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

Our Concert Season 2024-2025
Christmas with the Chorale
December 14, 2024 8:00 pm
December 15, 2024 4:00 pm
Holy Cross Church
126 High St.
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Christmas is a time of joy and tradition. The Chorale offers both in a colorful program featuring two major works: Johann Pachelbel’s Jauchzet dem Herrn alle Welt (Psalm 100: Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands) and Francesco Durante’s Magnificat, as well as gems by more modern composers such as Ola Gjeilo, […]
Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina “Missa Papae Marcelli”
May 17, 2025 8:00 pm
May 18, 2025 4:00 pm
Holy Cross Church
126 High St
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Over 500 years ago, Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina composed his masterpiece, the Missa Papae Marcelli (Pope Marcellus Mass), which became a model for the following centuries of polyphonic music. The piece transcends time and offers enduring solace for modern ears. The Chorale presents the mass in an innovative format by interspersing its parts (Kyrie, Gloria, […]
Read More from Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina “Missa Papae Marcelli”
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
A Change of Pace for a Summer Evening
Good News! KSQD 90.7 FM will broadcast the Santa Cruz Chorale 2025 Palestrina “Missa Papae Marcelli” concert on Monday, August 4, at 7 PM. Our professional quality recording will be aired on the Community Concert Hall Program. The Chorale is delighted to bring you this beautiful music once again, in the relaxing days of summer. […]
Tradition In an Age of Change
Today, the pace of change is dizzying. In the tumult of the 21st century, do you sometimes want to shout, “Whoa, can we slow down for a moment?” The Santa Cruz Chorale is here to help, with the most treasured of all traditions: Holiday Carols. Join us for Christmas with the Chorale and be carried […]