Schola Cantorum Sancti Johannis Houghton: a new Gregorian chant initiative by the Latin Mass Society
These qualities [sc. holiness, artistic beauty, and universality] are to be found, in the highest degree, in Gregorian Chant, which is, consequently the Chant proper to the Roman Church, the only chant she has inherited from the ancient fathers, which she has jealously guarded for centuries in her liturgical codices, which she directly proposes to the faithful as her own, which she prescribes exclusively for some parts of the liturgy, and which the most recent studies have so happily restored to their integrity and purity.
Pius X Tra le Sollicitudine 1903
What’s it all about?
In January 2019, the Latin Mass Society established a new Gregorian chant initiative designed to help a new generation of chant enthusiasts be trained for singing in the Sacred Liturgy.
The new all-male Schola Cantorum will accompany selected traditional Catholic liturgies (Mass and Divine Office) in the London area.
The Schola’s regular schedule of rehearsal and performance opportunities in Central London will make it possible for those with no previous experience of singing Gregorian Chant to learn how to do so.
Workshops will be held on Friday evenings in Central London, where tea and coffee will be served; proceedings will usually conclude with sung Compline according to the traditional Roman Breviary.
Opportunities to sing Mass will include the following Monday, the long-established public 6:30pm Sung Mass at Corpus Christi Maiden Lane in Covent Garden.
Repertoire will include Gregorian melodies (not excluding psalm-tone recitation of the Proper of the Mass as need arises).
Why St John Houghton?
The Essex-born Carthusian St John Houghton was the proto-martyr of the Protestant Revolt in England, being hanged, drawn and quartered at Tyburn in 1535. As Prior of the London Charterhouse, he had refused the take the Oath demanded by the Act of Supremacy.
He was beatified in 1886 and canonised in 1970.
The logo of the Schola is a double reference to the chant neume torculus and the infamous three-legged Tyburn Tree.
How do I get involved?
If you would like to get involved, please send details of your previous experience, if any, to the Latin Mass Society info@lms.org.uk
Space, and therefore numbers, are limited, but the Schola’s directors will review applications and prospective members of the Schola will be invited to attend the first workshop where singing tasks will be allocated according to ability.
Membership will be reviewed based on various factors including attendance.
What do I need?
There is no charge and all music will be provided.
An ability to follow direction, to maintain group ethos, and to be organised will be required.
Due respect for the spirituality of the Sacred Chant and the culture of the Church’s sacred environment will be expected.