Schola Cantorum of the Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School is a renowned classical music ensemble based in London, England. The group was founded in 1967 by the school's then-music director, Richard Baker, with the aim of providing a platform for talented young singers to showcase their skills and develop their musical abilities. The ensemble comprises of around 40 boys aged between 11 and 18, who are selected through a rigorous audition process. The group's repertoire is primarily focused on sacred music, with a particular emphasis on the works of Renaissance composers such as Palestrina, Victoria, and Byrd. However, the group also performs a wide range of other classical music, including works by Mozart, Bach, and Handel. Over the years, Schola Cantorum has become one of the most respected and acclaimed choral ensembles in the UK, with a reputation for excellence in both performance and musical education. The group has performed at some of the most prestigious venues in the country, including St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, and the Royal Albert Hall. One of the highlights of Schola Cantorum's history was their performance at the funeral of Princess Diana in 1997. The group was invited to sing at the service by the late Princess's family, and their rendition of the hymn "I Vow to Thee, My Country" was widely praised for its beauty and sensitivity. Another notable performance by the group was their appearance at the BBC Proms in 2011. Schola Cantorum performed alongside the BBC Symphony Orchestra and the BBC Singers in a performance of Benjamin Britten's War Requiem, which was broadcast live on BBC Radio 3. The performance was widely acclaimed by critics and audiences alike, with many praising the group's precision and emotional depth. Schola Cantorum has also won numerous awards and accolades over the years, including the prestigious Gramophone Award for Best Choral Recording in 2005. The group's recording of Victoria's Requiem Mass was praised for its "clarity, precision, and emotional intensity", and was widely regarded as one of the finest recordings of the work ever made. In addition to their performances and recordings, Schola Cantorum is also committed to providing musical education and opportunities for young people. The group runs a number of outreach programs, including workshops and masterclasses for schools and community groups, as well as a scholarship program for talented young singers. Overall, Schola Cantorum of the Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School is a truly remarkable ensemble, with a rich history of excellence in performance and musical education. Their commitment to the highest standards of musical excellence, combined with their dedication to nurturing young talent, has made them one of the most respected and admired choral groups in the world.

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