APIE SCHOLĄ | SCHOLA IDENTITY

Schola Cantorum Vilnensis has originated from the annual Vilnius University summer academy „Ad Fontes“ in Kražiai (since 2002). The purpose of the academy has been the renewal of the studies of the sacred chant and the traditional Roman liturgy in Lithuania.

In 2006, a group of men and women started singing in the liturgical services on the regular basis at St. John‘s church of Vilnius University. Continuing the tradition of the first schola cantorum (established in 1513) of the church, as well as the city of Vilnius, members of the Schola not only perform the liturgical music during services in the traditional Roman rite, but are also engaged in the both scholarly and practical restoration of the customs of liturgical tradition of the Grand Dutchery of Lithuania and its proper Latin chants.

Schola Cantorum Vilnensis also seeks to revive the traditions of Kraziai Collegium, which was established by the Jesus society and was the spiritual and educational centre in Samogitia region of Lithuania for centuries.

Schola Cantorum Vilnensis takes an active part in the academic life of Vilnius unversity, as well as cultural events in Lithuania and Europe. In three years Schola has presented the traditional singing of the gregorian chant in such festivals and event as „Banchetto musicale“, „Pax et Bonum“, „Fundamentum collegii“, „Vox academia“, „Vilnius - European capital of culture 2009“, „National development prize” etc. 2009 Schola was invited to the renowned international Gregorian chant festival in Watou (Belgium).