Welcome to the Renaissance Singers' web site.
Founded in 1944
under the auspices of the Renaissance Society, this choir has
for sixty years played an important part in the revival and
development of Early Music in London.
Each season the choir presents a programme of concerts in
London - where it is based - and is often heard outside London
performing in festivals up and down the UK. In addition the
choir makes an annual tour in a chosen European location.
MAILING LIST
Since we are not able to send out a mailing prior to every
event, why not join our Email list?
We guarantee not to send large attachments or pass on your
details.
AUDITIONS
Interested in Singing with the Renaissance Singers?
Why not come and say hello to the Musical Director and discuss
what would be involved? We are a very friendly and active choir
and we maintain our high standard by having a clear policy on
commitment. A good standard of sight-reading is expected.
** We would
welcome auditions for all parts at the moment **
Click here to find
out more.
RECORDING
In September 2005 the Renaissance Singers launched a compact disc recording,
Tudor Portraits, an anthology of Tudor church music. This was made possible through
the generosity of the Patrons of the choir, and the support of the Friends
of the Renaissance Singers.
Click here for details, including the CD notes.
2007/08 Season:-
Click here to
see the 2007/08 season programme in pdf format
Sunday 18 May, 6:00
Concert: BYRD’s GREAT SERVICE
The Grosvenor Chapel, Mayfair
with commentary by John Milsom
Throughout his long association with the Chapel Royal, William
Byrd lived dangerously. The man whose now celebrated settings of
the Latin Mass sustained the forbidden worship of the recusant
Catholic underground also had the versatility and audacity to
produce one of the brightest jewels in the crown of the new
Anglican liturgy – the so-called “Great Service”.
The Renaissance Singers offer a rare opportunity to hear this
kaleidoscopic suite of psalms and canticles for the major
services of the Anglican Prayerbook in its entirety, ranging
from the intricacy of its madrigal-like solo passages to the
grandeur of music in up to ten voice parts. The programme will
also include three massive anthems by Thomas Tomkins, a Chapel
Royal composer of the following generation. These are some of
the last and greatest of their genre before English music was
engulfed by what Tomkins himself called the “sad and distracted
times” of the English Civil War and Commonwealth.
Byrd
The Great Service
Tomkins
O sing unto the Lord
O God, the proud are risen against me
O praise the Lord, all ye heathen
Tickets: £10 (£8 concessions) Bookings 07956 092120, or e-mail
tickets@renaissancesingers.com or book online at
this link.
