The Holy Childhood Schola Cantorum

The Church of the Holy Childhood has a long and often hidden history of outstanding music in the Twin Cities.

Father John Buchanan (1910–1998) founded the parish upon returning to the States after serving as a chaplain in World War II. While in the service, he met Bruce A. Larsen (1922–1996), whose dream was to create a school of singing—a Schola Cantorum. From the start, the church boasted a Boys Choir and Mens Choir. Girls and the Womens Choir were added in the '80s. By the early '90s, Mr. Larsen had passed the torch to Stephen Schmall and Robert Vickery. The small parish has contracted now, and the grade school closed in 2009. The choir still sings, but it is smaller than it was in the late '90s when there might be 80 singers at Sunday high mass.

Click the link below to access our music recordings, most of the music here was recorded at Sunday High Mass using cassette tapes, and stand as a monument to the vision of Fr. Buchanan and Mr Larsen.

Upcoming Orchestral Masses

Lenten Concert - 7:30pm

March 28, 2025

The Seven Last Words of Christ - Theodore Dubois

Choir, Strings, Winds, Brass, Timpani, Harp & Organ

The Resurrection of Our Lord - 9:15am Mass

April, 20, 2025

Messe Solenelle de Paques - Charles Gounod

Choir, Strings, Winds, Brass, Timpani, Harp & Organ

Feast of Pentecost - 9:15am Mass

June 8, 2025

Messe Solenelle - Louis Vierne

Choir, Strings, Oboe, Brass, Timpani, Harp & Organ