EFFINGHAM — The public is invited to attend a free concert by the St. Hildegard von Bingen Schola at HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital's Chapel on Sunday, Dec. 6 at 4 p.m. The schola is a small choir of young women, 12 to 18 years old, who sing choral music focusing particularly on Gregorian chant and a cappella polyphonic compositions. The group, directed and founded by Barbara Konrad, is named after German Benedictine nun Hildegard of Bingen, acclaimed for her writings on music and medicine.

The Hildegard von Bingen Schola sang their first Mass at the HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital Chapel in October 2013 on the first anniversary of the canonization of St. Hildegard. Since then, the schola has sung in various locations around Effingham County.

The St. Hildegard von Bingen Schola members are Libby Brandt, Makenna Grubb, Tierney Hammer, Elizabeth Kabbes, Allison Spraul, Carly Spraul, Olivia Spraul, McKenna Steineman, Cameron Voyles, Grace Walker and Abby Zaccari.

Konrad is a professional musician of the piano, organ, harp and voices and teaches privately in her studio at Konrad Piano Farms in Shumway. She is currently the director of music and organist for Immaculate Conception in Mattoon. She also recently completed course work for her master's in liturgy at the Liturgical Istitute in Mundelein.

For more information about the St. Hildegard von Bingen Schola concert, contact St. Anthony's Pastoral Care Department at (217) 347-1225.