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 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 […]
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 […]
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
Bach’s cantatas: For God, the Church, the World
Bach’s cantatas: For God, the Church, the World During his life as a church musician, Bach composed cantatas for the liturgical year of the Lutheran church. We know of five complete year-long cycles for Sundays and feast days, which would amount to somewhere between 270 and 320 cantatas. He also wrote cantatas for occasions such [...]
Read More from Bach’s cantatas: For God, the Church, the World
How Did He Find the Time?
How Did He Find the Time? Imagine: it’s the beginning of the 18th century, and Johann Sebastian Bach is a young musician working his way up. He’s a bit impetuous and sometimes gets into trouble. At Arnstadt, he asks for a four week leave to visit the North German composer Buxtehude, then makes the 280-mile [...]