Solemn Vespers
About Schola Laudis
In the autumn of 2012, the Monastery founded the choral group Schola Laudis. The goal of the Schola is two-fold: to enrich the liturgical life of the Monastery and the Archdiocese of Chicago by the incorporation of the masterworks of the Renaissance composers, and more generally, to help introduce more people to the beauty of the Catholic liturgical tradition.
Today, the glorious music of Palestrina, William Byrd, Victoria and Josquin is rarely heard outside of the concert hall. The Schola always performs this sacred music in its intended liturgical setting, making it participatory prayer for all who attend. There is no admission fee for the liturgy.
The Monastery and Schola Laudis have recorded three albums: Sacred Music for the Triumph of the Holy Cross, Mass for Ascension, and Mass for Pentecost. All three are available as CDs in our Gift Shop, and the last two are available from streaming services, including Amazon, Apple Music, and Spotify.
Your donations greatly help us in this important mission. If you are a lover of choral music and the Church’s liturgical tradition, please consider making a gift to support the Schola today.
Kevin Allen, conductor of Schola Laudis, is a well-known composer of sacred music fusing the polyphonic style of the Renaissance with the harmonic richness of the modern. His works have been performed throughout the U.S. and Europe, including at Saint Peter’s in the Vatican.
Prior Peter Funk, OSB, music director, is the superior of the Monastery of the Holy Cross. He holds a music degree from the University of Chicago and sang tenor professionally before entering monastic life. He has composed four settings of the Mass and numerous motets.