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Cantores in Ecclesia is a classical music ensemble that specializes in sacred music. The group was founded in 1988 by Blake Applegate, who served as the ensemble's director until 2019. Cantores in Ecclesia is based in Portland, Oregon, and is affiliated with the St. Stephen's Catholic Church. The ensemble's name, Cantores in Ecclesia, is Latin for "singers in the church." The group's mission is to perform sacred music in a way that is both artistically excellent and spiritually edifying. Cantores in Ecclesia is known for its performances of Gregorian chant, Renaissance polyphony, and contemporary sacred music. The ensemble's main members are its singers, who are all volunteers. Cantores in Ecclesia is a mixed choir, with both men and women singing together. The group's singers come from a variety of backgrounds, but they all share a love for sacred music and a commitment to excellence in performance. Over the years, Cantores in Ecclesia has performed at many notable venues and events. One of the group's most memorable performances was at the 1993 World Youth Day in Denver, Colorado. Cantores in Ecclesia sang for Pope John Paul II during a Mass that was attended by over 400,000 people. In addition to its performances at World Youth Day, Cantores in Ecclesia has also sung at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., and at the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris, France. The group has also performed at many churches and cathedrals throughout the United States. Cantores in Ecclesia has received many awards and accolades over the years. In 2001, the group was awarded the Benemerenti Medal by Pope John Paul II in recognition of its contributions to sacred music. The Benemerenti Medal is one of the highest honors that can be bestowed upon a layperson by the Catholic Church. In addition to its award from the Pope, Cantores in Ecclesia has also received numerous awards for its recordings. The group's album "Missa Cantate" was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2005. The album features music by the Renaissance composer Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, as well as contemporary sacred music by composers such as Arvo Pärt and John Tavener. Cantores in Ecclesia has also released several other albums, including "Sacred Treasures of England," which features music by English composers such as William Byrd and Thomas Tallis, and "Missa Gaia," which features music inspired by the natural world. In addition to its performances and recordings, Cantores in Ecclesia is also committed to music education. The group offers workshops and masterclasses for singers and conductors who are interested in learning more about sacred music. Cantores in Ecclesia also sponsors a choral scholarship program for high school students who are interested in pursuing a career in music. Overall, Cantores in Ecclesia is a highly respected ensemble that has made significant contributions to the world of sacred music. The group's commitment to excellence in performance and its dedication to the spiritual dimension of music have earned it a loyal following and many accolades over the years.

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