FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Dr. Jack Groh, who served at the University of Arkansas for 31 years before retiring in 1997, has returned this year to serve as interim conductor of the Schola Cantorum. The Schola will offer a Winter Choral Concert Thursday, December 5, at 8 p.m. in the Walton Arts Center.

The Schola has achieved international renown during its long history. After becoming the first American choir to win the gold medal at the International Polyphonic Competition in Arezzo, Italy, in 1962, the ensemble appeared on the Today show and was invited to sing for President Kennedy in the Rose Garden. The choir has also appeared before national, regional, and statewide music conventions while maintaining an extensive performance schedule at the U of A.

"It was a rare privilege when, in 1977, I was able to take over as conductor of the Schola," said Dr. Groh. "Having an ensemble of its quality and international reputation was a dream of mine. Therefore, the chance to resume the relationship, even for a short time, is a welcome and rewarding 'encore’ to my career."

During his tenure at the U of A, Groh taught voice, conducting, choral history and literature, and served as Director of Choral Activities and Coordinator of Vocal Studies.

The Schola Cantorum provides the highest level of ensemble training for vocal students at the University of Arkansas. While most of the Schola’s 45 members are majoring in music, the group is eclectic, including students in numerous departments and colleges across campus.

In its 46-year history, the ensemble has been led by only three directors: Richard Brothers, who directed the choir when it won the gold medal; Jack Groh, under whom the choir’s reputation grew as they sang for inaugurations of governors and other heads of state; and David Saladino.

The program for the December 5 concert will include the following selections:

"My spirit sang all day" by Finzi

"There is sweet music" by Elgar

Three pieces from the first concert Schola performed in 1957

" I beheld her, beautiful as a dove" by Willan

"Rise up, my love, my fair one" by Willan

"Jesu, the very thought of you" by Bairstow

"Libera nos, Salva nos" by Sheppard

Two selections from Candide by Bernstein

"This world"

"Make our garden grow"

"Walk him up the stairs" from Purlie by Geld

Intermission

"Let the people praise Thee, oh God" by Berger

"Ave Maria-Hail, blessed flower" by Davies

"In the bleak midwinter" by Darke

"What cheer?" by Walton

"Nowell! Heap on more wood!" by Cox

"Sing lullaby" by Howells

"Away in a manger," Traditional

"Charm me asleep" by Leslie