Who we are

Our history

The Schola Cantorum Santa Teresinha was born in 2023 out of a simple but deep desire of the teacher Pedro Machado. In love with Gregorian chant, he began to devote himself to the music of his parish, seeking to enrich the celebration of Holy Mass. In time, his personal effort to improve the liturgical chant drew others who, moved by the beauty of that tradition, decided to join him and to sing at various solemnities.

In 2024 came an important milestone: the group Harpa Dei came to Brazil and sang at the Basilica of Santa Teresinha do Menino Jesus, with the support of the Schola Cantorum Santa Teresinha. The beauty of their music inspired many to want to learn more about Gregorian chant. It was then that the initiative began to take shape, under the direction of Lucas Scalfone and, later, with intonation exercises led by the teacher Glória Benigno.

Since then our mission has only grown. We were invited to sing at the parish of São Francisco de Paula, in Barra da Tijuca, where we continue to serve with the support of the conductor Maciel Rolim. We also began to take part in the Tridentine Masses held monthly at the Santa Teresinha chapel, attached to the same parish, on the first Saturday of each month.

In 2026 our work expanded further: we opened a choir at the church of Nossa Senhora da Glória do Outeiro (Glória) and began serving also at the parish of Santos Anjos, in Leblon, under the direction of teacher Maciel Rolim. The activities of Outeiro da Glória were later transferred to the church of Mãe da Divina Providência, in Catete, where they continue today.

Still in 2026, two singular events marked our path. The coordinator and founder of the Schola Cantorum Santa Teresinha, Pedro Machado, was appointed coordinator of the music pastoral of the Vicariato Tijuca, the administrative region of the Archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro covering more than 23 parishes, chapels and confraternities. In addition, work began on the study and development of Cantorum, the largest Catholic liturgical music app on the internet, aiming to make it easier for singers and conductors to access Catholic liturgical music.

This history continues to be written, and there is always room for new voices. If Gregorian chant touches something in you, or if you simply wish to learn to sing the music of Holy Mass with more faith and beauty, you too can be part of the Schola Cantorum Santa Teresinha.