Founded by Sir Richard Runciman Terry over a century ago, Downside’s Schola Cantorum is formed of around 40 boys and girls aged 11-18 and is proud to be the oldest Roman Catholic school choir in the United Kingdom. Our Mixed Chamber Choir consists of an auditioned selection of singers taken from the Schola Cantorum. These two choirs provide the music for all of the termtime weekly Sunday Masses at Downside Abbey, as well as for any extra masses for feast days and special occasions. In addition to the Sunday rehearsal, there are 3 additional midweek rehearsals, split between the two choirs depending on who is singing Mass that week. Further information about music at Downside School can be found on the school website.
Auditions for our chamber choir are held primarily in September, but can be held throughout the year. Our Schola Cantorum is open to any pupil to join at any time.
For all enquiries about joining the choir, please contact Peter Thomson, the Director of Choral and Liturgical Music.
