their new recording. They are truly using their gifts to praise God. What a pure sound they are projecting--something that more "mature" singers only dream of.

Linn Maxwell Keller,

www.thehildegardsingers.com
www.hildegardthemovie.com

The Schola has been inspired by the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles, in Kansas City, with whom the young ladies have had strong personal and family relationships. The sisters generously permitted the schola to record three of their original compositions for this CD. The Benedictines of Mary’s own best-selling CD “Angels and Saints at Ephesus” set a recent Billboard record by residing at #1 on the Classical chart for 13 weeks. While four of the original members have moved on to college or the religious life, the Schola will continue with new members this year. A sample from “Stella Splendens” is available in the clip below. You can download the CD at CDBaby.com, and it will be available through iTunes and Amazon. All proceeds from the sale of the CD will go to the Sacred Heart of Jesus music program.