Cantores in Ecclesia

Year-long Operations for 30 adults and 20 children (ages 8-17), both together and separately, rehearsed and performed Gregorian chant and sacred polyphonic music almost weekly with the context of the traditional Catholic Latin Mass and concerts open to the public at various locations in Oregon, benefiting an estimated 10,800 people. Behind those performances were 5,700 hours of rehearsal time for the entire choir. The children also received instruction on singing techniques specific to their performance at religious services and in concerts, either as a children's choir or combined with the adult choir. One such combined effort took place for the premier performance of the Seven Last Words from the Cross and One Equal Music by the Scottish composer, Sir James MacMillan for Choir and Strings and directed by a well-known and widely respected choral and orchestral conductor. Sixteen hours per person of rehearsal time for all 30 adults and 20 children leading up to the concert performance. An estimated 400 people benefited from the concert. Numerous hours donated by the parents in support of their children for all rehearsal and performances. In 2022, about ten of the thirty adults donated all their time to rehearsals, including regular and concert performances. Holy Rosary Catholic Church provided the regular rehearsal space, as well as a room for the choir's music library.

Annual William Byrd Music Festival: This annual event returned in 2022 after a two-year furlough due to Covid-19 and restrictions. The William Byrd Festival highlights the music of this 16th century composer and other European contemporaries. This year featured music and lectures not only of the composer, William Byrd, but also his teacher, Thomas Tallis. Twelve different events were presented over seventeen days which included three public lectures, organ recitals, a chamber concert, plus Byrd's Choral Evensong and his liturgical sung music for Compline and three Masses. A world class guest conductor and organist, three expert lecturers, the resident choir director and twenty-eight adult choral musicians participated. The festival culminated with a closing concert comprised of music by Tallis and Byrd entitled: A Celebration of England's Two Finest Renaissance Composers. Ten of the twelve festival events were free to the public with the option for a free-will donation at attendee's discretion. A nominal fee was charged for the opening and closing concerts. The festival benefited approximately 3,100 people. Th Festival has grown in scope and reputation since its inception and attracts scholars and musicians from the United States and Great Britain. Over time, it has allowed us to expand our exempt mission to preserve and promote historic liturgical music, including Gregorian chant and sacred polyphony beyond our local boundaries.