St Mary Schola (Vocal & Instrumental Ensemble)

Founded: 2008 - Falmouth, Maine, USA

St Mary Schola was founded in 2008 by The Reverend James Dalton-Thompson and Bruce Fithian with the The goals to provide the finest early music literature to New England audiences and promote professional vocal ensemble singing at the highest level.

St Mary Schola is Maine's premier professional early music ensemble features primarily choral works with a combination of a cappella and accompanied pieces on period instruments that include, viola da gamba, lute, theorbo, Baroque oboe, Baroque violin, and recorders. Composed of some of Maine's finest singers and accompanying instrumentalists, this ensemble has gained a reputation for excellence and elegant chamber music, especially in the a cappella tradition.

Based at the Episcopal Church of Saint Mary in Falmouth, the ensemble presents three concert programs a year. They explore the great masterworks of the Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque eras, especially the music of Monteverdi, Heinrich Schütz, and J.S. Bach. They present enthusiastic audiences with literature that is seldom heard, including motets from such masters as Dufay, Victoria, Josquin Des Prez and William Byrd.

St Mary Schola is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Members of St Mary Schola:

Music Director: Bruce Fithian
Sopranos: Jennifer Bates, Erin Chenard, Molly Harmon, Rachel Keller, Christine Letcher
Mezzo-sopranos: Jenna Guiggey, Andrea Graichen, Abra Mueller
Tenors: Bruce Fithian, Martin A. Lescault, Paul McGovern, David Myers, Jr., Jonathan Scott
Baritones, Basses: John D. Adams, Bruce Canterbury, Ross Crolius, Patrick Volker, Stephen White
Violins: Mary Jo Carlsen, Lauren Hastings Genova
Viola: Anna Maria Amoroso-Noyes
Violin/recorder/oboe/etc: Michael Albert
Baroque Cello: Philip Carlsen
Viola da gamba: Kathryn Sytsma
Theorbo: Timothy Burris
Positive Organ/Harpsichord: Bruce Fithian

Sources:
St Mary Schola Website
Photos 01-02: Karen Lewis Photography
Contributed by Aryeh Oron (September 2020)

Bruce Fithian: Short Biography | Ensembles: St Mary Schola
Bach Discography: Recordings of Vocal Works

Links to other Sites

St Mary Schola (Official Website)
St Mary Schola (Visit Maine)
St Mary Schola page on Facebook