Schola Magdalena – Medieval Chant and Polyphony
Schola Magdalena is dedicated to the performance of medieval music – from Medieval chant and Gregorian chant to Hildegard of Bingen to the polyphonic masterpieces of Dufay – as well as modern music for women’s voices by Canadian composers.
Schola Magdalena’s past engagements have included appearances at Scotiabank Nuit Blanche, concerts at the Church of St. Mary Magdalene, a recital at Wilfrid Laurier University Chapel in Waterloo, Ontario, and a recital before Evensong at the Convent of the Sisters of St. John the Divine in Toronto.
In May 2009, Schola Magdalena appeared at St-Viateur Church in Montreal at the invitation of the Gregorian Institute of Canada (GIC). The following summer, the ensemble was invited to present a concert in Chicoutimi as part of the GIC’s annual colloquium. The singers have also appeared at St. James’ Anglican Church, Stratford, to lead a chant workshop followed by a concert. To hear excerpts from the concert, click here for a YouTube video featuring “Ave Regina Coelorum” and a second video featuring “Alma Redemptoris Mater”.
In September 2011 Schola Magdalena launched its second CD and the following month appeared at the Colours of Music Festival in Barrie, Ontario.
Listen to a Sample
Ave Maria, from O Gracious Light:
Five Motets by Anthony St. Pierre
Anthony St. Pierre composes in a variety of styles and for diverse media. Having started his musical career as a choirboy, he is particularly drawn to sacred vocal music.