Schola Antiqua of Chicago is a classical music ensemble that specializes in the performance of early music. The group was founded in 2000 by Michael Alan Anderson, a musicologist and performer who had recently completed his doctoral studies at Harvard University. Anderson had a vision of creating a professional ensemble that would explore the rich and diverse repertoire of medieval and Renaissance music, and bring it to life for modern audiences. The founding members of Schola Antiqua of Chicago were a group of talented musicians who shared Anderson's passion for early music. They included singers, instrumentalists, and scholars who had studied and performed early music in various contexts. The group's first performances were small-scale concerts in churches and other venues around Chicago, where they quickly gained a reputation for their high level of musicianship and their engaging performances. Over the years, Schola Antiqua of Chicago has grown in size and scope, and has become one of the leading ensembles in the field of early music. The group's core members include singers and instrumentalists who specialize in the performance of medieval and Renaissance music, as well as scholars who contribute to the group's research and programming. The ensemble is known for its innovative and interdisciplinary approach to early music, which combines historical research, performance practice, and creative interpretation. One of the highlights of Schola Antiqua of Chicago's career was their performance at the 2012 Boston Early Music Festival, one of the most prestigious early music festivals in the world. The group was invited to perform a program of music from the Codex Calixtinus, a medieval manuscript that contains some of the earliest known examples of polyphonic music. The performance was widely praised for its virtuosity, sensitivity, and historical accuracy, and helped to establish Schola Antiqua of Chicago as a major force in the early music world. Another notable performance by Schola Antiqua of Chicago was their collaboration with the Newberry Consort, another leading early music ensemble based in Chicago. The two groups joined forces to perform a program of music from the court of Burgundy, a center of musical innovation and creativity in the late medieval period. The performance was a tour de force of virtuosity and musicality, and showcased the unique strengths of both ensembles. Schola Antiqua of Chicago has also been recognized for their recordings, which have received critical acclaim and numerous awards. Their recording of music from the Codex Calixtinus was named one of the top classical recordings of 2012 by the New York Times, and their recording of music from the court of Burgundy was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2015. The group's recordings are known for their meticulous attention to historical detail, their expressive and nuanced performances, and their ability to bring early music to life for modern audiences. In addition to their performances and recordings, Schola Antiqua of Chicago is also committed to education and outreach. The group regularly presents workshops, lectures, and masterclasses for students and musicians of all levels, and has developed a reputation for their engaging and informative presentations.

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