The Santa Cruz Chorale

The chorale performs choral works of diverse periods, genres and traditions, both unaccompanied and using professional soloists, instrumental ensemble and orchestra. The Santa Cruz Chorale makes such music accessible to the broadest possible audiences while enabling member singers to experience the delight and artistic growth inherent to sophisticated music-making.

The Santa Cruz Chorale performs in red scarves at holy cross church. Illustration of angel playing the trumpet spears to the right hand side of the banner

Our Concert Season 2025-2026

Christmas with the Chorale

December 20, 2025 8:00 pm

December 21, 2025 4:00 pm

Holy Cross Church

126 High St.
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Christmas is a time of joy and tradition. Our audiences tell us they love our mix of early music and carols old and new. This year, our concert opens with overflowing joy, as we sing Sweelink’s “Christus natus est”—beloved in Europe as an opening for Christmas programs. The exuberance continues with the first performance in […]

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Why The World Loves Bach

May 23, 2026 8:00 pm

May 24, 2026 4:00 pm

Holy Cross Church

126 High Street
Santa Cruz, CA, 95060

Johann Sebastian Bach likely wrote about 295 cantatas, of which 200 survive. Each demonstrated Bach’s mastery of musical contrasts and his ability to use musical form to express powerful emotion. In Bach’s cantatas, emotions shade from dramatic to poignant and intimate. Artistic Director Christian Grube has chosen three Bach cantatas that beautifully show Bach’s musical […]

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Listen to the Santa Cruz Chorale

"Aus der Tiefe", Bach Cantata BWV 131

Selection from Santa Cruz Chorale performance of Bach Cantata BWV 131, Spring 2022

"Hoffe auf den Herrn", Bach Cantata BWV 131

Selection from Santa Cruz Chorale performance of Bach Cantata BWV 131, Spring 2022

Magi veniunt ab oriente --Full Piece

Magi veniunt ab oriente by Jacobus Clemens non Papa, from December 2022 concert performance

Recent News Articles

We Celebrate the Centennial of a Great American Composer

Kirke Mechem has earned the title “Dean of American Choral Composers” – in addition to being a master of opera and symphonic music. In August of this year, he celebrated his 100th birthday. Artistic Director Christian Grube has invited the Chorale – and you – to join the celebration as we perform three of Mechem’s […]

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What can a little brother do?

                      It’s tough to be the younger of two brothers, especially when your big brother is Joseph Haydn, destined to compose 102 symphonies and the blockbuster oratorio The Creation. Joseph was cosseted by royalty and became an international celebrity. A lesser boy might have despaired […]

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