Princeton University Chapel Choir
The Princeton University Chapel Choir, composed of approximately 60 Princeton undergraduate students, graduate students, and faculty members, sings at Sunday morning services and official university functions in the Princeton University Chapel, as well as performing their own concerts every semester. It is arguably the oldest choir on campus, although it is now very different from its original form. It is the only singing group on campus whose members are paid. The choir has been conducted by since 2021 and has performed internationally, including tours to Prague, Italy, and Spain.
History
When John Adams visited Princeton in 1774, he wrote in his diary that he "went into the Chappell, the President soon came in, and we attended. The Schollars sing as badly as the Presbyterians at New York." At this time, students were required to attend morning and evening prayers before every day before classes, and morning and afternoon services on Sunday. Over the years, the attendance requirements slackened: by 1915, attendance at weekday services was no longer mandatory, and in 1964 even attendance on Sundays was no longer a requirement. But the choir continued as an integral part of the Sunday services and evolved dramatically. Originally a male chorus that sang only sacred music, mostly Renaissance and Baroque, it is now a mixed choir with a vast repertoire, including sacred works from all eras and pieces from non-Christian religious traditions.From 1958 to 1992, the choir was led by Walter L. Nollner. From 1992 to 2021, it was directed by Penna Rose. The choir is often accompanied by the University Organist, .