20 years of Schola Cantorum: A celebration of music and community in Miltenberg

20 years of Schola Cantorum: A celebration of music and community in Miltenberg

On November 9, 2025, the Schola Cantorum celebrated a remarkable anniversary. The singers and numerous guests of honor met in the atmospheric Laurentius Chapel in Miltenberg to honor 20 years of making music together and spiritual enrichment. The celebrant Florian Grimm set an impressive example of the festive mood with a burning candle, followed by atmospheric organ playing by Michael Bailer.

The celebrations began with the opening song “Lumen ad revelationem” and at the same time asked for a blessing for the light. Angelika Knapp, one of the committed singers, spoke in her speech about the founding and development of the Schola Cantorum. This was founded in 1993 by the church musician Antonia Calasse as “Schola St. Jakobus”.

A journey through the years

Steffi Hillebrand was at the helm until it was split into the Ecumenical Schola and the Schola Cantorum in 2005. The Schola Cantorum has now been a purely women's schola since 2012, under the direction of Michael Bailer, who has further developed the musical atmosphere since 2013. What is impressive is that four out of ten singers have been there since the band was founded, which underlines the connection and commitment within the community.

“The joy of singing and the honor of God” are emphasized as important aspects of the Schola’s leadership concept. During the anniversary celebration, those present also remembered the late singer Michaela Stanior-Frankenberger, whose memory was honored in the intercessions. The performance of other songs such as “Celtic blessing”, “ubi caritas”, and “Ave Maria” (Cuypers) rounded off the musical experience. The conclusion was the song “Stay with us, you wanderer through time” and the prayer “Our Father”.

The place of the Schola Cantorum in tradition

The roots of the Schola Cantorum go back a long way. This community, whose name comes from the Latin for “school of singers,” is part of a long tradition that dates back to the beginnings of the Christian Church. In ancient times, when Christians sang in catacombs and private houses, the foundation for musical accompaniment to church services was laid. Historical records show that church singers were trained as early as the 4th and 5th centuries, mostly in monastic contexts, which were also known for their golden singing traditions.

Over time, Scholae Cantorum have established themselves as specialized groups that take on responsible roles for the performance of liturgical songs. This tradition has developed over the centuries and continues to have an impact today, with the Schola Cantorum occupying a prominent position within the papal court in the Vatican. Founded around 600, it played a key role in musical education and the development of Gregorian chant, a form of liturgical music that remains valid today.

The Schola Cantorum in Miltenberg has established itself not only as a cultural institution, but also as a living example of the continued importance of singing and music in the religious community. The committed singers bring traditional traditions into their modern work and combine joy and spirituality in a remarkable way.

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