Schola Cantorum - Offering a Diverse Range of Experiences
Schola Cantorum [skola kantorum] (Latin for Singing School), is a Singapore choir collective and the premier avenue for learning music through singing. We believe that music is spiritually nourishing and good music education should be available to people of every kind and rank. Music is for Everyone and it can be achieved through singing!
We are a flexible choir collective that offers singing groups of different sizes, voicing and levels of singing ranging from chamber choirs, (symphonic) festival choruses to opera choruses. Apart from catering to educationist efforts in the form of un-auditioned choruses where one can learn fundamentals of music theory through singing and performance, SCS has a professional level choir for hire for corporate events and artistic projects.
The choir has collaborated with renowned Singaporean artists such as Dr. John Sharpley (composer), Reuben Lai (Tenor), Akiko Otao (Soprano) and professional arts ensembles such as Ding Yi Music Company. Apart from performing at landmark events such as the Singapore International Festival of Music and Tanglin Club's 150th Anniversary Celebrations, our members have toured and participated in meaningful international events such as the inaugural 2015 Asian Cities Choral Exchange (Kaohsiung, Taiwan) performing alongside one of the city's best choirs, Natus Cantorum. Apart from exchanges with overseas choirs, members may experience special training programmes such as stagecraft & movement training. They also enjoy subsidised rates for relevant courses organised by the Kodaly Academy of Music.
Whether you are someone new to choral singing or a seasoned chorister/soloist, there will be something for everyone! Click here and register now!
Ongoing Choruses
Schola Cantorum Singapore Chamber Choir
The Schola Cantorum Singapore Chamber Choir is an auditioned, semi-professional mixed choir with over 30 singers from diverse backgrounds, bound by a love for music making. The Chamber Choir is a melting pot of interesting people with many areas of expertise, based in Singapore but hailing from different corners of the globe from Asia, Australasia, Europe and North America. The occupations of our members range from music professionals (including classically trained soloists, music educators, choral conductors, music majors, composers) to serious music hobbyists from all walks of life (university students, data scientists, civil servants, accountants, engineers, homemakers etc.). Our youngest member was 16 and the oldest were in their 50s with the majority in their 20s & 30s. Our music, like our people, is an eclectic mix of genres and languages. The choirs repertoire spans choral gems by living Singaporean composers, Asian and ASEAN choral works in Mandarin, Chinese dialects, Japanese etc., Renaissance polyphony, African-American spirituals, Christmas carols and pop music like You Raise Me Up. We have performed in major concert halls and theatres here and abroad as well as in less formal settings ranging from country clubs and hotels to the Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay, and even in a disco! Our members have also enjoyed specialised training in related art forms e.g. stagecraft, movement, music literacy etc.
Project Choruses
Schola Cantorum Singapore Opera Chorus
The SCS Opera Chorus endeavours to be one of the finest opera choruses in Singapore. The aim of the chorus is to build up a core group of choristers and soloists to ensure ongoing development of our individual members and the betterment of Singapore’s opera scene.The SCS Opera Chorus was the backbone of the first fully staged Singaporean production of Richard Wagner’s Der Fliegende Hollander (The Flying Dutchman) for five shows in October 2016. Presented by the Richard Wagner Association (Singapore) and OperaViva Limited in association with The Finger Players, the production was directed by two of Singapore’s foremost theatre directors Glen Goei & Chong Tze Chien, and conducted by Darrell Ang. The SCS Opera Chorus also premiered Dr. John Sharpley’s The Tanglin Tree in celebration of The Tanglin Club’s 150th Anniversary in a modern chamber opera in collaboration with top local singers, Reuben Lai and Akiko Otao.
Schola Cantorum Singapore Festival Chorus/Project Choir
The SCS Festival Chorus/SCS Project Choir was formed in response to ever-increasing demands for fully-independent symphonic choruses as Singapores music scene continues to mature and impress. The Chorus works on a project, for-hire basis, and is often graced with the voices of accomplished guest singers and soloists. As with SCSs guiding philosophies, the Chorus aspires to be a platform for music lovers to explore new artistic boundaries via creative collaborations. Notable projects include performances in collaboration with the Metropolitan Festival Orchestra, conductor Aurelien Azan Zielinski and composer Yoko Shimomura for the first-ever KINGDOM HEARTS Orchestra World Tour in celebration of the multi-million video games fifteenth anniversary. The SCS Festival Chorus performed at《遇见》Rhapsody in Verse, a staged concert at the 2018 Singapore Writers Festival organised by the National Arts Council Singapore and Singapore Press Holdings as part of Zaobao’s 95th Anniversary. The chorus was part of Esplanade’s 2019 A Tapestry of Sacred Music Festival, performing Arvo Part’s Passio - St John in the dark at the Esplanade Concert Hall.
In 2022, the chorus performed at Changi Airport’s Avatar: The Way of Water-inspired Marui Pod with Ventus Music, as well as premiered new local works at Esplanade’s Voices - A Festival of Song 2022.
Schola Cantorum Singapore Community Chorus
SCS Community Chorus believes in the power of music to bring people together and enrich lives. The Chorus’ mission is to create an inclusive and welcoming environment where individuals from all walks of life can experience the joy of singing.
SCS Community Chorus opens its doors to singers of all demographics and skill levels, from those with little to no choral experience to seasoned professionals. The Chorus’ commitment to inclusivity ensures that everyone has the opportunity to participate and grow in their musical journey. In the spirit of life-long learning, SCS Community Chorus encourages all generations of singers to join its vibrant community.
SCS Community Chorus is dedicated to making a positive impact beyond our rehearsals and performances. The Chorus actively contributes to the community at large through in-kind donations and charity performances. The Chorus’ efforts promote local and under-represented cultures, highlighting the diversity and richness of shared heritage.
Schola Cantorum Singapore Ladies Choir
The SCS Ladies Choir is a vibrant ensemble comprising higher voices, dedicated to creating beautiful and harmonious music with a focus on championing Asian music and living composers. Formed in 2022, the choir has quickly grown into a passionate and skilled group of singers.
Since its inception, SCS Ladies Choir has been committed to excellence in choral performance. The choir’s hard work and dedication culminated in its official debut in May 2024, where the choir had the honour of performing in a public concert hall for the very first time. This milestone marks the beginning of the choir’s exciting journey in the choral community.
Rehearsals
The SCS Chamber Choir rehearses weekly on Tuesday evenings from 7.30pm to 10.00pm. Sectional sessions and/or additional rehearsals may be called closer to performances. The rehearsal venue will be released upon registration to trial members.
A typical rehearsal consists of some, if not all, of the following activities: vocal training, musicianship training (using Kodaly-inspired pedagogy), sectionals, and conductor-led rehearsal.