HCU Choirs performing the National Anthem at the Sugar Land Space Cowboys baseball game

HCU Choral Ensembles

All are welcome! From the novice to the advanced singer of any major, we have a place for you in either our University Singers or Schola Cantorum. Not only will you perform great and exciting music, you will have the opportunity to improve your singing technique and make new friendships along the way.

Choral students often receive opportunities to perform throughout Houston and on tour in the US and abroad. They also enjoy the opportunity to work with outstanding conductors and composers such as Alice Parker, Morten Lauridsen and J.A.C. Redford, all of whom have visited campus. The choirs often collaborate with other local performing organizations such as the Houston Choral Society and the Houston Civic Symphony.

The HCU choirs are known for their artistry and performances of a wide range of repertoire. Recently, the ensembles performed several major works with orchestra, including selections from G. F. Handel’s Messiah, Francis Poulenc’s Gloria, John Rutter’s Psalmfest, and Dan Forrest’s Requiem for the Living. Works by contemporary composers have been featured, such as those by Morten Lauridsen, Ola Gjeilo, Stacey V. Gibbs, Daniel Gawthrop, and Judith Shatin.

Join Us!

University Singers

MUSI 1113 – Tu/Th 2:00-3:15 p.m.
No audition required
Schola Belin
HCU’s largest chorus, University Singers, is open to all students. There is no audition to join. As a member of the choir, you will grow in your understanding of basic vocal techniques, music theory, sight reading, and choral repertoire. All you need to do is register for the course and show up on the first day. University Singers performs on their own and in collaboration with Schola Cantorum, frequently representing HCU in church services, concerts, and tours.

Schola Cantorum

MUSI 2111 – MWF 2:00-3:30 p.m.
Audition required

HCU’s “flagship” chorus, Schola Cantorum, is an auditioned ensemble that performs the most sophisticated and advanced choral repertoire. To be selected as a member of Schola Cantorum, students must demonstrate expertise in sight-singing, excellence in vocal development, and a deep commitment to the artistry of the choir. Schola Cantorum performs on their own and in collaboration with University Singers, frequently representing HCU in church services, concerts, and tours.

Choir Concerts

  • Illuminare

    Friday, February 23 |  7:30 p.m. | Belin Chapel
    Performance by HCU Schola Cantorum and University Singers with orchestra
    Featuring Elaine Hagenberg’s Illuminare and works on the themes of light and darkness
    Free Admission

    Conversations with Composer Heather Sorenson

    Friday, March 1 | 2:30 p.m. | Belin Chapel

    Seminar with the composer and HCU Schola Cantorum
    Free Admission

    HymnSING!

    Friday, April 12 | 7:30 p.m. | Belin Chapel
    Program presented by the HCU Schola Cantorum and University Singers and HCU music faculty
    Free Admission

    Duruflé Requiem

    Friday, April 26 | 7:30 p.m. | Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church

    Presented by Houston Choral Society in collaboration with HCU Schola Cantorum with orchestra
    For tickets, please visit houstonchoral.org

  • Fall Choral Concert

    October 6, 2023 | 7:30 pm
    Belin Chapel

    Music by J.S. Bach, W.A. Mozart, Eric Whitacre, Dominick DiOrio, Moses Hogan, and more.

    Free Admission

     

    High School Choral Invitational Concert

    November 9, 2023 | 7:00 pm
    Dunham Theater

    Featuring choirs from Pearland High School, Ridgepoint High School, Strake Jesuit and St. Agnes High Schools HCU Schola Cantorum will also appear on the program Dunham Theater

    Free admission

     

    Christmas at HCU Concert

    December 1, 2023 | 7:00 pm
    Dunham Theater

    HCU Schola Cantorum and University Singers in collaboration with the Houston Civic Symphony Dunham Theater.

    Free admission

     

    Christmas Convocation

    December 6, 2023 | 11:00 am

    Dunham Theater

    HCU Schola Cantorum and University Singers

    Free admission

Experience Our Choir

“Alleluia” by Ola Gjeilo
World Premiere by the HCU Choirs and Houston Choral Society

“Ave Maria” by Ola Gjeilo
World Premiere by the HCU Choirs and Houston Choral Society